The Angel of Darkness
Production design by Ruth Ammon
The Chalenge
Ari Aster’s film is a masterful and complex piece of art, immersing audiences in the unsettling world of a Swedish cult through its breathtaking visuals. My role was to design several key computer screens featured in the film’s haunting and emotionally charged opening scenes. These screens play a pivotal role in setting the tone for the story, offering the audience a chilling glimpse into the protagonist Dani Ardor’s (played by Florence Pugh) personal tragedy.
The graphics I designed—ranging from the email client and search engine interface to phone screens and the label for a bottle of sedative pills—were integral to conveying the emotional weight of this scene.
Given the importance of these elements, the designs underwent multiple iterations in a very tight timeframe. Each graphic had to be meticulously crafted to align with the director’s vision while amplifying the scene’s visual storytelling. The result was a seamless integration of these on-screen graphics into the narrative, enhancing the impact of one of the film’s most unforgettable moments.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Designing such specific details for the film meant I had limited context about the overall story. I had to piece together the world I was working within, relying on the guidance of the art department. They gave me a comprehensive tour of the fully built set village, pointing out intricate details that provided invaluable inspiration for my designs. This immersive experience helped me capture the tone needed for the graphics.
Throughout the design process, I worked closely with one of the art directors and had the privilege of consulting directly with Ari Aster. He was incredibly open-minded and supportive, making collaboration seamless. When questions or adjustments arose, I always presented multiple options, which he greatly appreciated. This iterative process ensured that the final on-screen graphics perfectly reflected his vision.
By the project’s end, the entire team was highly satisfied. We successfully created a graphic world for the screens that complemented the story’s emotional weight and helped bring the film’s chilling opening sequence to life.
