Dear John,
It’s truly remarkable to reflect on your career, an Oscar-studded journey that culminated in the unexpected yet brilliant choice of Ghostbusters. At 66, you were already a legend in Hollywood, renowned for your masterful production design across a spectrum of genres, from the lavish Technicolor worlds of The King and I and South Pacific to the gritty realism of black-and-white film noirs like The Naked City. Yet, in your final cinematic outings, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid and Ghostbusters, you embraced parody, demonstrating a versatility that underscored your exceptional talent. What’s most striking is that you approached these comedic projects with the same dedication and seriousness as your dramatic works, elevating what could easily have been mere slapstick to something genuinely outstanding.
Your most enduring contribution to Ghostbusters is undoubtedly the creation of the ghost-busting headquarters, ingeniously located in the dilapidated Hook & Ladder 8 fire station in Tribeca. You didn’t just find a location; you transformed it. Layering cobwebs and dust, you crafted a space that was both authentically rundown and subtly whimsical, evolving into a bachelor-pad fantasy for the paranormal investigators. The squeaky doors and fold-out cots grounded the setting in reality, while the true investment was clearly visible in the “ectoplasmic storage containment facility”—a science-geek’s dream and the auditory equivalent of a top-tier sound system, humming with unseen energies. The narrative tension ignites when the neighboring Environmental Assessment Agency demands its shutdown, unleashing chaos and showcasing the full scope of your design vision.
Beyond the firehouse, your work extended to the breathtaking, otherworldly dimensions of the film. Employing a blend of matte paintings and nascent computer graphics, you transformed a penthouse apartment into a mesmerizing paranormal beacon. While the influence of Raiders of the Lost Ark might be discernible in the adventurous spirit of the visuals, it doesn’t diminish their impact. You understood the crucial balance between humor and suspense, and thus, you conceived genuinely imposing gothic statues and architectural elements. These designs solidified the menace of Zuul, making the supernatural threat palpable and genuinely frightening.
And I must admit, even now, those ghosts you helped bring to life still hold a chilling presence.
Sincerely,
