Renowned art director responsible for iconic imagery in 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' franchises, Les Dilley, passes away at 84.
Through the Lens of Genius: The Life and Legacy of Les Dilley
Bid adieu to the legendary art director and production designer, Les Dilley, who departed at 84 after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's. Born on July 11, 1941, in Rhondda, Wales, Dilley embarked on his cinematic journey at a tender age of 15, as an apprentice at the Associated British Picture Corporation. Quickly ascending the ranks, Dilley proved his mettle as a plaster worker on the iconic 1963 film, From Russia With Love. His unwavering dedication led him to serve as an assistant art director on Jesus Christ Superstar and Kelly's Heroes.
Propelled forward by his creative prowess, Dilley marked his footprints as an art director in the 1973 film Three Musketeers and its sequel. This paved the way for his association with the UK team for Star Wars: A New Hope, where he played an instrumental role in creating R2-D2's physical build, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder.
Dilley continued his art director journey with the sequel, Empire Strikes Back, along with Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, Superman, and An American Werewolf in London. Notably, A New Hope and Raiders earned him an Oscar for Best Art Direction, shared with Norman Reynolds, who sadly passed in 2023.
Post his retirement in 2017, following the end of his stint as a production designer on Teacup Travels, Dilley was honored with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award by BAFTA's Welsh branch in 2020. The esteemed gathering celebrated his life's work, with endorsements pouring in from luminaries such as George Lucas, Ridley Scott, and numerous others.
Leaving behind his beloved wife Leslie and five children, Dilley's legacy echoes through the many iconic films he breathed life into for over six decades. The family home, painstakingly built by Dilley himself as a testament to his work, remains a lasting testament to his passion for cinema. His infectious British wit, zest for life, and unwavering dedication will be deeply missed.
A pioneer in the industry, Les Dilley was a visionary artist who left an indelible mark on the world of film. Here's a peek into some of his most memorable works:
Movies
- Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977): Dilley's art director work contributed significantly to the film's revolutionary visual effects and settings.
- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): His art direction transformed this adventure classic, leading to an Oscar win for Best Art Direction.
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980): Dilley continued his creativity in the Star Wars universe as an art director for this sequel.
- Alien (1979): His art direction in this chilling sci-fi horror film earned him an Oscar nomination.
- An American Werewolf in London (1981): Dilley's art direction added to the cult appeal of this memorable horror-comedy.
- Superman (1978): Dilley's art direction bolstered the visual magnificence of this superhero classic.
- The Abyss (1989): In this film, Dilley served as a production designer, demonstrating his technical mastery.
Achievements- Oscar for Best Art Direction: Wins for Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope and Raiders of the Lost Ark[3].- BAFTA Cymru Award: Dilley received this prestigious award for Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema in 2020[2].
Pivotally collaborating with George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, and James Cameron, Les Dilley forged a path in the world of cinema that will be remembered for generations. His craft played an integral role in defining the visual landscapes of the movies we know and love today. His journey, spanning over six decades, stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and boundless ingenuity. Living on through the countless iconic films he helped bring to life, Dilley continues to inspire artists worldwide.
- Les Dilley's artistry in movies like Gizmodo's recommended movies-and-tv list, such as Alien and An American Werewolf in London, displayed his exceptional talent in shaping the visual dimensions of sci-fi and horror films.
- With awards like the Oscar for Best Art Direction for Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope and Raiders of the Lost Ark, Les Dilley's contribution to technology and entertainment industries, as highlighted in IO9, reached new heights in movie-making.
- The future of visual effects and production design in movies will undoubtedly have Dilley's legacy at its core, immortalizing his influence over upcoming generations in the field, as articulated on Gizmodo and io9.
