The Cyclops was one of a host of mythological creatures, dinosaurs, and aliens sculpted by Ray Harryhausen and given virtual life through stop-motion animation over a 40-year career. He animated most of his “giant” creatures on a tabletop. Since film runs 24 frames per second, the animator must be patient and exact, and if the sculpture is combined with live action (such as Sinbad’s men), it’s even more complex. 

Harryhausen’s personal touchstone was the original King Kong (1933), which he saw at 13 and which set him on his course. By 1949 he was working with his hero, Kong creator Willis O’Brien, on another giant-ape movie, Mighty Joe Young. For many years, these kinds of fantasy movies were few and far between…at least, until we reach the generations he influenced. 

He retired after Clash of the Titans in 1981, shortly before the digital revolution supplanted his artisanal approach, but Harryhausen still had much to teach the field about personality and nuance in the fantasy arena. In the many years before his passing in 2013 he enjoyed the admiration and adulation of the many directors, animators, and visual effects professionals he inspired. 

He had resided in London since the early 60s, so visits to the US became measured. At the Rafael, he clocked more visits than any other guest. While it’s tempting to attribute that fact to the quality of the theater, the reality is that he always had important stops in the Bay Area, including Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Tippett Studio.