By Professor Chandana Jayalath

Gayan Madhushanka’s Production Easthetics is an insightful exploration of the role of art direction in cinema, particularly in the Sri Lankan context. Written in an accessible manner, the book sheds light on how the term production design is often misunderstood locally, failing to capture the full scope of art direction in films. For an average reader or movie enthusiast, this book serves as both a historical reflection and a critical analysis of how art direction shapes the visual storytelling in cinema.

One of the book’s key strengths is how it traces the evolution of art direction in global cinema, from the silent era to the digital age, as I understood while reading the book. Madhushanka introduces the reader to pioneers like Edwin S. Porter, Georges Méliès, and D.W. Griffith, who laid the foundations of visual storytelling. He also brings attention to influential Hollywood figures such as Van Nest Polglase, highlighting how their work set the standard for film aesthetics. By discussing Oscar-winning art directors, he gives readers a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind some of the most visually striking films in history.

What makes this book particularly engaging for a Sri Lankan audience is its discussion of local cinema. Madhushanka draws attention to how art direction has evolved in Sri Lanka, referencing landmark films like Rekhawa and paying tribute to key figures such as J.A. Wilson, Dharmasena Artigala, Sunil Wijeratne, Milton Perera, and Eril Kelly. This local perspective is essential in understanding how global cinematic techniques have influenced Sri Lankan filmmaking and how local artists have adapted and innovated within their own cultural framework.

Another compelling aspect of the book is its exploration of how digitalization has revolutionized art direction. From set designs crafted by hand to sophisticated computer-driven environments, Madhushanka illustrates how technology has expanded the possibilities for film aesthetics, making productions more immersive and visually complex. His discussion of how digital tools are used in action and thriller movies, drawing from examples like Ken Adam’s work, further emphasizes the transformative power of technology in modern filmmaking.

For a layperson, Production Easthetics is not just an academic discussion but a journey through cinema’s visual evolution. Whether one is a casual moviegoer or someone with a deeper interest in filmmaking, the book offers a fascinating look into the artistry that often goes unnoticed behind the scenes. This is why I argue that Madhushanka’s work is a valuable contribution to Sri Lankan film literature, encouraging both appreciation and critical discourse on the role of art direction in shaping cinematic experiences.

A crucial inspiration behind this book is Madhushanka’s own experience working in Indian films and collaborating on several international short documentary films shot in Sri Lanka. His hands-on involvement in these projects has clearly given him the confidence and technical knowledge to provide real-world examples, often accompanied by black and white photographs that preserve their historical value. These practical insights add a layer of authenticity to his writing, making the book not just theoretical but also deeply rooted in lived experience. For budding filmmakers, students of cinematography, and those pursuing courses in filmology and film technology, these documented case studies serve as a valuable learning resource.

As an academic, I appreciate Madhushanka’s effort to explore knowledge gaps, which is, of course, the responsibility of any true scholar. His work is, in a way, a post-mortem of art direction—analyzing its evolution and intricacies—while simultaneously elevating it through academic inquiry. To me, this book is not just about cinema; it is a tribute to the unsung heroes working behind the scenes, bringing films to life with elegance, precision, and artistic vision. For cinema enthusiasts like myself, Production Easthetics serves as a bridge between the artistic and the technical, allowing us to better appreciate the difficult role of art direction behind the screen in shaping the cinematic experience.