Crafting the perfect bloom: Behind the scenes of ‘It Ends With Us’
Blake Lively steps into the shoes of Lily Blossom Bloom, a character whose name almost predestines her to become a florist. In the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, “It Ends With Us,” Lily’s flower shop, aptly named Lily Bloom’s, is brought to life with a unique, dark, gothic aesthetic that contrasts sharply with the typical rosy hues associated with floristry.
Bringing the book to life
Russell Barnes, the film’s production designer, took on the challenge of translating the vivid descriptions from the book into a tangible set. “I had a well-worn, dog-eared copy of ‘It Ends with Us’ that traveled with my wife and me through Costa Rica and Nicaragua as we took turns reading it,” Barnes recalls. This copy became a cornerstone in the art department, filled with colored Post-it notes highlighting characters, locations, and design elements.
Barnes and his team were acutely aware of the expectations from fans who had pictured the shop in countless ways. “We were very mindful of the fans, making a strong effort to stay true to the book whenever possible,” he explains. Adapting a book into a film often requires adjustments for the visual medium, but Barnes ensured that every idea was vetted by the creative team to maintain the essence of the characters and settings.
The aesthetic journey
Working closely with Blake Lively and director/star Justin Baldoni, Barnes aimed to create a vintage Parisian upscaled shabby chic look for the shop. “Justin had a clear vision of the overall aesthetic he wanted,” Barnes says. They drew inspiration from local stores and images found online and on social media.
One of the unique challenges was finding the perfect shade of rich oxblood for the walls. When commercial options fell short, Barnes took matters into his own hands. “I rushed to hand-mix a completely original color that ultimately became the iconic shade seen in the store. We named the color BBB (Baldoni, Blake, Barnes),” he shares.
Floral artistry
Flowers played a crucial role in the aesthetic of Lily Bloom’s. Barnes collaborated with florist Tess Casey and her team from Aisling Flowers to bring the floral arrangements to life. “Obviously, lilies were a key element,” Barnes notes. His favorite flower used was the mesmerizing bird of paradise, which he describes as an animated flower that always brings a smile to his face. The shop also featured extensive use of wisteria and lavender, sticking to darker tones and unique-looking flowers.
The team incorporated Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement, known for its sparse and disjointed compositions. This choice added a layer of depth and meaning to the floral designs, aligning with the film’s themes.
A thoughtful adaptation
Barnes hopes that viewers will appreciate the subtext and metaphors conveyed through the art of flower arrangement. “I truly believe we made the most thoughtful and respectful adaptation possible, honoring Colleen Hoover’s creation,” he says. “I sincerely hope the fans feel the same way.”
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of It Ends With Us, you can watch the trailer here.
Personal reflections for cinema and TV series enthusiasts
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, the process of adapting a beloved book into a film is always fascinating. The meticulous attention to detail, from the color of the walls to the choice of flowers, showcases the dedication of the creative team. It’s a reminder of the collaborative effort required to bring a story to life on screen.
The use of Ikebana in the floral arrangements is particularly intriguing. This art form, with its emphasis on minimalism and asymmetry, mirrors the complexities and imperfections of the characters’ lives. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to enhance the narrative visually.
For those who enjoy diving into the behind-the-scenes aspects of film production, the story of Lily Bloom’s creation offers a rich tapestry of insights. It’s a testament to the power of design in storytelling and the importance of staying true to the source material while embracing the unique possibilities of the film medium.
Additional context and insights
The adaptation of “It Ends With Us” is a reminder of the evolving landscape of book-to-film adaptations. With the rise of streaming platforms and the increasing demand for diverse and compelling stories, the pressure to deliver faithful yet innovative adaptations has never been higher.
The collaboration between the production designer, director, and lead actress highlights the importance of a unified vision. Each element, from the set design to the floral arrangements, contributes to the overall atmosphere and emotional impact of the film.
For fans of the book, the film offers a new way to experience the story, with visual and auditory elements adding layers of meaning. For newcomers, it provides an entry point into Colleen Hoover’s world, potentially sparking interest in the original novel.
the success of an adaptation lies in its ability to resonate with both fans and new audiences, creating a bridge between the literary and cinematic worlds. “It Ends With Us” seems poised to do just that, offering a visually stunning and emotionally rich experience.
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