Rihanna And IMAX Make History With ‘Star Trek Beyond’ And Sia-Penned ‘Sledgehammer’


Many fans may have noticed that Rihanna’s vocal contribution to the Star Trek Beyond soundtrack is reminiscent of Sia, and it should, because the haunting ballad “Sledgehammer” was written by the shy Australian singer and songwriter. The ethereal melody was created specifically for the third entry in the revived Star Trek franchise, and the just-released Rihanna video made history as the first music video to be shot entirely with IMAX cameras.

Why is that such a big deal? First of all, there are only a few of the high-resolution cameras that create stunning cinematography that ordinary cameras can’t touch, but IMAX cameras are also expensive, big, loud, and take a long time to restock, according to a Quartz article. New innovations from IMAX and Arri have made it possible to make 2D IMAX cameras that are lighter, easier to use, and cost-effective. The cinematography in “Sledgehammer” is captivating, and with Floria Sigismondi’s direction, the video successfully creates an otherworldly destination with a lone creature in an unknown vast and rocky planet — completely worthy of being attached to a Star Trek production.

Joe and Anthony Russo, who are directing both Avengers: Infinity War movies, tested the new cameras by shooting 15 minutes of Captain America: Civil War on the new user-friendly IMAX cameras and the cinematography for that Marvel entry was spectacular.

“Sledgehammer” sounds as if it was a vocally challenging song to learn, and Rihanna’s portrayal of an alien seems like a once in a lifetime opportunity. Everything about Rihanna’s costuming seems more tribal than alien-esque, and perhaps because she already has an eclectic fashion sense, her garb really seems like something she would wear on a Tuesday. If it were anybody else, the costuming would have come off as something other than human. The visuals, however, help create a celestial, intergalactic experience that is truly out of this world. No one had to talk the 28-year-old singer, actress, trendsetter, and playgirl into participating in the project — she’s always been a Star Trek fan, thanks to her father.

“‘Star Trek’ has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. My dad really is the one who introduced me to ‘Star Trek.’ It just took me one episode to fall in love with this other world that I couldn’t understand, but I felt like I could relate to.”

It wasn’t clear from the featurette which of the five versions of Star Trek is her favorite, but judging from the featurette, she is very excited and honored to be a part of the newest installment.

[Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images]

“It wasn’t like just doing a song for any random film. I love ‘Star Trek.’ I would do anything in terms of music. It’s such a big deal not only as a fan, [but] as a musician, because ‘Star Trek’ is such a big deal across the globe.”

Currently, the “Work” singer is preparing for her Anti Tour stop in Norway. Her performance in London with Drake has everyone talking about whether she and the “Hotline Bling” singer are dating, because Us Magazine is spreading the rumor that she was enjoying sleepovers in his hotel room.

Even without the alien makeover, it is clear that Rihanna is a force to be reckoned with. In addition to her Anti Tour and possible “friends with benefits” situation with lovestruck Drake, she also released a new dance music video for “This is What You came Here For” with Calvin Harris. People are still losing their minds over her Puma Fenty line, and she is she is also Dior’s brand ambassador. She’s juggling a lot of plates at the moment. Perhaps she is an alien.

Rihanna’s new hit, “Sledgehammer,” is currently available online and is featured in Star Trek Beyond, which opens July 22 nationwide.

[Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images]

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