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The ability to create realistic, real to life, computer generated effects is a defining aspect of this generation. A spectacle is defined as a visually striking display and technology is defined as the practical application of scientific knowledge. This defines the means of filmmaking, leveraging imaging equipment to create it. Modern advancement in technology has profoundly affected how films are produced, captured and made. The creative ability has never had larger possibilities. Technology has afforded bounds that are almost limitless, but with fewer confines naturally there is more availability for missing the mark. In the famous words of Bane, ‘Peace has cost you your strength. Victory has defeated you.’

Has the ability of technological prowess to create grand spectacle within film eroded the craft to storytelling? As a filmmaker, looking back into the past is a key to some films that have sustained the test of time. Let us look at these two examples for consideration. The first is a visual feat of the current day and the second is very old and has stood the test of time.

Let’s start with a Clip from 2013’s, Gravity.

In contrast to 1968 Film from Director, Stanley Kubrick, 2001: A Space Odyssey

This stark example, Space Odyssey, uses no visual effects at all (it was 1968 after all) and is filmed almost entirely on computer generated effects. Back to the question as to whether spectacle and technology have eroded the art of storytelling, in my opinion, no. Filmmakers choose how to immerse their audience in their story. Space Odyssey is an incredible achievement even by today’s standard in that we can watch it today and still be blown away and immersed. It has endured, but this does not mean that this is universally true. Great art, using the confines of its form is able to create within it’s boundaries and constraints. In the words of one of my good friends who is a world class photographer,

‘I could shoot this wedding better than you with a standard camera and one lens then you could with the best equipment in the world.’

It is never about your means it is, an artist chooses how to immerse the audience in his form of expression. A better question is whether you use the technology on hand to tell your story and use it to enhance not for it to be the centrepiece?

Samuel Nichol.

FLM110.3 Online Participation

Bibliography

Cuarón, A., Cuarón, J., Heyman, D., Bullock, S., Clooney, G., Harris, E., Warner Bros. Pictures (1969- ),, … Warner Home Video (Firm),. (2014). Gravity.

Kubrick, S., Clarke, A. C., Dullea, K., Lockwood, G., Sylvester, W., Richter, D., Lovejoy, R., … Warner Home Video (Firm). (2001). 2001, a space odyssey. Burbank, CA: Warner Home Video.

Nolan, C., Thomas, E., Roven, C., Nolan, J., Bale, C., Hathaway, A., Hardy, T., … Warner Home Video (Firm). (2012). The dark knight rises. Burbank, CA: Distributed by Warner Home Video.