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Style over substance key in modern cinema

Digital effects  too often used to mask lack of story

By Sam Watermeier

Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” is now our reality. As that film predicted, the savagery of man has evolved into the savagery of technology. Filmmakers especially are becoming slaves to it as they rely more and more on special effects to reach their audiences. Look at “Transformers.” The entire film revolves around robots–cold, calculating machines. The humans are an afterthought and they are merely supporting characters. In fact, as the film progresses, the humans become less lifelike and more blindly obedient to the technology around them just like today’s filmmakers. This is eerily similar to “2001” because the characters in that film were also flat in comparison to the nefarious master computer HAL. Kubrick’s 1968 film was supposed to be a warning for not only Hollywood but mankind. Sadly, now 40 years later, Hollywood is embracing style over substance more than ever. However, there is still hope. Here are some tips for recovering the humanity in movies…

Stop making motion capture films- I am addressing this directly to Robert Zemeckis whose last two films (“The Polar Express,” “Beowulf”) were completely computer generated even though they were human dramas. The fact that he utilized digitalized versions of such fine actors (Tom Hanks, Ray Winstone) and digitally created all of their surroundings is embarrassing. The “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, a larger production than all of Zemeckis’ films combined, told its epic, fantasy story with all live actors and mostly real locations. Therefore, who is Zemeckis trying to impress exactly? He needs to understand that the emotion in his latest films will always seem artificial. There is an agenda behind his new, computer-based filmmaking that audiences can see right through, thus ruining the magic of movies.

“Special effects without a story is a pretty boring thing”- It is ironic that George Lucas said this considering he only makes films these days to exploit new technology. He was the one that even tried to convince Spielberg to go digital for “Indiana Jones 4.” Anyway, filmmakers like Lucas need to stop basing their films around special effects. Audiences may go to movies for the spectacle, but they ultimately stay for the drama between the characters. This is the problem with the new “Star Wars” films- the story and characters are secondary to the spaceships and light sabers.

Stop relying on visual effects- In “The Dark Knight,” a large truck literally somersaults through the air without any help from computer-generated technology. Take note, Michael Bay and George Lucas. Practical stunts are still an option. Take advantage of them.

I realize I sound like a gigantic film snob in this article. However, don’t get me wrong, I love big event films as much as the next guy. I will be the first in line to see “Star Trek” and I will always crave spectacle. However, when style gets in the way of story, I have a problem. So, I ask (no, beg) readers to stop seeing films like “Transformers” (if that can even be called a film) and “10,000 B.C.” (Wait, did anyone even see that besides me?) These films simply, sadly encourage style triumphing over substance. I’d like to live in a world where special effects are not the number one priority and movies are not thought of as products before art. Readers like you can make that dream a reality. Sam Watermeier is a reporter for the HiLite. E-mail him at [email protected].

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  • L

    L. ByronSep 26, 2011 at 6:32 am

    I couldn’t agree more. The worst offender I can remember seeing (apart from those you’ve already mentioned) was ‘Alien Vs Predator’, where the human ‘characters’ – if they can indeed be called that – are as substantial as bystanders in a first-person shooter. Awful awful awful.

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