Film Studies // Spectacle and Technology

I believe advances in technology within the film and television environment open up new pathways into more diverse and creative ways to tell stories. Sure some films can be made purely around particular kinds of technology, cameras or VFX that do fall short in conveying an intriguing narrative. However these kinds of films are needed in order to test these new advances and experiment so that we may better utilise them in the future. This week’s lecture included many examples of this, naming individuals such as James Cameron, George Lucas and Christopher Nolan. Each of these directors have had huge parts to play in the innovation of new film technology like e-motion tracking and IMAX.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2_vB7zx_SQ

Even though we are developing new technology to expand the techniques of storytelling, there is no reason to disregard what we already have. In fact, completely relying on innovative quality would have an adverse effect on our goals to create a great film. Blending established techniques like practical effects with technologically advanced CGI still preserves that ‘realness’ that audiences indulge in when watching a movie, while also enhancing the cinematic spectacle. A great example of this would be HBO’s Game of Thrones where seemingly our whole world has engaged deeply within the story world even though a great deal of VFX and CGI is being used to create the fantasy. However it is Game of Thrones’ ability to mix the practical and real-world set and costume design in with the sprinkling of CGI only where it is needed, which allows the show to captivate audiences without them noticing the post production elements.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9j1ljA5gfU&t=50s

By Aedan Bruitzman