Ever since James Cameron's 'Avatar' and its widespread success, filmmakers in Hollywood are desperately trying to use the revolutionary 3D technology for a number of genres. 3D has become a natural preference for most of the animated films as well as action and sci-fi films big on action and special effects. These films are meant to be big successes with the audiences in the theaters. 3D technology has enabled people to experience hurtling effects and spaceships which seem to pop right out of the silver screens. Even Bollywood is warming up to the sensation of the Extra Dimension. Last year, we had both 'Ra One' and 'Don2' releasing in a separate 3D format in theaters.
On the surface of it, 3D technology for films seems to be big success factor for Hollywood. After 'Avatar', there have been many spectacular successes like 'Adventures Of Tintin- Secret Of Unicorn' and of course the final installments of the popular Harry Potter series. They have made sure that the movie watchers have thronged the aisles with tubs of popcorn. But there have been some glaring failures as well. Films like 'Green Hornet'. Green Lantern' and 'Clash Of The Titans' have compelled people to question the profitability in using the 3D technology for every kind of film. The animation section, however, continues to ride high.
The problem is not with the state of technology being a fashion and fad. In the past, there have been considerable introductions of technique and innovation. These continue to be inspiring for many filmmakers and directors, even as they may be termed as old fashioned. The problem is that thing- use of technology. In Hollywood, filmmakers are simply pumping cash into films with big effects but little else. This means that after a time, the 3D technology, if used so ludicrously, will no longer be a novelty. Technology benefits film-making only if it makes storytelling novel and extraordinary to the audiences. The 3D should be used for movies which can be made exciting or genuinely sensational with the use of technology.
Then again, expensive technology is not the main thing. Even inferior or cheaper technology of making films can be used effectively to make a simple but well-written film more viable to specific audiences. Think about movies like 'Paranormal Experience'. The cheaply made horror flick revels in the gritty style of its hand-held, scratchy and realistic camerawork. I-MAX technology is another thing which could be misused. In most films, no one actually notices that the action scenes have been shot with I-MAX cameras. But in well-made films like 'The Dark Knight' or 'Inception', one does feel the difference.
With the current state of indulgence, 3D would be best used if left to the hands of a few filmmakers. Martin Scorsese's latest film 'Hugo' uses the 3D cameras to shoot people and real scenarios rather than computer generated imagery. The film's is a story of childhood and innocence but it also uses 3D so as to capture the expressions, emotions and the real depth to the characters and the backgrounds. If 3D films are filmed or made in such an impressive manner, it will be a really new dimension to film-making and storytelling.
Read my review of 'Hugo' at my blog http://moviechatterbugsunlimited.blogspot.com/. Also, read other reviews at my blog as well.
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