by Michael Hoffman
For several decades, the cinematic topic of whether or not the use of 3D diminishes or enhances the experience of viewing a movie has been hotly debated. With the relatively recent advent and growing use of digital filmmaking in the industry, this topic has only intensified in the last few years, as many opponents of 3D believe that this technology poses a serious threat to the continued use of film. In addition, many critics believe that 3D adds nothing essential to the moviegoing experience, while largely being driven by the capitalist mentality of looking to charge a greater amount for already expensive movie tickets. As a matter of fact, Roger Ebert believed that 3D could actually make the illusion of the third dimension less convincing since our minds use the principle of perspective to provide us with the third dimension in a 2D movie, while filmmakers artificially create this dimension in 3D (Ebert). Beyond that, several critics find that 3D often mutes the color palettes in movies and can be distracting, trite, and really best suited for children’s movies rather than for serious dramas.
With that said, technology outside of the theaters (e.g. smartphones, printing, and television) has started moving towards 3D, so new and exciting opportunities certainly exist in the realm of 3D. Also, consider the popular criticism of 3D being a gimmick that egregiously throws elements at its viewers. Didn’t the Lumières’ Arrival of a Train rely on similar “gimmicks?” Beyond that, given the fact that 3D is still a relatively new technology for the film industry, it was bound to have early imperfections. However, such imperfections are being addressed. For example, some projection systems that are available today scavenge the light lost in the 3D format and are able to project it onto the screen (Maheshwari).
While the use of 3D alone does not inherently create good characters or stories, today’s filmmakers are certainly using the unique opportunities offered by 3D technology to tell amazing new stories. Martin Scorsese’s Hugo provides an excellent example of this, as it utilized 3D technology to glorify early cinema and illustrate how such cinema has heavily influenced movies today. Although a sound conclusion on whether or not 3D diminishes or enhances the experience of viewing a movie is hard to reach, it seems reasonable to deduce that many fears on 3D stem from a resistance to new technology, and that if such technology is artistically incorporated, it can successfully push the notion of what cinema is able to capture.
Works Cited
Ebert, Roger. "Why I Hate 3D Movies." Newsweek. 9 May 2010: n. page. Print. <http://www.newsweek.com/roger-ebert-why-i-hate-3d-movies-70247>.
Maheshwari, Laya. "The Challenges of 3D Filmmaking and The Future of 3D: An Academy Masterclass." Indiewire. N.p., 23 Oct 2013. Web. <http://www.indiewire.com/article/the-art-and-science-of-3d-highlights-from-ampas-masterclass>.
With that said, technology outside of the theaters (e.g. smartphones, printing, and television) has started moving towards 3D, so new and exciting opportunities certainly exist in the realm of 3D. Also, consider the popular criticism of 3D being a gimmick that egregiously throws elements at its viewers. Didn’t the Lumières’ Arrival of a Train rely on similar “gimmicks?” Beyond that, given the fact that 3D is still a relatively new technology for the film industry, it was bound to have early imperfections. However, such imperfections are being addressed. For example, some projection systems that are available today scavenge the light lost in the 3D format and are able to project it onto the screen (Maheshwari).
While the use of 3D alone does not inherently create good characters or stories, today’s filmmakers are certainly using the unique opportunities offered by 3D technology to tell amazing new stories. Martin Scorsese’s Hugo provides an excellent example of this, as it utilized 3D technology to glorify early cinema and illustrate how such cinema has heavily influenced movies today. Although a sound conclusion on whether or not 3D diminishes or enhances the experience of viewing a movie is hard to reach, it seems reasonable to deduce that many fears on 3D stem from a resistance to new technology, and that if such technology is artistically incorporated, it can successfully push the notion of what cinema is able to capture.
Works Cited
Ebert, Roger. "Why I Hate 3D Movies." Newsweek. 9 May 2010: n. page. Print. <http://www.newsweek.com/roger-ebert-why-i-hate-3d-movies-70247>.
Maheshwari, Laya. "The Challenges of 3D Filmmaking and The Future of 3D: An Academy Masterclass." Indiewire. N.p., 23 Oct 2013. Web. <http://www.indiewire.com/article/the-art-and-science-of-3d-highlights-from-ampas-masterclass>.
