Aspects of modern cinema
Amalshan GUNERATHNE
In modern times where the cinema industry revolves and focuses their
attention more on entertaining its audience with action oriented themes,
the demand for movies which have a real depth and artistic value in them
has subjected to decline. The movies which are filled with action
packed, blood-pounding scenes which mesmerize the viewer with the
artistry of special effects and realistic animation effects have become
very popular among the younger generation to an extent that the
scientists have even predicted that there is a possibility of movie
idols being replaced by realistic animated characters in years to come.
The focus on the computer graphics and special effects is such that
the realistic and dramatic elements, which are essential to make a good,
engrossing work of art are lacking in the modern, action oriented cinema
fiction.
The evolution of the computer graphics has enabled the art directors
to recreate the fantasy worlds which are depicted in novels such as C S
Lewis's Narnia and J R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings in a very effective
manner. The third volume of the 'Lord of the Rings series, 'The Return
of the King' even went on to win 11 Oscars at the academy awards in 2002
and James Cameron's Hollywood Block Buster movie Avatar went on to win
three Oscar awards in the last year's academy awards film festival.
 Therefore
at such a time where the fantasy and action oriented movies are
acknowledged, reviewed and have been awarded with even the highest
possible awards, a question has to be asked as to whether the movies
based on intense dramatic elements still have a place in the modern
Hollywood cinema?
True they still do have place in the Hollywood Cinema. In fact, the
advancement of the modern technology has enabled movie directors to
capture and grasp the intense dramatic moments with such expertise and
delicacy that they have been able to provide the viewer with much more
realistic cinematic experiences.
Having said that we have to address as to whether such movies which
revolve around deep, thought provoking themes and storylines still
attract viewers to the cinema industry.
The genre still does have its fans. But it is very obvious that more
and more viewers are drawing away from such movies which revolve around
profound, deep, thought provoking storylines. Perhaps it is the
complexities of the modern hectic life style that demands people to stay
away from such profound works of art.
Most people, when they do find free time, want to use it to good
effect by engaging in much uplifting, exciting and adventurous leisure
time activities.
At such a time action oriented cinema, seems to provide them with
much needed excitement, laughter and adventure that can get their
adrenalin pumping, thus drawing them away from the boredom of their real
life.
A for the graphic based animated cinema, it is quite hard to sort out
as to why does people get attracted towards a work of art which is based
merely on fantastical, artificial and unreal elements. Probably the real
reason for the fascination towards the animated and graphic based cinema
is that it allows them to get away from their hectic real life by taking
them in to a completely different fantastical universe filled with
enthralling action and adventure, thus satisfying their entertainment
needs to the fullest extent. In such a case, one could wonder as to
whether the cinema makes you live in illusive fantasies. To a certain
extent, it is true.
The cinema and the fantasy fiction do draw you away from the
realities of life. But it is not necessarily a bad thing. Fantasy based
cinema provide you with a positive diversion to escape the dull,
monotony of their lives. In a way it is a means of escapism and such a
distraction is needed to keep their minds off from the chaotic life they
do live.
Otherwise watching movies which arouse their mind's eye to the bitter
realities of life by arousing feelings of sadness or despair could have
adverse effects on the viewer and makes him feel more burdened or
confused about life. The evolution of the action-oriented, graphic based
cinema does have its positives and negatives.
Therefore, at a time where the cinema industry revolves lot around
the popular culture, it is important that they also address the
spiritual development of the viewer while providing them with an
entertaining cinema experience. |
