Bibliograph

Spectacular digital effects, CGI and contemporary cinema, Kristen Whissel

Type

Label

Spectacular digital effects, CGI and contemporary cinema, Kristen Whissel

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 199-205) and index

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Spectacular digital effects

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

847833684

Responsibility statement

Kristen Whissel

Sub title

CGI and contemporary cinema

Summary

By developing the concept of the digital effects emblem, Kristen Whissel contributes a new analytic rubric to cinema studies. An effects emblem is a spectacular, computer-generated visual effect that gives stunning expression to a film's key themes. Although they elicit feelings of astonishment and wonder, effects emblems do not interrupt narrative, but are continuous with story and characterization and highlight the narrative stakes of a film. Focusing on spectacular digital visual effects in live-action films made between 1989 and 2011, Whissel identifies and examines four effects emblems: the illusion of gravity-defying vertical movement, massive digital multitudes or swarms, photorealistic digital creatures, and morphing plasmatic figures. Across films such as Avatar, The Matrix, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Jurassic Park, Titanic, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, these effects emblems heighten the narrative drama by contrasting power with powerlessness, life with death, freedom with constraint, and the individual with the collective

Table Of Contents

The new verticality -- The digital multitude as effects emblem -- Vital figures : the life and death of digital creatures -- The morph : protean possibility and algorithmic control

Classification