Film is a very powerful medium. In fact it has the power to retain interest as it conveys emotions and moods.
Recently, filmmakers have turned to the use of special effects; particularly computer-generated imagery (CGI) and digital effects, in their work as opposed to focusing on effective storytelling. Special effects are defined as the visual tricks used to simulate events in a film, while storytelling is the way in which a filmmaker presents a story to the audience. This includes camera angles, overall mise-en-scène, dialogue and editing.
But as films began featuring special effects, the audience’s demand for them soared to unprecedented levels. Many filmmakers began to neglect the use of good storytelling in exchange for bigger, better special effects—causing a decline of critically “good” films. The idea of sacrificing vital elements of a narrative for explosions and the green screen is worrying; therefore, films should focus more on storytelling than special effects.
There are a lot of ways to include special effects, both digitally and practically, in movies. With digital technology becoming a norm in the film industry, filmmakers are able to use this as a means to improving the quality of their films. However, trite and languid execution of special effects is destined to come across as appalling.
A filmmaker should always aim to tell the perfect story. Special effects should only be mere tools used to attend to the story itself. It is disheartening to see that in recent years that aim has been distorted significantly.
