We have an important goal here at Global Wahrman which we hope to achieve by reviewing with you the history and process of visual effects through the years. Previous to having this knowledge, you might see a film and become swept away into another world, a
world of interesting characters, or a fascinating story, or an
important idea. But now you will be able to ignore these trivia of story, ideas and character and spend all your time analyzing the film, estimating the work
required to execute the shot, the elements of the shot, and other
important and engrossing nuances. No longer will you need to worry
about what happens to the characters who are in jeopardy: now you can
rise above it and just do shot breakdowns and back of the envelope budget
estimates just like the bored and jaded professionals in the glamourous motion picture industry.
I will demonstrate how this works by way of
example: the final and uplifting
sequence from an important film on the foundation of Western
civlization and ethics: Life of Brian (1979).
In this sequence, Brian has been
unjustly nailed to the cross, where he will be expected to die,
horribly, with other criminals of the Roman empire in the province of
Judea. But in an unexpected and heart-warming twist, the other
crucifixion victims remind Brian to "always look on the bright
side of life".
The sequence on Youtube is here.
You may be asking
yourself, where are the visual effects in this sequence? A better
question may be, where are the potential visual effects in this
sequence? As you watch this inspirational transformation from
despair to hope, just let the sequence run and note how the camera
pulls slowly back, revealing the scene on the hilltop, the desolate
countryside, then slowly turns to heaven as the final credits start
to roll.
Instead of being
carried away by the ecstatic moment as Brian is now happily whistling
as he prepares to leave his mortal state and return to a loving God,
you can now ask yourself whether or not this was a location that they
found in the desert somewhere, without any signs of civilization,
where they could do such an extensive pullback in simulation of the biblical Calvary (see note below). That is possible. Or perhaps it is a cross
dissolve to a matte painting? Or even a rephotographed process shot
on a rear projection camera, remembering that this was in the days
when visual effects was a skill and you actually had to think in
order to do them. How do you know? Real or cross dissolve?
The fact is that I
do not know for sure, but it doesn't matter. The point is that now
instead of being in the moment and enjoying the film, you are free, free
to constantly analyze and over-analyze how you would achieve the
shot. I used to think that this was certainly a cross dissolve to a painting, but in the course of writing this post I have reviewed the scene many times, and I think what we have here is probably an interesting location that the filmmakers found. But as I say, it doesn't matter, the moment is gone, and the movie is over.
So as you go
forward, armed with the knowledge of the history, purpose and meaning
of visual effects, it is our sincere hope that we have irretrievably destroyed any enjoyment or moral improvement you may have once gotten from
the cinema, and we will feel we have achieved our goal.
I have transcribed
the words of this inspirational song below.
Crucified Man: Cheer up, Brian! You know what they
say ... (starts to sing)
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...
And...always look on the bright side of life...If life seems jolly rotten
Always look on the light side of life...
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.
And...always look on the bright side of life...For life is quite absurd
Always look on the light side of life...
And death's the final word
You must always face the curtain with a bow.
Forget about your sin - give the audience a grin
Enjoy it - it's your last chance anyhow.
So always look on the bright side of deathLife's a piece of shit
Just before you draw your terminal breath
When you look at it
Life's a laugh and death's a joke, it's true.
You'll see it's all a show
Keep 'em laughing as you go
Just remember that the last laugh is on you.
And always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the right side of life...
(Words and music by Eric Idle, reprinted here without permission)
For more details on the setting of the crucifiction, here is the Wikipedia page on Calvary:
Life of Brian (1979) on IMDB
