Spectacular Digital Effects

CGI and Contemporary Cinema

By: Kristen Whissel

Write A Review

Paperback | 7 March 2014

At a Glance

Paperback
224 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.9 x 15.4 x 1.0

Paperback

$87.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $21.94 with

or

Ships in 5 to 10 business days

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.

Industry Reviews

"Spectacular Digital Effects is a signal contribution to studies of the impact of digital technologies on narrative cinema. It is a wonderful book, one that taught me new ways of thinking about some very familiar objects." - Scott Bukatman, author of Matters of Gravity: Special Effects and Supermen in the 20th Century

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.