How Steven Spielberg brings stories to life without CGI overload
What's the story
Steven Spielberg has always pushed the boundaries of storytelling in cinema. In the last few years, he has taken an interesting approach: minimizing CGI in his films. This is a testament to how much he cares about authentic storytelling and practical effects. By focusing on real-world elements and old-school filmmaking, Spielberg continues to captivate audiences and redefine modern cinematic narratives.
Drive 1
'Jurassic Park' and practical effects
In Jurassic Park, Spielberg used animatronics with CGI to bring dinosaurs to life. The mixture of practical effects with minimal CGI ensured a more immersive experience for the audience. The film's success proved that mixing traditional techniques with digital technology could make storytelling richer without the over-dependence on CGI.
Drive 2
Emphasis on real locations
Often, Spielberg chooses real locations over green screens. It makes his stories more grounded in reality. By filming in actual environments, he ensures that you capture real interactions between the characters and the environment. Not only does it make things more authentic, but the actors can deliver more convincing performances too, as they're reacting to tangible settings rather than imaginary ones.
Drive 3
Character-driven narratives
Another hallmark of Spielberg's filmmaking style is focusing on character-driven narratives. By prioritizing character development over visual spectacle, he makes sure that audiences connect emotionally with the story. This technique allows for deeper engagement as viewers become invested in the characters's journeys rather than being distracted by excessive special effects.
Drive 4
Balancing technology with tradition
Spielberg masterfully strikes the right balance between modern-day technology and traditional movie-making. Although he employs the likes of CGI where appropriate, he still swears to use them sparingly. This ensures his movies retain their integrity while still being visually spectacular enough to connect with audiences around the world.