Lara Croft then vs now: A tomb raider evolution story
What's the story
Lara Croft of the Tomb Raider series has come a long way in US cinema. Her cinematic journey highlights the evolution of technology, storytelling, and audience expectations. From her debut in 2001 to the most recent adaptations, every film presents a unique perspective of the archaeologist. Let's find out what these evolutions mean for fans and filmmakers, and see what they say about her character's evolution over time.
First appearance
'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider' debut
The first time we saw Lara Croft on-screen was in 2001 with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Angelina Jolie donned the character, combining action with a hint of charisma. The movie emphasized a lot on action sequences and visual effects, which were path-breaking back then. It went on to gross millions globally, proving how video game adaptations could be a thing in Hollywood.
Tech influence
Technological advancements impacting portrayal
As technology has evolved, so has the portrayal of Lara Croft. The 2018 reboot with Alicia Vikander as the lead benefited from advanced CGI and more believable action sequences. These developments made it possible for the filmmakers to create a more immersive experience for the audience. The emphasis was more on a grittier and grounded take on Lara's adventures.
Character depth
Shifts in character development
Over the years, there has been a shift towards more character development for Lara Croft. The early films highlighted her physicality but provided little glimpse into her character or what drives her. The recent ones attempted to delve into her backstory and emotional depth, giving the audience a more relatable hero.
Changing demands
Audience expectations are evolving over time
Just like cinema technology and storytelling techniques have evolved, audience expectations have changed as well. Today's viewers crave complex characters with rich narratives instead of just action-packed sequences. This is what has affected how filmmakers tackle the task of adapting video game characters like Lara Croft for modern audiences.