Motion Graphics - Analysis Assignment - Christian Tambling

Shot Sequence Assignment

Works Well

 The Mask (1994)

 I think that the film’s effects are very believable within the context of the film’s world. We see Ipkiss (Jim Carrey) discover a strange mask, which upon further research leads him to believe that it belongs to Loki, the Norse god of mischief. Where in, upon placing said mask on his face he turns into “The Mask” and gains not only a comical appearance, but also superhuman powers (that are also very comical) to boot. I believe that this is a manifestation of his inner self due to the fact that he is always joking around and can be seen viewing cartoons a few times during the course of the film. The effects certainly add to the movie as a whole because they not only help create the “mood” for the film but also help establish the type of character that “The Mask” is intended to be. The effects are also essential to the movie, because without them they would not bring “The Mask” to life as well as they did. It would still be a rather humorous movie, but the effects add that over the top feel that is certainly prevalent and noticed throughout. Without a doubt the effects are grandiose. They are not meant to be subtle at all. As aforementioned, they help establish the type of character “The Mask” is meant to be. An over the top, cartoonish character with little regard for other’s well being until later on in the film.

Example shots from The Mask

Doesn’t Work Well

 The Green Lantern (2011)

 The Green Lantern is a wonderful comic book superhero, and one of my personal favorites to boot. Why did the 2011 adaptation of the series leave me with nothing but disgust in the pit of my stomach? The effects. The effects were abysmal to say the least.  The movie itself was OK, it is viewable, but is it worth watching? No. The amount of CGI in the film takes away from the movie itself. I am expecting to see some CGI in any superhero movie due to the fact that it is a work of the fiction, but when just about every scene is heavily ladened with it (and poorly) left me, the viewer, asking why. You could say that the effects are believable within the context of the film’s world, but anyone with eyes can see just how bad the CGI is within this so called world. The effects detract from every aspect of the film. It’s meant to show Hal Jordan (Reynolds) as an ace pilot turned superhero due to the power of green power ring he receives from a dying lantern corps member who crash-landed on earth. Puts it on, bam, turns into the mighty Green Lantern. This is where the movie gets horrible. So much CGI takes place during the rest of the film that my eyes grow numb and I nearly succumb to nausea. The effects should be necessary to any action film that includes superheroes, but in moderation. Where as, this adaptation of GL fails horrifically. The effects should be subtle, but are easily noticed due to how poor they actually were. More stunts, with partial green screen use would have been better than having Reynolds’ head floating on a terribly mocked up CGI body. The film started out on a semi-good note, but ended like a train wreck. If a sequel is produced I will not be seeing it.

Example shots from Green Lantern