Being a fan of the Final Fantasy computer games, I could relate to this film more so than most non-gamers.
Whereas '...The Spirits Within' has contrived-storyline-yet-stunning-animation computer gamers have come to expect from the FF franchise, it had none of the interaction. On the other hand, non-gamers who may not appreciate the technical efforts have found the lack of strong story hard to accept. And this is the problem of trying to bridge the two genres of computer games and cinematic entertainment such as this movie has tried admirably to do.
However, lets not judge too harshly. This film should be embraced by all. For I see this as the start of interactive cinema of the future.
One day we may see ourselves up on the big screen, with our faces mapped onto 'synthespians'. And rather than be a passive audience, soon we may be able to interact with the movie itself.
Also, the producers say the character, Aki, may go on to 'star' in other movies and become the first virtual movie star. It's innovative ideas such as this that establish change in an industry that has become stagnant with photo-realistic dinosaurs and teen screamers.
We just have to see the bigger picture.
Whereas '...The Spirits Within' has contrived-storyline-yet-stunning-animation computer gamers have come to expect from the FF franchise, it had none of the interaction. On the other hand, non-gamers who may not appreciate the technical efforts have found the lack of strong story hard to accept. And this is the problem of trying to bridge the two genres of computer games and cinematic entertainment such as this movie has tried admirably to do.
However, lets not judge too harshly. This film should be embraced by all. For I see this as the start of interactive cinema of the future.
One day we may see ourselves up on the big screen, with our faces mapped onto 'synthespians'. And rather than be a passive audience, soon we may be able to interact with the movie itself.
Also, the producers say the character, Aki, may go on to 'star' in other movies and become the first virtual movie star. It's innovative ideas such as this that establish change in an industry that has become stagnant with photo-realistic dinosaurs and teen screamers.
We just have to see the bigger picture.