Director of ‘The Flash’ Explains the Film’s Controversial CGI
The process of completing a film involves numerous challenges for movie studios. Departments often face budget cuts and accelerated deadlines, which can result in certain aspects not being as polished as desired. One area that tends to reveal such issues is visual effects, where the goal is for CGI to be subtle, seamlessly integrated into the film. Good CGI goes unnoticed, while bad CGI stands out. Unfortunately, this seems to be the case with DC’s recently released film, ‘The Flash.’
The portrayal of Ezra Miller’s character, Barry Allen, as the speedy hero presents a unique challenge. Realistically depicting superhuman speed is a daunting task since it defies the laws of nature. When Barry runs at incredible speeds, tapping into “the Speed Force,” everything becomes a blur. However, when he reaches a point where he can manipulate time with the “Chrono Bowl,” things take a turn for the worse. In these scenes involving the Speed Force or Chrono Bowl, non-superhuman characters appear noticeably unnatural. It’s as if the filmmakers were bound by tight production schedules, leaving the visual effects unfinished.
Among the scenes that stand out, one takes place at the beginning of the film. While waiting for a sandwich, Barry receives a call and rushes to Gotham City to aid Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne in preventing a hospital building from collapsing. In the midst of this action, a nursery filled with infants, along with their midwife, plummets into a potentially disastrous opening for what should have been a lighthearted film. The visual effects in this sequence, to put it mildly, fall short. They evoke memories of Renesmee Cullen from ‘Breaking Dawn’ but with an even less human appearance.
Image via Warner Bros
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Intentional Design Choice
However, the film’s director and producer, Andy and Barbara Muschietti, have come forward to address the concerns about the CGI and shed light on their intentional design choices. They clarified that the unrealistic look of the effects was deliberately crafted, assuming it was something the audience wanted to see. Speaking to Gizmodo, Barbara stated, “No, we used all real babies,” while Andy added, “The idea, of course, is…we are in the perspective of the Flash. Everything is distorted in terms of lights and textures. We enter this ‘waterworld,’ which essentially represents Barry’s point of view. It was part of the design, so if it appears slightly peculiar, that was our intention.”
If you’ve already seen the film, you might still harbor doubts about the execution. Nonetheless, this aspect doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the movie. It’s just unfortunate that it proved somewhat distracting. ‘The Flash’ is currently playing in theaters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CGI controversy
What is the controversy surrounding the CGI in “The Flash” film?
The controversy surrounding the CGI in “The Flash” film revolves around its noticeable lack of polish and realism, particularly in scenes involving the Speed Force and the Chrono Bowl. Non-Barry human characters appear peculiar, indicating potential issues with the visual effects.
Why does the CGI in “The Flash” look unrealistic?
According to the director and producer, Andy and Barbara Muschietti, the unrealistic look of the CGI was intentional. They wanted to convey the distorted perspective of the Flash, with everything appearing distorted in terms of lights and textures. This design choice was meant to immerse viewers in Barry’s point of view and create a unique visual experience.
Does the controversy affect the overall enjoyment of the film?
While some viewers might find the distracting CGI unfortunate, the controversy does not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the film. Despite the visual effects being less polished in certain scenes, the film still offers an entertaining experience for audiences.
More about CGI controversy
- Collider: Director of ‘The Flash’ Defends the Film’s “Bad” CGI
- Gizmodo: Director and Producer Explain Intentional Unrealistic CGI in ‘The Flash’
- Warner Bros: Official ‘The Flash’ Movie Website
