How has technology influenced realism

[Liam_Forrest]

Hi, I am currently writing an essay exploring how technology has affected the codes and conventions of realism?



I thought I'd post on here to see if anyone had any thoughts on this issue that I could incorporate into my research.



Thanks,



Liam

[Rowdon]

Can you define terms a bit?

[christoph404]

name='Liam_Forrest']Hi, I am currently writing an essay exploring how technology has affected the codes and conventions of realism?



I thought I'd post on here to see if anyone had any thoughts on this issue that I could incorporate into my research.



Thanks,



Liam

Hi Liam,



If you could expand a bit more on your question and most importantly offer us some of your own thoughts on the subject and where your research has led you so far then perhaps a discussion could evolve where an exchange of views and ideas takes place between yourself and forum members. In other word we need a bit more!

[Rowdon]

Not wishing to be petty - it's not an "issue", it's a subject or question or something.



But come on Liam, as Christoph says - what do you understand by technology, affect, codes, conventions and realism? And are you talking about films?

[Liam_Forrest]

Hi,



I am talking specifically about realist cinema.



My essay is quite vague in terms of the time period and it is more about how realism has developed and how technological advances (e.g. sound, hand-held cameras) have moulded its codes and conventions.



The way I see it the biggest influences on the genre in terms of technology have been the hand held camera and the introduction of digital technologies. The first because of it allowing filmmakers to move with the action more freely which meant longer takes and the second because it allowed filmmakers to make films without large financial backing, this led to the rise in amateur actors and both encourage location shooting.



What would perhaps be easier would be to pose the question; What are the codes and conventions of realism as a genre? and then from there what technologies have enabled these codes and conventions?



I know not all codes and conventions of realism have been a result of technological changes but I am only writing about the ones which have been.



Thanks,



Liam

[Liam_Forrest]

I thought it might be helpful to put up a very brief outline of my essay for reference in terms of my thoughts so far.



Intro

Early Cinema: Big Cameras, Silent (A long way from reality)

Sound: Whilst the voice made it more life like, the sacrifice of camera movement meant films felt staged.

Hand Held Camera: Filmmakers get closer to the action allows a lot of realist conventions (location filming, natural lighting, documentary style.)

Digital: Easier to produce immersive sound, more people can use technology, cheaper to make films (mention realist filmmakers who take cameras to locations and shoot with amateur actors)

Dogme '95: Rejection of modern technology in order to fulfill codes and conventions.

Conc: How realism may develop?



This is at a very early stage and I am currently exploring these issues but hopefully it may help in giving people a better impression of what I am after.

[sippog]

name='Liam_Forrest']Hi,



The way I see it the biggest influences on the genre in terms of technology have been the hand held camera and the introduction of digital technologies.

On this point, if you haven't already, I recommend reading "Movie Speak" by Tony Bill - specifically the article entitled "The Death Of Acting" which makes some very good points about the way digital film has transformed film-making; using Dogme as a prime example.