The Power of Contemporary Cinema: 5 Reasons It is the Future of Storytelling
In the age of digital media and streaming services, most people might think that cinema is facing a tough time. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Contemporary cinema is not only alive and kicking but also has the potential to shape the future of storytelling. The digital revolution has paved the way for filmmakers to craft stories in ways that were never possible before. They can now experiment with different techniques, push boundaries, and create new forms of storytelling that are immersive, poignant, and socially relevant at the same time. Here are five reasons why contemporary cinema is the future of powerful storytelling.
1) A Potent Mix of Novelty and Tradition
Contemporary cinema has been successful in mixing elements of traditional storytelling with new techniques that have emerged in the last few decades. Filmmakers are not shy of using well-known structures, genres, and narratives but they also employ new technologies such as CGI, motion capture, and virtual reality to create immersive and engaging stories. For example, the use of motion capture helped filmmakers to create characters like Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, Caesar in The Planet of the Apes or Thanos in The Avengers. While these characters have a human-like appearance, their performances are enhanced through the use of digital technology. Thanks to this, filmmakers can create fantasies, science-fiction universes, or any other worlds that were impossible to create before the digital age. Mixing traditional and new techniques is a winning recipe for contemporary cinema, and it will sustain the trend in the future too.
2) Diversity and Inclusion
Another reason why contemporary cinema is a powerful storyteller is its diversity and inclusion. In the past, the film industry was blamed for its lack of diversity and representation. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift. Filmmakers from all over the world are creating stories that explore different cultures, languages, and themes. Countless international movies like Parasite, Roma, A Fantastic Woman, or Shoplifters have gained recognition for their unique stories that offer a window to different parts of the world. Meanwhile, Hollywood is also making progress towards representation as movies like Black Panther, Moonlight, or Crazy Rich Asians have been successful in their own right. The inclusion of underrepresented communities in front of and behind the camera enriches storytelling and opens up new possibilities that were never explored before.
3) The Art of Visual Storytelling
Cinema is a visual medium, and contemporary cinema has pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling. Filmmakers are not afraid of experimenting with different visual styles, techniques, and formats to create an immersive experience for the viewers. Movies like The Revenant, La La Land, or The Shape of Water are perfect examples of movies that use visuals to their advantage. The Revenant, which won the Best Director for Alejandro González Iñárritu in the 2016 Oscars, was shot using natural light to create a raw and realistic feel. Meanwhile, La La Land uses vibrant colors, larger-than-life sets, and long takes to create an ode to classic Hollywood musicals. The Shape of Water, on the other hand, uses its visuals to add layers of meaning to the story. The use of amphibians in the movie has symbolic meaning and reinforces the central themes of love and acceptance. All these movies prove that visuals can be used as powerful storytelling tools, and contemporary cinema has exploited it to its fullest.
4) Social Relevance and Impact
Contemporary cinema has also been successful in addressing social issues and creating a positive impact through storytelling. Stories can be powerful tools for social change, and filmmakers are using this to their advantage. Movies like The Hate U Give, Just Mercy, and When They See Us explore themes of racial injustice and police brutality, whereas movies like The Big Sick, The Fault in Our Stars, and The Kindergarten Teacher highlight the struggles of people with disabilities and illness. Movies like these have the power to create empathy and change attitudes towards the marginalized communities. Filmmakers are also using their storytelling skills to raise awareness about social causes like climate change, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ issues. In the future, contemporary cinema has the potential to be more socially relevant and impactful than ever.
5) Diverse and Compelling Characters
Finally, contemporary cinema has brought to life diverse and compelling characters that are not limited by stereotypes or clichés. Characters are the driving force behind any story, and contemporary cinema has been successful in creating unforgettable ones. Movies like The Joker, Her, Parasite or The Irishman have given us characters that are unique, relatable, and multi-layered. They are not limited by binary distinctions of good or bad, but rather are shaped by the circumstances and choices they make. These new characters offer a refreshing change from the traditional tropes of movie characters, offer new perspectives, and represent a wide range of human experiences.
In conclusion, contemporary cinema is the future of powerful storytelling for many reasons. It offers a mix of traditional and new elements that spark novelty and tradition. It is diverse and inclusive and offers a window for different parts of the world to be brought together. Contemporary cinema uses visuals, relevant social themes, and diverse and compelling characters in ways that were never possible before. It has the potential to move or shape the audience and change how we see or interact with the world. Contemporary cinema is, therefore, an art worth exploring, experiencing, and looking forward to.
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