3D Movies: or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Glasses.

By: Matt Harris

The time has come for a final decision on the future of cinema. We currently stand at the forefront of a battle between business and art. 3D movies are becoming more and more prevalent in the modern film industry and they are produced for only one reason: making money, not making art. Historically, 3D movies did not sell. Technology for this technique has been trying to push its way into the mainstream spotlight since the early 1920’s. Since then, production companies have been tempting audiences with the occasional 3D movie in an on/off pattern every decade or so, even teasing audiences with 3D porn. Until recently, the majority of moviegoers have not been satisfied enough with the quality or effect of the 3D to buy into the technology. But with improved image quality and increased production value for these films, 3D has finally caught.

3D movies are whopping money-makers. This past weekend Robert Zemeckis’ 3D version of A Christmas Carol grossed 31 million dollars at the box office. In all fairness, it is a timeless story that has been woven into the culture of every modern generation. And speaking of timeless classics, G-Force grossed one mil more than A Christmas Carol did when it was released this past July. That’s right, the guinea pig movie. I think I see a selling point-- 3D! With children growing up on movies like this, there’s no doubt that it’ll be around for years to come. This is understandable, filmmakers are going to make the movies that will get them paid, and nothing sells better than throwing the movie right in your face.

So what’s the problem? Most 3D movies are kids movies anyway, so what’s wrong with a little 3D flare? The answer revolves around content. The current state of 3D movies, in general, is all about the eye-popping effects, not the content. These movies use 3D to counteract the weak plots, underdeveloped characters, and poor filmography. The easiest way to cover a problem or a weak point is to distract from it. Films wave 3D in front of your face in hopes that you’ll forget to look past it. The fact that it’s mainly used in kid’s movies makes me think that 3D is all about how long you can keep the distraction running. In a way this is what all movies have ever wanted, a captive audience. But 3D takes it a step further. It tends to take away from the value of the film, but still remains to hold your attention.

Thankfully, for now, we movie-goers have kept 3D in check, limiting it to silly kids movies or else box office flops like My Bloody Valentine. But recently, with 3D on the rise, more serious productions are going third dimension. I’m personally excited for the upcoming 3D release of Avatar. James Cameron has finally gotten his hands around a more effective way to throw his garbage in your face. Films like this practically grow money, now add 3D to it and watch it change the face of the movie industry. 3D is becoming a permanent way of watching films and, more importantly, conducting business.

There is absolutely no problem with filmmakers capitalizing on gimmicks like 3D. They, like us, look out for number one. It only becomes a problem when the artistic value disappears into the cash cow of 3D. More and more often art has taken the back seat to business in the film industry. Film can be an expressive art form that can incite some very powerful emotions. Film is also a big business that can put food on the table. It is becoming more evident that the two do not go hand in hand and, unfortunately, art looses out. 3D just magnifies the corporate aspect of film because it’s only intent is to sell. However, I do not wish to turn this into a “save the arts” thing. This is a “have some standards” thing. If we all lower our standards to that of 3D movies, film will cease to be meaningful. If we encourage 3D films to evolve into what is an acceptable work of art, meaning is not lost and the movies may even be enhanced by this technique. Until then, reconsider that “the new Alice in Wonderland is gonna be so awesome.” Otherwise, the future of cinema will be comfortable with the fact that bad movies sell… in 3D!