The Evolution of Animal Treatment in Cinema: From Harm to CGI
Throughout the history of film, the depiction and treatment of animals in movies have seen remarkable transformations. This journey from instances of harm to reliance on CGI has not only improved the welfare of animals but also elevated the quality and realism of movie scenes. This article explores the pivotal moments that led to the significant shift in animal treatment on film sets.
Early Observations and Regulation
The American Humane Association (AHA) began monitoring the treatment of animals on film sets in 1940. This marked a crucial milestone in the history of film and animal welfare. The AHA was established to protect the safety and well-being of animals used in movies and television dramas. The organization's mission was to ensure that animals were treated humanely and never subjected to unnecessary harm.
The Turning Point: Jesse James (1939)
A significant incident that brought national attention to the mistreatment of animals in film was the 1939 release of Jesse James. In this film, the director ordered a living horse to be thrown off a cliff, which was a gruesome and inhumane act. This tragic incident was widely publicized and garnered significant backlash from the public and within the film industry. This event marked the final tipping point, leading to a renegotiation of the bond between the film industry and the Humane Society.
The Humane Society's Involvement
The Humane Society, recognizing the necessity for change, stepped in to regulate the use of animals in movies. In collaboration with the American Humane Association, the Humane Society established stringent guidelines and protocols to ensure the ethical treatment of animals on film sets. These regulations were implemented to prevent any form of harm to the animals and to ensure their well-being during filming.
Modern Filmmaking and CGI
As technology advanced, the film industry began to transition from traditional methods of incorporating live animals to more sophisticated and humane alternatives. Today, the most common method used to recreate animal scenes is through the use of Computer Generated Imagery (CGI). This technology allows filmmakers to create highly realistic animal scenes without the need for live animals, significantly reducing the risk of harm and improving the overall quality of the film.
Realism in CGI: An Oxymoron?
While CGI has revolutionized the way animals are depicted in movies, it often faces a paradox when it comes to realism. The goal of including realistic animal action in films, such as a horse falling during an explosion, requires the CGI to convincingly present the illusion of a live animal. This often leads to scenes where the CGI effect is so convincing that it may appear more realistic than a live animal reaction. For example, in the Snyder Cut of Justice League, the use of CGI for Steppenwolf's attack scenes has been highly criticized for lacking the authenticity of live animals.
The challenge for filmmakers is to strike a balance between creating believable and lifelike scenes and maintaining the safety and ethical treatment of live animals. The advancements in CGI technology continue to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and providing more humane options for film production.
Conclusion
The treatment of animals in cinema has vastly improved from the early days where animals were often subjected to harm for the sake of entertainment. The collaboration between the film industry and organizations like the Humane Society has led to the implementation of strict regulations and the widespread adoption of CGI. As technology continues to advance, the future of animal treatment in cinema remains promising, with a strong focus on preserving both the welfare of animals and the quality of cinematic storytelling.