The Wonders and Challenges of 'How the West Was Won': A Cinerama Classic
I do like the epic movie 'How the West Was Won' with Debbie Reynolds and many other huge stars, but it is slow in parts, and unfortunately, I have never seen it on the big screen in its original Cinerama process. Large-scale epics like that were a lot of fun, just trying to pick out all the stars and character actors was a hoot.
Personal Experience and Impact
When I saw the film years back, I loved it. It was filmed in Cinerama, and I saw it in a theater which showed that format exclusively. I think I saw it on TV a few years back, and it did not have the same impact.
One of the most memorable experiences I had while watching 'How the West Was Won' was in the Cinerama format. The film was made specifically for that format, and in that format, it succeeded greatly. It was a lot of fun, with a plethora of stars and character actors. However, once it loses that format, it falls apart. The underlying structure starts revealing what it really is - a movie without a good plot. It was more focused on showcasing a new technology, the Cinerama camera, akin to modern movies heavily reliant on CGI.
The Importance of Cinerama
The original Cinerama process was crucial for the movie's success. It offered a unique, immersive experience that cannot be replicated. The format created a panoramic picture that gave the viewer a sense of being in the middle of the action. Sadly, finding a Cinerama screen or a large TV screen in an extra-wide format is difficult today. The essence of the movie is lost in its current format, and this is where the film falls apart.
Quality Over Technology
The success of a film ultimately depends on its script and character development. Overreliance on technology, whether it be Cinerama in the past or CGI today, can detract from the story and character depth. As a film critic and fan, I believe that a good script and well-developed characters make or break a movie. Without these elements, no amount of technological finesse can save a film from being forgettable.
In conclusion, 'How the West Was Won' is a nostalgic and enjoyable film, but it struggles without the Cinerama format that gave it life. It serves as a reminder of the importance of both technology and storytelling in the creation of unforgettable films.