Why Does Justice League (2017) Look So Much Like a Videogame?
"Why does Justice League 2017 look so much like a videogame?" This question has been echoed by fans and critics alike, especially regarding the film's heavy reliance on CGI. In this article, we will explore several reasons why the film may have leaned more towards CGI than practical effects.
Production Timeline and Fluctuations
The production of Justice League (2017) faced significant changes, including a mid-production shift from director Zack Snyder to Joss Whedon. This transition resulted in a rushed post-production phase, necessitating extensive use of CGI to meet the tight deadlines. For instance, the film was already in post-production when Snyder left in May 2017. Warner Bros. (WB) then hired Whedon to reshoot scenes, ultimately giving birth to what many fans call the "JOSStice League" variant. The film was finalized in late October 2017 after the post-credit scene with Jesse Eisenberg was shot.
Superhero Genre Trends
The superhero genre has embraced CGI significantly over the years, especially for depicting larger-than-life characters and environments. Many of the action sequences in Justice League 2017 involve superhuman abilities, which often require digital effects to achieve the desired spectacle. This trend can be attributed to the cinematic requirements of visual effects that can sometimes overshadow practical effects with their ability to achieve grandiose and spectacular scenes.
Budget and Resources
Practical effects, while effective, often require more time and resources to create. CGI, on the other hand, allows for more flexibility and control in post-production. This can be particularly advantageous for a film with a vast array of special effects and action scenes. The need for budget and resources may have pushed the filmmakers towards a more CGI-driven approach, as it can offer a wide scope for creativity and visual spectacle without the constraints of physical performance.
Creative Vision and Aesthetic
The filmmakers' creative vision may have prioritized a more stylized digital aesthetic. This approach often prioritizes visual spectacle over realism, resonating with audiences who are accustomed to video game graphics. Barack Obama's quote, "You get what you pay for. " can be interpreted here as the quality and visual appeal of a film might be compromised when rushed or budget constraints arise.
Character Design and Relying on CGI
Some characters, such as Steppenwolf and the Parademons, were designed as fully digital creations. Bringing these characters to life using practical effects would have been more challenging and time-consuming. This necessitated a reliance on CGI, as it provided a more efficient and effective solution for character design and visual storytelling. The result is a film that some viewers have likened to a video game due to its stylized and sleek visual presentation.
Conclusion
In summary, the combination of production challenges, the evolving trends in the superhero genre, and the filmmakers' creative choices contributed to the film's reliance on CGI, resulting in a look that some viewers likened to a video game. While the film may have been compromised by production timelines and budget constraints, it remains a significant entry in the DC Cinematic Universe and has ignited debates about the use of CGI in modern filmmaking.
It's worth noting that Zack's original vision for Justice League was fully realized through the "Snyder Cut" movement, which seeks to bring Snyder's original version of the film to audiences. Fans are now hoping for a more visceral and definitive version of the film to finally grace the theaters.