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December 09, 2007
Thelma Schoonmaker's take on CGI vs. Michael Powell-era effects
Oscar-winning film editor Thelma Schoonmaker "criticised modern blockbusters for relying too heavily on computer-generated imagery," reports Kent News. Schoonmaker's "late husband, the Kent-born director Michael Powell, was a great influence on Scorsese... During a lecture at Canterbury Christ Church University, Miss Schoonmaker spoke nostalgically about the early days of British cinema. The Algerian-born 67-year-old reminisced about how innovation and creativity, rather than computers, were once used to produce special effects to keep filmgoers glued to their seats. Modern films that use CGI to create breathtaking scenes and film sequences “do not have as much heart as they had” in the days of Powell and Pressburger, said Miss Schoonmaker. Pressburger was Powell’s long-time collaborator. As co-producers, writers and directors, they were known as The Archers. The duo made A Canterbury Tale in 1944 and Schoonmaker demonstrated how brave direction and editing decisions, such as the use of stills as the background for scenes shot in the cathedral, are still used today. “They make you believe it. [But] CGI is too perfect,” she said."During her lecture, in a university building dedicated to the memory of her husband, she talked about the editing techniques used by early British film-makers and how they continue to influence noted directors such as Scorsese." [More at the link; a video interview with Schoonmaker is here.]
Posted by Ray Pride at December 9, 2007 03:33 PM
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