CGI vs Practical

Steven Dillion in his book argues that the viewer’s suspension of disbelieve does not depend on whether the effect is practical vs computer animated. His example is the rasterization of E.T., and how people don’t further their disbelief if E.T. is a puppet or a computer graphic. I disagree with this statement, because it’s not about what technique you use to bring certain magical creature to life but how well its done. 
            The reason that the change in effect didn’t matter in E.T. is because the original puppet was great to begin with. When they went back and worked on the film, the CGI was done to enhance what was already great. Now look at Yoda in Star Wars and the puppet they used for the Phantom Menace and that puppet is horrible. People watching that film for the first time saw nothing more than a poorly constructed puppet. CGI enhancement would have benefitted the puppet to make it look more lifelike. 
            My argument here is that it should never be CGI vs Practical effects. E.T. back in the day looks flawless using practical effects because its well done. The hulk in the Avengers movie has never looked better and more lifelike. Both of this effect were done masterfully which is why they continue to look great.  

Comments

  1. Elaine HortonDecember 8, 2018 at 1:06 PM

    I totally agree about the quality over the method, but I disagree about the Yoda puppet being less good that the digital one! I loved when they returned to the puppet for The Last Jedi instead of using CG, and I personally prefer when they use practical effects instead of digital ones for creatures like that. They just have so much more personality, and I think the performance from actors is better for having something physical to interact with. I know this is totally negating your argument that digital vs. practical shouldn't even be a thing, but I just had to defend puppet Yoda.

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