My problem with 3D cinema
A few months ago I went to see Toy Story 3. For me it was the best movie of 2010, even better than Inception. It was just a perfect piece of film making: a superb story, told superbly. I’m not afraid to admit it there may have been some welling happening behind those 3D glasses. I like to say that I was moved…as opposed to touched, which sounds a bit pervey.
“So you had a great time Paul, good for you, what’s that? You have something to moan about? Oh, for fuck sake here we go…”
So here’s is my problem; going to see a great movie is one of those rare occasions where you are able to experience something wonderful as part of a group, meaning, in this instance, your fellow Woody and Buzz fans. This sometimes also happens from time to time seeing a band or maybe a stand up gig; everyone having the same feeling at once.
It’s something rare for people in todays society. Gone are the days when 1 million people would show up to hear what the Pope had to say, or thousands attend huge political rallies or sit-ins or whatever.
I found though, that night, wearing the 3D glasses gave me a certain disconnect with those around me who, whether they liked it or not, I wanted to share this story with, on a sort of, you know communal level. Instead, I was having my own private experience as the thick framed, dark glasses created an enclosed personal barrier between me and those around me.
I think it’s healthy for people to have a gestalt experience every now and then, it makes us less ego centric. And it’s sad to see that one of the remaining arena’s which gives people this opportunity is now offering a more isolated experience.
