The Lasting Effects of 3D Films

Star Wars Episode I in 3D

With the advances in technology, it’s no wonder that 3D technology has made its way back onto the big screen for round three. Roger Ebert said, “3D doesn’t work and never will. Case closed.” Will the 3D trend in films stay for good?

There is a growing concern that 3D films can cause physical harm to its viewers. The growing complaints of side effects from 3D movies are eyestrain, headaches, dizziness, confusion, convulsions, and blackouts. There is a claim that people who have medical conditions and women who are pregnant are more likely to have these side effects. Why did Josh James, a perfectly healthy eighteen-year-old, blackout while driving home after watching a 3D film? What causes these symptoms?  Professor Martin Banks, a California optometrist, explained that when you are looking at an object, “you converge and focus your eyes to the same distance. But with 3D, you may have to converge your eyes to one distance while focusing on another [object]. So with 3D films you’re taking that normal relationship which has been in your brain for years, and changing it.”  The effect confuses the brain causing you to experience symptoms of motion sickness and other problems.

Your Brain in 3D

Its been said that 3D movies offer a more intense experience than 2D movies. L. Mark Carrier of California University conducted a study of 400 filmgoers to determine if 3D films offered a better experience than 2D films. He asked the participants to watch one of three films – Alice in Wonderland, Clash of the Titans, and How to Train Your Dragon – in either 2D or 3D.  Afterward, the participants were requested to detail their responses using a list of 60 words ranging from mild to intense. The results were that 3D movies do not offer any more enjoyment than 2D movies.

According to Boxofficequant.com, 3D movies’ profits are easier to predict than 2D movies. Due to large budgets, 3D films make appropriately the same investment returns causing them to be less risky and more attractive. I doubt 3D movies will go away anytime soon.

Are the side effects of the 3D movie worth watching the film? In my personal opinion, my answer is no.  Call me cheap, but I don’t see the point in paying an extra four to five dollars to see a movie that doesn’t enhance my experience, and can cause me to have headaches, dizziness, convulsions, and/or blackouts resulting in me ending up in the doctor’s office or the emergency room. I don’t like having to wear the special 3D glasses to view the film. People who wear prescription glasses will have to place these special plastic glasses over their prescription glasses, and I imagine it’s not very comfortable. Then you have to return them. You pay the extra four to five dollars and don’t get to keep the glasses as a souvenir. In the eighties and nineties, you got to keep the paper glasses and you didn’t have to pay extra for anything. I’m still trying to figure out how people see anything out of those glasses. I’m not saying that I will never go see a 3D film. When technology has advanced to the point that I can see a 3D movie without any side effects and having to wear special glasses, then I will consider watching a 3D film. Until that time, I’m happy watching and getting lost in a good old fashion 2D movie.

Stepping into the Director’s Chair

(Eastriding.gov.uk)

If you believe directing is all about sitting on your duff and bossing people around, you have no idea what a director does. No matter what the media medium – television, movie, music, etc. – is, directing is not as easy as one may think.  I know that directors like George Lucas, J. J. Abrams, and Steven Spielberg make it look easy, but it’s not.  It is actually one of the hardest and most stressful jobs of the entertainment industry, and I got a taste of it as I was directing Sakor’s I’m Deep in Love music video.

Very few people discuss what it takes to be director. Whether I wanted to or not, I soon found out. From my research, I discovered directors are required outstanding researchers and storytellers, great communicators, creative, organized, disciplined, wonderful decision-makers, and being able to work well under pressure.  The one characteristic my research didn’t touch on was excellent leadership. Directors are the commanders and chiefs of the artistic and production aspects of the media medium. Every leader needs to have a vision and be able to guide people towards that vision.

How was my experience? I can honestly say that I was glad that I was a qualified mental health worker because I definitely used my psychological skills. I felt like the character director Lloyd Fellows (played by Michael Caine) in the 1992 movie Noises Off. We were filming both indoors and outdoors, and each contains its own problems. The indoor filming challenges were mainly lighting and space. Lighting and lack of equipment were the outdoor challenges. I met each and every issue with calm, cool determination and creative thinking. My true director’s test was managing the talent. I’ve heard both great and horror stories about talent and their personalities. Other than no one knew how to tell time, I had a great cast. There were a few potential meltdowns that I was able to handle. When the question “Why do we have to kiss?” was asked, I was stun. We were shooting a love song music video, and the talent wanted to know why they have to kiss? The answer was obvious to me…because you’re in love. It took me a moment, but I put those thoughts out of my mind, and put on my professional face as I explained to them to think about their significant other they are in love with. “Don’t you want to kiss him or her?” The problem was resolved.

Overall, directing was one of the best and most exciting experiences of my life. With a great cast and crew, patience, communication, and a sense of humor, the director’s chair is a little less daunting. I look forward to other opportunities in the television and movie industry.