Write a response in the form of a college essay about How does the use of film technology and techniques influence the narrative of Science Fiction film?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: The Impact of Film Technology and Techniques on the Narrative of Science Fiction Film
Introduction
Science fiction films have captivated audiences for decades with their ability to transport viewers to other worlds and explore the possibilities of the future. However, it is not only the compelling stories and imaginative concepts that make these films so enthralling. The use of film technology and techniques plays a fundamental role in shaping the narrative of science fiction films, enhancing the storytelling experience and immersing the audience in the futuristic world depicted on screen. This essay will explore how film technology and techniques influence the narrative of science fiction film, examining their impact on visual effects, cinematography, sound design, and editing.
Visual Effects: Creating Otherworldly Environments
One of the most significant ways film technology and techniques influence the narrative of science fiction films is through the creation of visually stunning and otherworldly environments. Through the use of CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), animatronics, and practical effects, filmmakers can bring to life the futuristic landscapes, alien planets, and advanced technologies that populate these films. For instance, in James Cameron’s “Avatar” (2009), the use of groundbreaking visual effects immerses viewers in the lush and vibrant world of Pandora, enhancing the narrative by making it more visually captivating and believable.
Furthermore, advancements in visual effects technology have allowed filmmakers to push the boundaries of what can be portrayed on screen. The seamless integration of CGI and practical effects enables filmmakers to depict complex action sequences, epic battles, and mind-bending visuals that were previously impossible. As a result, science fiction films can deliver awe-inspiring spectacles that enhance the narrative by immersing audiences in imaginative and fantastical worlds.
Cinematography: Conveying Atmosphere and Themes
Film technology and techniques also have a profound impact on the cinematography of science fiction films, which plays a crucial role in conveying atmosphere and thematic elements. Through the use of innovative camera techniques, such as steadicams, drones, and 3D cinematography, filmmakers can create dynamic shots that further immerse viewers in the narrative.
For instance, in Denis Villeneuve’s “Blade Runner 2049” (2017), Roger Deakins’ masterful cinematography uses sweeping shots, juxtapositions of light and darkness, and intricate framing to evoke a sense of awe, isolation, and unease – integral aspects of the film’s dystopian narrative. The atmospheric visuals created through film technology enhance the storytelling by amplifying the emotions and themes explored in the film.
Sound Design: Enhancing Immersion
In addition to visual elements, film technology and techniques also greatly influence sound design in science fiction films. By utilizing advanced sound editing and mixing techniques, filmmakers can create immersive soundscapes that enhance the narrative experience. From futuristic sound effects to intricate musical compositions, sound design plays a crucial role in establishing the ambiance and enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes.
For example, in Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968), the innovative use of sound design – such as the jarring silence during space sequences or the iconic “Also sprach Zarathustra” theme – contributes to the film’s enigmatic narrative, heightening its sense of mystery, awe, and tension.
Editing: Pacing and Narrative Structure
Lastly, film technology and techniques significantly influence the editing process in science fiction films. Through sophisticated editing techniques, such as montage sequences, time-lapse effects, and seamless transitions, filmmakers can shape the pace and structure of a film’s narrative.
For instance, in Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” (2010), the intricate editing techniques used – including crosscutting between different dream levels – create a sense of disorientation and suspense that mirrors the film’s complex storyline. Such editing choices not only enhance the narrative experience but also contribute to the overall thematic exploration of reality and perception.
Conclusion
In conclusion, film technology and techniques play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of science fiction films. From creating visually stunning environments to conveying atmosphere and themes through cinematography, enhancing immersion through sound design, and shaping pacing and structure through editing, these elements work together to elevate science fiction storytelling to new heights. The use of film technology allows filmmakers to transport audiences to imaginative worlds, pushing the boundaries of what is visually and narratively possible. As technology continues to advance, so too does its influence on science fiction film narratives, promising even more awe-inspiring cinematic experiences in the future.
