{"product_id":"spectacular-digital-effects","title":"Spectacular Digital Effects","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eBy developing the concept of the \"digital effects emblem,\" Kristen Whissel contributes a new analytic rubric to cinema studies. An \"effects emblem\" is a spectacular, computer-generated visual effect that gives stunning expression to a film's key themes. Although they elicit feelings of astonishment and wonder, effects emblems do not interrupt narrative, but are continuous with story and characterization and highlight the narrative stakes of a film. Focusing on spectacular digital visual effects in live-action films made between 1989 and 2011, Whissel identifies and examines four effects emblems: the illusion of gravity-defying vertical movement, massive digital multitudes or \"swarms,\" photorealistic digital creatures, and morphing \"plasmatic\" figures. Across films such as \u003ci\u003eAvatar\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Matrix\u003c\/i\u003e, the \u003ci\u003eLord of the Rings\u003c\/i\u003e trilogy, \u003ci\u003eJurassic Park\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eTitanic\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon\u003c\/i\u003e, these effects emblems heighten the narrative drama by contrasting power with powerlessness, life with death, freedom with constraint, and the individual with the collective.\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Kristen Whissel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53614203765116,"sku":"9780822355885","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0251\/4980\/0541\/files\/9780822355885_c462b00d-a3fb-46e8-b045-9c69cdd9e93d.jpg?v=1725878636","url":"https:\/\/combined-academic.myshopify.com\/products\/spectacular-digital-effects","provider":"Combined Academic Publishers - Mare Nostrum Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}