The Rise and Decline of CGI in Today’s Cinema

by Kevin Gardner

From the black holes in Alien to the explosions in Star Wars to the spectacular landscapes in Avatar, CGI plays a pivotal role in cinema. Computer-generated imagery, or CGI, has become a staple in modern cinema, creating spectacular visuals that would have been impossible to achieve with traditional filmmaking techniques. After all, no one can film on Mars, but with CGI, we can create a realistic Martian landscape that brings a story to life. But like any technology, CGI has had its uses and its challenges, which is why there’s been both a rise and a decline in the film industry that has shaped the way we see movies today. Let’s take a look at the rise of CGI, its uses, and its challenges. 

Beginnings of CGI

Let’s start with the beginning of CGI. CGI got its start in 1958 with Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. It was used in beginning credits for a few decades before its big spike. The rise of CGI in cinema can be traced back to the 1990s, with the release of films like Jurassic Park and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. These films showcased the potential of computer-generated effects, the magic they can produce,  allowing filmmakers to create realistic dinosaurs and cyborgs on screen. The success of these movies paved the way for the use of CGI in a variety of genres, from action films like The Matrix to animated features like Toy Story.

With the advancement of technology, CGI became more sophisticated, allowing for even more impressive visuals. The Lord of the Rings trilogy, released in the early 2000s, used groundbreaking CGI to bring Middle-Earth to life with magical creatures at every turn. In 2009, Avatar utilized motion capture technology to create realistic alien creatures. These films set a new standard for visual effects, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on screen. This was the rise of CGI. 

Criticisms of CGI

But with the rise of CGI came a backlash from some film critics and audiences. As more and more movies relied heavily on CGI, some argued that it was taking away from the storytelling and emotional impact of films. The overuse of CGI in films like the Star Wars prequels and Transformers series was criticized for prioritizing spectacle over substance. Essentially, the power of CGI was being used to try and compensate for a lack of great storytelling, which caused some backlash against CGI at all. 

The criticism of CGI isn’t the only challenge. The high cost of CGI was a concern for many filmmakers. While some big-budget films could afford to spend millions on visual effects, smaller indie films were left struggling to compete. This led some to argue that CGI was contributing to the homogenization of cinema, with only big-budget films able to afford the most impressive visuals.

Because of both of these challenges, there has been a shift in recent years towards more practical effects in filmmaking. Movies like Mad Max: Fury Road and The Revenant have received critical acclaim for their use of practical effects and stunts, rather than relying on CGI. This trend has been seen as a return to traditional filmmaking techniques and a way to create a more visceral and authentic viewing experience. That has led to the decline of CGI in films. 

However, CGI is far from dead in cinema. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has relied heavily on CGI to create its larger-than-life superheroes and intergalactic worlds, while movies like The Lion King and The Jungle Book have used CGI to create photorealistic versions of beloved animated classics. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of CGI in filmmaking, as social distancing restrictions have made traditional filmmaking methods more challenging. So while there has been a decline in CGI, it’s still here to stay—for now. 

The Future of CGI

So, what does the future hold for CGI in cinema? It's likely that we'll continue to see a mix of practical effects and CGI in films, with filmmakers using whichever method best suits their storytelling needs. However, the new age of CGI seems to strive for balance: a shift towards more subtle use of CGI, with filmmakers using it to enhance practical effects rather than replacing them entirely.

The rise and decline of CGI in cinema has been a reflection of the changing technology and cultural attitudes towards filmmaking. While there have been criticisms of its overuse and cost, there's no denying that CGI has allowed filmmakers to create truly stunning visuals on screen. But what is CGI doing to films? That’s the question asked in the pop culture podcast “Too Much CGI” where they provide a deep dive into CGI. 

Last Thoughts

Overall, the impact of CGI on cinema has been immense, transforming the way films are made and viewed. Whether we love it or hate it, CGI has become an integral part of the film industry, and its influence is sure to be felt for years to come.