The Evolution of Cinema
Cinema has been around for over a century now and has undergone significant changes throughout the years. Traditional movie-making techniques, such as long shots and static camera angles, have slowly given way to more dynamic and unconventional techniques aimed at capturing the audience’s attention.
In recent years, contemporary cinema has emerged as the leading force in powerful storytelling. From realistic tales of love and loss to daring tales of heroism and adventure, contemporary cinema presents a variety of stories that can captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on their lives. Here are five reasons why contemporary cinema is the future of powerful storytelling.
1. Contemporary Cinema has Diversity and Inclusivity at its Core
Contemporary cinema celebrates diversity and inclusivity, making it a powerful agent of social change. Filmmakers are no longer restricted to telling stories about people from particular backgrounds or gender identities. The growth of independent cinema in recent years has made it possible for stories that were previously unheard of to gain a wide audience.
The film industry has come a long way in the representation of people of color, with filmmakers casting more black and brown actors. Allowing ethnic actors not only to play their stories but to land leading roles in films that are not about their culture or ethnicity, that way achieving yet another level of inclusivity. For example, movies like «Black Panther» (2018) and «Crazy Rich Asians» (2018) were not only box office hits but also changed the landscape of the industry forever. Such diversity is a testament to the fact that contemporary cinema is now more than ever a reflection of society.
2. Contemporary Cinema Embraces Complex Narratives
Contemporary cinema is characterized by a willingness to take risks with complex narratives that challenge the audience’s perceptions. Filmmakers use unconventional techniques such as non-linear storytelling, unreliable narrators, and ambiguous characters to create complex narratives that leave the audience guessing.
For instance, Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed thriller «Memento» (2000) uses reverse storytelling to tell a story about a man with short-term memory loss seeking revenge for his wife’s murder. Still, the thrill comes as the story unfolds in a unique way that keeps the audience engaged. This trend has only grown more popular in recent years, as a more sophisticated audience with an appetite for thought-provoking cinema has emerged.
3. Contemporary Cinema Explores Real-World Issues
Contemporary cinema is known for exploring real-world issues relevant to the times. It has been the platform for social commentary, and filmmakers have used it as a medium to spark debate and create awareness about pressing issues like race, gender, inequality, and social injustice.
The film industry has seen a reawakening to the importance of addressing issues of social importance in recent times. Movies such as «Moonlight» (2016), which exposed the challenges faced by black males in inner-city America, or «The Imitation Game» (2014), which showcased the life of Alan Turing, a World War II codebreaker prosecuted for being gay, are perfect examples of contemporary cinema’s commitment to highlighting real-world problems.
4. Advancement in Technology has made Cinematography an Art Form
One of the critical distinguishing features of contemporary cinema is that camera work has evolved from mere documentation to a new level of artistry. The most significant advances in camera technology have made it possible for filmmakers to create unprecedented cinematic experiences, using intricate lighting and sound design that elevate storytelling to an art form.
The use of vfx (visual effects) is another tool that contemporary cinema uses to create arresting visual experiences that often leave the audience gasping, such as in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise or the entire «The Lord of the Rings» trilogy. Such cinematic experiences are now often celebrated as much as the plot of the film.
5. Contemporary Cinema has given Realism a New Definition
Contemporary cinema has redefined the concept of realism by making films that do not appear manufactured. Contemporary filmmakers are focused on telling stories that seem real and relatable to the audience. With a more naturalistic look and free-flowing camera movement, movies feel less staged, less made-up, more real.
An example of this is the 2018 independent movie «Eighth Grade,» a coming-of-age movie that showcases what it’s like to be a teenage girl in the digital age. The movie has a dreamy, free-flowing quality that makes it feel less like a story being told and more like a story being experienced.
In Conclusion – The Future belongs to Contemporary Cinema
Contemporary cinema is the future of storytelling, and the reasons are manifold: its focus on diversity, inclusivity, complex narratives, real-world issues, technological innovation, and realism. Contemporary filmmakers are creating movies that go beyond mere entertainment; they tell impactful stories that stay with the audience long after they have left the theatre.
The future belongs to contemporary cinema, and filmmakers must embrace this as a platform for social change, as they educate and entertain their viewers in equal measure. As the industry slowly reawakens from the pandemic’s turbulence, the world of contemporary cinema will undoubtedly provide a beacon of hope for the future of filmmaking.
Appears in digital newspapers and dominates search engines. Get informed here.