Visual effects are an essential tool in communicating meaning across diverse cinematic literacies. As Don Levy (2013) suggests, “movies prove to be the ultimate medium for magic, with complete control of everything the audience can see.” In this sense, directors and creators of cinematic literacies can be viewed as skilful storytellers or ‘illusionists’ (Bailey, 2011); they are able to manipulate digital video production technologies to create stories that are captivating and challenging, whilst keeping audiences “lost in the illusion on the screen” (Levy, 2013).
Bailey (2011) defines literacy as the way in which people use a range of texts and resources to “communicate meaning, solve problems, and make sense of their lives in a variety of social and cultural ways.” (500) Days of Summer directed by Marc Webb challenges the conventional features of romance literature, and through the integration of visual effects Webb depicts a story that is reflective of his own experiences. This film is significant to me personally, as I have always found an affinity between myself and the central character.
The visual techniques used throughout the film – such as flashbacks and the way that time is depicted almost as a character itself – are essential in the telling of the story. Events are not depicted chronologically, but rather ‘flick’ between the initial phases of the characters’ relationship to the later and more difficult phases. This provides audiences with a series of individual snapshots or ‘pieces to the puzzle’, allowing their understanding of the story to develop in a way that is unique and deeply challenging.
(500) Days of Summer exemplifies how directors are able to use storytelling and digital video technologies to “express personal problems” and perhaps “heal from painful experiences” (Bailey, 2011). Through this, experiences are being shared by directors and “being heard by audiences”, and are capable of generating social and emotional change within communities (Bailey, 2011).
References:
– Bailey, B. (2011). “When I make a film, it’s out of my head”: Expressing emotion and healing through digital filmmaking in the classroom. Digital Culture & Education, 3(2), 76-97. Retrieved from http://www.digitalcultureandeducation.com/uncategorized/dce1056_bailey_2011_html/
– Levy, D. (2013, May 19). A cinematic journey through visual effects [Video file]. Retrieved from http://ed.ted.com/on/jrwmwajj
– Fox Searchlight (2009, March 5). 500 Days of Summer – Trailer Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD0NpFSADM
Youth & Digital Culture 