Man of Steel in 3D: A Rare Success

'Man of Steel' Avoids Previous 3D Mistakes

3D films have existed since 1915. Back then there were 2 images presented side-by-side and a stereoscope was used to merge the 2 pictures. Over the years, or in fact decades, people have remained skeptical of 3D films. Even today, people are not entirely

drawn by its technological allure. Some, like me, complain of it being an eyesore that is bound to generate heaviness in the eyes and a throbbing headache. Moreover, studios have opted to exaggerate the film experience in 3D, as the effects become less dramatic once your sense of sight grows accustomed to the illusions.

It was only after Avatar in 2009 that people became more lenient towards 3D cinema. The criticism over it being a money-hording marketing tool seemed to alleviate but still, there were some extremely insipid additions to this genre. What comes to mind is ‘Green Hornet’ starring Seth Rogen. 3D effects were added to most scenes where the camera was stationary, and you could clearly see some elements on screen popping out in front of others, while others remained as part of the backdrop. This gave the idea of several items propped up as cardboard pieces at different distances. Needless to say, it was quite unsightly.

I was not intent on watching ‘Man of Steel’ in 3D but it was the only option available in the area. I had no choice. The usual concerns arose. Would my eyes ache and want to desert my sockets? Would the 3D features be a distraction from the story-telling? Zack Snyder had stated that the movie was not entirely dedicated as a 3D experience. The technology was to be used as a supplementary feature if the viewer wished. That, too, didn’t inspire any confidence.

Surprisingly, though, this was one instance where I felt that the 3D was an added bonus. I didn’t report any physical discomfort throughout the 2 and half hours. Probably, my eyes had adapted over multiple 3D screenings. But more than that, where the movie triumphs in the use of the technology is its reserved use. The scenes where conversations took place didn’t use 3D as much, so the cardboard effect was not evident at all. In that respect, the negative aspects of 3D use had been avoided.

The technology was in full display, though, in the fight scenes. ‘Man of Steel’ showcases an impressive amount of action sequences and destruction, where the camera is relentlessly panning about to stay in pace with the action. Applying 3D extensively in these scenes was apt as the viewer couldn’t exactly discern the elements that were and weren’t in 3D. Thus, that fake nature was removed. In addition, only the items that needed to be optimized were noticed by the audience. This was done to perfection in Superman’s fight with Faora.  The wild movements, flying and punching were emphasized appropriately, so that when the element of depth was included it varied with the amount of force each character put into his or her movements. You could see the difference between someone wielding his fists at another and throwing someone a mile down a road.

In simpler words, Man of Steel’s 3D effects are in full flight primarily during the high intensity set pieces, and it’s chiefly the elements that whiz about on screen a lot that undergo the 3D treatment. This and the act of refraining from making mistakes attached to previous filmmakers made Zack Snyder’s 3D screening a rare success. It’s money well spent.