2. Less CGI, More Model Work
The reliance on CGI makes much of the prequel trilogy feel more like a cartoon than a live-action film. The Gungan/Trade Federation battle in The Phantom Menace and the first battle of The Clone Wars on Geonosis in Attack Of The Clones both feel lifeless despite the dramatic events taking place. The reason is simple; George Lucas went crazy with the CGI and forgot to make everything believable. Despite the best intentions of any actor, working constantly against a green screen is going to hamper their performance. The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, filmed around the same time, mixed special effects with extensive model work, intricate sets, costumes and weapons. It added depth to the film and made the performances completely real. In comparison the Star Wars prequel trilogy felt lifeless and wooden. The mix of model work and special effects really worked in the original trilogy and is something J.J. Abrams is returning to in The Force Awakens.
Baz Greenland
Contributor
A writer for Whatculture since May 2013, I also write for TheRichest.com and am the TV editor and writer for Thedigitalfix.com . I wrote two plays for the Greater Manchester Horror Fringe in 2013, the first an adaption of Simon Clark's 'Swallowing A Dirty Seed' and my own original sci-fi horror play 'Centurion', which had an 8/10* review from Starburst magazine! (http://www.starburstmagazine.com/reviews/eventsupcoming-genre-events/6960-event-review-centurion) I also wrote an episode for online comedy series Supermarket Matters in 2012. I aim to achieve my goal for writing for television (and get my novels published) but in the meantime I'll continue to write about those TV shows I love! Follow me on Twitter @BazGreenland and like my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BazGreenlandWriter
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