Van Helsing (2004) is the typical example of this case. The movie is stunningly filmed, epic in conception and marvelous effects. However, according to Byrnes (Sommers 2004), this is the example of everything is wrong with Hollywood CGI movies: technology overtakes storytelling, action is exaggerated to the meaningless and drama is put down the ordinary monotonous concept of good and evil. .
The concern of VFX usage is not distinctive in the history of cinema, where sound and color are also controversial issues when they were first introduced. In fact, the particular comment is that the use of these technologies sabotages storytelling. This essay aims to find out the effectiveness of CGI and how does it influence on the narrative power with Hollywood movies by looking at the filmmaking grounds where the arising issues of the impact of VFX on storytelling by undertaking the following questions: Does the use of VFX undermine the storytelling structure? Are VFX used as a substitution for good story? Should VFX be limited to specific genre? Does VFX always shine by itself without a beautiful storyline?.
The first part of this study will explore the development history of Computer-generated imagery as well as the Hollywood classical narrative to have a wider picture of narrative before and after the introduction of CGI and the influence this technology on Hollywood and filmmakers. The second section of the essay will concentrate on how CGI has changed the Hollywood classical narrative by looking at the role of CGI to narrative in scenes climax in enriching the value of narrative through the promotion of belief in fictional reality. This will help gaining more knowledge and understanding of how VFX has changed the Hollywood storytelling. Then, conclusion will be made by bringing together the crucial information, showing the positive and negatives of the advancement of CGI on Hollywood narrative.
