Released in 2019, 1917, a groundbreaking film directed by Sam Mendes, serves as a testament to the enduring power of cinematic storytelling, bridging the gap between analog and digital filmmaking. By masterfully employing the long take technique. 

 Digital Innovation, Analog Impact: 1917’s Box Office Success

Rodowick’s theory posits that analog cinema, with its inherent limitations, can provide a deeper level of engagement, 1917 challenges this notion. The film, produced in the digital age, successfully revitalised the long-take technique in Hollywood, a hallmark of analog cinema, to captivate audiences worldwide. By seamlessly blending digital technology with a classic cinematic approach, 1917 demonstrates that the power of storytelling and innovative filmmaking techniques can transcend technological advancements. Its box office success underscores the fact that audiences are drawn to compelling narratives and immersive experiences, regardless of the underlying technology.

A Hybrid Approach: Balancing Analog and Digital for Realism

Furthermore, Rodowick’s assertion that analog cinema can provide a greater sense of realism holds merit, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of analog techniques. With the possibilities of modern filmmaking, particularly in genres like war dramas, analog techniques would fall short in producing an immersive experience. Nowadays film studios can use a blend of both digital and analog techniques to enhance realism. 1917, for instance, leverages digital tools such as filming on IMAX cameras which are specifically made to create vast immersive landscapes, and intricate visual effects that would be impractical or impossible to achieve solely through analog methods. This hybrid approach allows filmmakers to push the boundaries of realism, creating cinematic experiences that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

In conclusion, while Rodowick’s theory of analog cinema’s superior immersive qualities has merit, modern filmmaking demonstrates that a hybrid approach, combining analog and digital techniques, can create even more powerful and realistic cinematic experiences. Films like 1917 exemplify this, showcasing the potential of digital technology to enhance the impact of classic cinematic techniques.

Rodowick, D. N. 2015, , ‘What was cinema’ The Virtual Life of Film pp 25-88

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