What is realism in cinema? I have continued to wonder since I saw “Oppenheimer,” a biopic of the theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (1904-1967), who developed nuclear weapons.
The film perfectly portrays the protagonist’s egotism and moral conflicts. But not a scene is shown of the nuclear devastation unleashed upon Hiroshima or Nagasaki.
I am disappointed by the omission of this “reality.” Still, I believe “Oppenheimer” is an anti-war film.
A film depicting the horrors of war may be narrative-oriented, which is the case here.
On the other hand, the impact of a visual-oriented documentary may be quite powerful, and a genre called “animated documentary” is attracting attention of late.
The most successful example of this may be “Waltz with Bashir,” a 2008 Israeli adult animated docudrama film.
Director Ari Folman, who is also the protagonist, was a soldier during the 1982 Lebanon War.
Before I saw this work, I was worried that the animation might soften the dire reality of the war. However, the protagonist’s inner turmoil and the scenes of battle were depicted with starkly convincing realism.
The use of animation is said to be effective when the film’s subject must remain unidentifiable for personal safety reasons, or when an accusation is being made anonymously.
I reached out online to Christoph Terhechte, who was involved in a documentary film festival in Germany, to ask about the future of the genre.
He responded that since animation appeals to the viewer’s imagination, it is particularly powerful when describing a person’s inner thoughts and feelings.
And in this age of rampant fake videos, he added, an animated documentary is sometimes considered more objective than a live-action film.
War is difficult to look at squarely because of its brutal reality. However, for the sake of peace, it must continue to be retold by every possible means.
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 19
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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
VOX POPULI: Animated documentaries can still deliver a powerful punch
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19.04.2024
What is realism in cinema? I have continued to wonder since I saw “Oppenheimer,” a biopic of the theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (1904-1967), who developed nuclear weapons.
The film perfectly portrays the protagonist’s egotism and moral conflicts. But not a scene is shown of the nuclear devastation unleashed upon Hiroshima or Nagasaki.
I am disappointed by the omission of this “reality.” Still, I believe “Oppenheimer” is an anti-war film.
A film depicting the horrors of war may be narrative-oriented, which is the case........
© The Asahi Shimbun
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