Italian
Robert Zemeckis pushes filmmaking boundaries in ‘Here’
A reunion decades in the making
Three decades after the iconic “Forrest Gump,” director Robert Zemeckis reunites with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright for a groundbreaking cinematic experience, “Here.” The film utilizes cutting-edge AI technology to chronicle the lives of a married couple through various ages and life stages, demonstrating Zemeckis’ unparalleled ability to push the boundaries of filmmaking.
The magic of aging and de-aging
In “Here,” Hanks and Wright portray a married couple, appearing at different ages throughout the film. This seamless transformation is made possible through AI-assisted aging and de-aging techniques. This technology, a brainchild of VFX supervisor Kevin Baillie and AI startup Metaphysic, allows for natural transitions without the need for intrusive methods such as facial dots or multiple cameras.
Hanks highlights the intricacies of the technique by explaining the different physicality required for various ages. He notes, “How one bounces off a couch as a nimble teenager is vastly different from how the same person maneuvers off a couch in their sixties.” This meticulous attention to detail captures the essence of the aging process, providing authenticity to the characters’ portrayal.
A meditation on life
Based on the 2014 graphic novel by Richard McGuire, “Here” unfolds in a unique narrative structure. Zemeckis describes it as a “meditation on life.” The story takes place in a single spot from a fixed camera position, capturing decades of familial history within the confines of a home. Characters, including Richard (Hanks) and Margaret (Wright), are presented through vignettes that transition smoothly without hard cuts, mimicking the novel’s portrait-panel style.
The innovation of fixed perspective
The fixed perspective of the narrative posed significant challenges. Cinematographer Don Burgess admits, “Bob, this could be the most complicated movie you and I’ve ever done together.” The film’s frame seamlessly transitions from one scene to the next, flowing organically while maintaining the continuity of the characters’ story.
Production designer Ashley Lamont remarks on the evolution of the set, describing the room’s constant transformation to reflect different eras. ”Not only do we have multiple looks for each of our families, eras, and so on, but we also showcase the day-to-day differences,” Lamont explains. This approach lends depth to the setting, making it a character in its own right.
A deep dive into the past and future
To prepare for his role, Hanks immersed himself in classic films from the 1930s and 1940s, particularly those by Preston Sturges. He observed, “I realized that so much of these scenes are shot essentially in the same sort of masters as we did here… Because of that, it stays very active, physically and attention-wise.” This research helped Hanks capture the nuance of his character’s movements, whether as a nimble youth or a seasoned elder.
Wright’s experience was equally profound. Observing her younger self brought about an emotional resonance. She expressed, “It captured the innocence in the eyes taken from interviews that we had done at that age.” This technique, referred to by Zemeckis as “digital makeup,” combined traditional hair styling, makeup, and costume design with AI technology to create a cohesive, lifelike portrayal of the characters across time.
From script to screen
The screenplay, co-written by Zemeckis and Eric Roth, was developed on spec due to its unconventional nature. Zemeckis envisioned the narrative with each actor playing their part at various ages, anticipating the technological advancements needed to visualize this ambitious project.
During production, Zemeckis utilized dual monitors – one to view the actual shot and another for a real-time “face swap” preview. This rudimentary yet effective tool allowed the actors to see their transformed selves, aiding their performances. “Seeing it in real-time helped the performance immensely,” Zemeckis notes, emphasizing the importance of the actors’ authenticity in making the illusion work.
Reinventing filmmaking
Reflecting on his reputation as a “technology director,” Zemeckis downplays the label. “I don’t know how to run computers, but I love the tools of filmmaking,” he states. His passion for innovation drives the team to push the limits of what’s possible in cinema.
Baillie elaborates on the collaborative process with the actors, ensuring that each transformation remained faithful to their performances. By involving the actors extensively, the team curated an authentic portrayal of their likenesses, setting a new standard in filmmaking techniques.
Overcoming challenges
The production faced numerous challenges, including shooting the entire film from a single fixed view. The 33-day shoot at Pinewood Studios in the UK required meticulous planning, with two interchangeable sets to facilitate continuous filming.
Burgess’s careful selection of the Red Raptor camera and Panavision 35mm lenses provided a rich, immersive experience. An LED wall positioned behind the window offered dynamic backgrounds and lighting, enhancing the film’s visual appeal.
A timeless story
In essence, “Here” transcends traditional filmmaking by merging innovative technology with heartfelt storytelling. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are invited into a generational drama that reflects the human experience, echoing the sentiment, “This was our home. We lived here.”
Wright shares that rehearsing each scene with a locked-off video camera months before shooting began helped maintain continuity and authenticity. Zemeckis adds, “When an actor walks into a close-up, you’re seeing it in a pure way.” This approach kept the story grounded, despite its technical complexity.
“Here” is a bold experiment in cinema, showcasing Zemeckis’s visionary direction and the remarkable talents of Hanks and Wright. It challenges the boundaries of storytelling, proving that with creativity and technology, anything is possible.
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