Old technology that simulates new technology and new technology that simulates old technology

“The Matrix” (Larry and Andy Wachowski, 1999) is a science fiction movie that in its storyline depicts a virtual world and a real world co-existing side by side. Since its storyline allowed for manipulation of the perceived reality inside the virtual world, it made a fabulous
testing ground for the use of new virtual camera techniques, without breaking with the cinematic grammar in the movie as a whole. Purposely breaking with traditional cinematic conventions in terms of camera behavior is done deliberately as an effect. What we see on-screen isn’t suppose to be a depiction of reality, but a virtual reality as in a computer game, where the traditions for camera behavior is different.

The virtual camera shots in “The Matrix” is done by using a set of still cameras placed in a circle around the actors on green screen. Each camera shoots a frame each. They then composite that with a digitally 3D modeled background, and when put together you get the illusion of a free roaming camera liberated in space and time. Since it is able to give the illusion of slowing down time so much that it is able to record (computer generated) gun bullets flying through the air, this virtual camera technique is referred to as “Bullet Time”.

While the virtual camera of “WALL-E” simulates old technology, the old technology of “The Matrix” simulates the possibilities of a free roaming virtual camera like the one they try to camouflage in “WALL-E”. It is interesting how cinema bends towards the freedoms of animation to become more interesting among the audience, while animation bends towards the restrictions of cinema to become more believable among the audience. The similarities are that they both use the camera narrative give the audience more information on-screen.