In Life of Pi, the special effects are so realistic they almost convince us that we’re actually seeing the young protagonist sharing a lifeboat with a ferocious tiger. Explain why this might be a problem in categorizing this film as realist or

formalist in style? Explain why you think the filmmakers chose to use digital effects as opposed to a real tiger for example? What was the result of the audience viewing the film in 3-D? Did it change the style at all?

Evaluate the changes that digital technologies have had on film production, editing, presentation, and distribution.

? Critic Stephen Prince has observed that such technological advancements as computer-generated images have radically undermined the traditional distinctions between realism and formalism in film theory. Why do you think that is?
? In Life of Pi, the tiger was not a real tiger, but was created by CGI (computer-generated imagery). The tiger was created by hundreds of artists at Rhythm & Hues, based in Los Angeles.
? Most of the movie takes place within the narrow confines of the boat. Is this important?
? The crew viewed film footage of actual tigers before constructing their digital tiger. Why?
? The 3-D is strikingly realistic, as the tiger seems to be snarling, growling, and lunging at the viewer—a perfect demonstration that realism is not always based on reality.