CARBON MOUNTAINS AND SILICON VALLEYS: REALITY IMAGINED IN THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGICAL REPRODUCIBILITY

Realism, defined by its most influential theorist André Bazin has been, and continues to be, a dominant and defining cinematic discourse. However, the lack of regard for animation is in need of retrospection. No genre of film adheres more to the original principles of cinema’s intention than animation, yet it is discredited because of its derivative form. The purpose of this paper is to propose a redefinition of the
impression of reality in cinema to create inclusion and space for animation and new, emerging technologies. This reality, redefined, is divided into two categories: the carbon and the constructed. Analyzed through three key identifiers of film—photography, motion, and physical mechanisms—animation is a modern example of early filmmakers’ intent, demonstrated by my short film, Libby.