The Flash Movie Faces Controversy Over Visual Choices and VFX Quality

 

The Flash movie has faced controversies and criticism over the years, including changes in writers and directors, as well as issues surrounding actor Ezra Miller. Recently, director Andrés Muschietti had to defend the film's visual choices and visual effects (VFX) quality after leaked scenes received negative feedback. While The Flash is a movie with heavy use of VFX, not all criticisms about its visual effects are valid. Some of the criticisms are actually aimed at the film's unique style and aesthetic, which are not related to the quality of the CGI.

The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies have always had polarizing visuals. The dark and contrast-heavy visuals in films like Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice received criticism. As a result, movies like The Suicide Squad and Justice League underwent major reshoots to create brighter and more humorous visuals. In the case of The Flash, the criticism is not about the visual tone but about the unconventional look that divides audiences. This has led to criticisms of the film's CGI quality, even though the CGI might not be the main issue.

One significant visual choice made in The Flash is the use of wide-angle lenses for most of the cinematography. Wide-angle lenses have a shorter focal length, resulting in a wider field of view and a unique look where objects in the center appear larger while those at the edges are distorted. This stylistic decision creates a divisive look, and some viewers mistakenly attribute it to "bad" CGI or VFX.

The use of wide-angle lenses also affects the face-swap technology used in the movie, where two versions of Ezra Miller's character interact on screen. Because one character's head will always be closer to the center of the frame, it appears larger than the other character. This can be misconstrued as poor CGI, but it's actually a result of the lens choice.

Furthermore, The Flash has a brighter and more colorful aesthetic compared to many Marvel movies. It features vibrant scenes with blue skies, contrasting with the often gray and muted colors in Marvel films. The Flash's cartoonish aesthetic is intentional and aligns with the movie's tone. However, some viewers may expect a more grounded tone like Man of Steel, which can create a jarring experience.

In conclusion, The Flash movie's visual effects are not solely to blame for criticisms. The unique stylistic choices, such as the use of wide-angle lenses and vibrant colors, contribute to the film's distinctive look. While this style may not appeal to everyone, it's important to recognize that it is a deliberate artistic choice.