I don’t think there was anyone watching Shutter Island this weekend who thought to themselves “I wish this was in 3D.” In fact, there probably were some people, and that’s the problem. I’ve begun to slowly accept and appreciate 3D when used properly (e.g. Avatar, Coraline, Tron Legacy) and used in moderation, as in not for every last movie. But with interest in 3D picking up again, that concern is becoming a reality. “If Coraline‘ was and Up was a subtle version of what you’d expect for 3-D, why couldn’t a traditional drama work just as well?” director Chris Columbus asks in an AP article on 3D. He’s not the only one they talk to!

The most interesting quote of the article comes from Shutter Island director and master filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who pitches in the opening paragraph: “Why couldn’t a film like Precious be in 3-D? It should be.” I love Scorsese, but that’s not a question I ever wanted to hear, especially because that’s right where they’re crossing the line with 3D. Scorsese goes on to try and convince us by saying, “we see in depth, for the most part. We go to the theater — it’s in depth.” True, but 3D is too gimmicky to work well for every movie. Just a few weeks ago we talked about how bad it is to convert a 2D movie in post instead of shooting in 3D.

Scorsese later goes on to say “I’d love to do [a 3D movie],” only as “long as he can still move the camera the way he’d like to.” Sure, maybe if they render a digital world and use the cameras Cameron used on Avatar. “It just seems natural that we’d be going in that direction,” he explains. “It’s going to be something to look forward to, but to be used interestingly.” I’m not sure “interestingly” is the right word to describe how it’s going to be used. I prefer inappropriately or excessively or poorly, which already happens all too often. It’s a good article and I suggest reading the entire thing. Does anyone actually want to see Precious in 3D?

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