VR FILM - SHIFTING PERSPECTIVE
Instead of telling a story from a singular perspective, what if we could warp from one character to another. Furthermore how would the experience change if we were to allow branching narrative from each of these perspectives? How would this affects the viewer's state of mind. The type of narrative that might work in this space would have to include characters with opposing but equally legitimate goals. This would would allow the viewer greater insight into the characters but the scenario itself; call it scenario empathy. This would also problematize the decision making. For instance envisage a scene between an interrogator and a suspect where the latter is guilty of crime but for legitimate needs. The question of what the viewer is thinking as the narrative is received is an important one. The mindset to architect in this type of an experience is not simply hearing story, but instead identifying a goal based on this heightened clarity on character goals and working towards an outcome by making semi informed decisions in the branching narrative. VR film has so far been heavily constrained by the medium itself. For example, the fact that the viewer has no locomotion capacity is masked by stories where the protagonist is wheelchair bound. The ability to swap perspectives might also be a powerful new tool in the filmmakers arsenal and tell different types of stories. Is it possible that this is the VR equivalent of a film cut? |