Scott Pilgrim: Panel to Screen

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Zac Petrillo

I believe that Scott Pilgrim vs. the World didn’t catch on with audiences because it broke from a carefully programmed formula of what a superhero, comic book, or video game movie is supposed to be. However, those three categories don’t need to be thought of only in terms of how much money they can make by way of how “awesome” they might be. In fact, as the below video analyzes, there’s a potential for an interactive art form with multitudes of angles. The possibilities for this kind of cross-media experience is endless and, if taken only as a film, there’s long line of threads that stories may go; each defying the Hollywood standard of world annihilation and 45-minute explosive denouements where the best that can be said is the “direction was clear.” For what it’s worth, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had at the movies. I’d love to see this kind of film continue to evolve.

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2 Responses to Scott Pilgrim: Panel to Screen

DrFrood says:

February 13, 2013 at 1:48 pm

I too thought found it unusual and visually striking. But as a film I didn’t think it quite worked – kudos for the imaginative styling, but it lacked a little heart. And for all it’s colour it was a strangely flat experience.

Which is a little strange because in Jason Schwartzmann and Michael Cera it has two of my favourite (mostly) comic actors, and between them you tend to get plenty of heart (Cera) and colourful antics (Schwartzmann).

I did wonder if all the visual stuff kept the audience at arms length, same as with A Scanner Darkly (arguably).

That being said, I’d like to see more idiosyncratic films in cinemas.

PS: Cross media/multi media platforms and storytelling do extend the possibilities enormously, but whenever I hear about it I’m reminded of the Matrix sequels and come out in hives.

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DrFrood says:

February 13, 2013 at 1:51 pm

PPS: here’s a question: did you see it in a cinema or at home or where? Because I think that would make a huge difference with a film that puts so much stock into its visual and aural impact.

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