J.J. Abram’s latest project, the “Star Trek” reboot, apparently has Lens Flares in almost every scene. According to Firstshowing, Abrams and cinematographer Daniel Mindel “use them a lot, we’re talking about in almost every scene, and multiple times in every scene.”
Lens Flares are usually an unwarranted by-product of a source of light off-camera causing a reflection in the shot, but can sometimes be used to enhance the realism of a scene. Abrams contends that they were not a product of sloppy photography but were used to add an incredibly overstated level of drama to the scenes.
“I wanted a visual system that felt unique. I know there are certain shots where even I watch and think, ‘Oh that’s ridiculous, that was too many.’ But I love the idea that the future was so bright it couldn’t be contained in the frame.” Shits deep, but Abrams didn’t stop there, and explained the importance of the flares, claiming them to be “like another actor in the scene. It was this ridiculous, added level of pain in the ass,” he said. “[The flares] to me, were a fun additional touch that I think, while overdone, in some places, it feels like the future is that bright.”
“Star Trek” opens May 8th, and when you are finding yourself thoroughly annoyed and blinded by the excess light reflecting into the shots, don’t focus on the headache you will surely have, but on all the extra drama and shit being added to the scene. [Firtshowing.net]