Nowadays, many movies seem to have lost their spark.
The overuse of CGI and AI has made films visually impressive but emotionally hollow.
When we look back and compare classic films to today’s blockbusters, it’s easy to feel a deeper emotional connection with the old masterpieces.
Behind the scenes, everything used to be crafted manually, requiring a lot of creativity, wisdom, and true filmmaking artistry — something that’s becoming rare in today's productions.
A great example is The Thing (1982), a movie that doesn’t just scare you — it immerses you. It plays with your deepest fears: the idea that someone you trust could actually be a monstrous impostor.
It’s a thrilling, emotional experience that modern technology often fails to replicate.
Let’s work together to bring back that passion, authenticity, and magic in filmmaking.
Who’s with me? Let's revive the golden age — one story at a time!
Hi, Edivelton Alcantara. I’m a Stage 32 Lounge Moderator. I wanted to let you know that I moved your post from the Cinematography Lounge to the Filmmaking/Directing Lounge since it fits better here. Let me know if you have any questions.
I like seeing practical effects and CGI in movies, but I prefer practical. It's not just the look of practical. It's knowing that people put in the work to make something physical. And I feel more connected with practical effects since they're real.
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Thank you very much for the help! Haha, I’m still not used to the site, but thank you!
You're welcome, Edivelton Alcantara. What's one of your favorite practical effects in movies (past or present)?
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I completely understand your frustration, and I deeply resonate with your desire to bring back authenticity to the forefront of filmmaking.
Personally, I choose not to use AI in my screenwriting. Not because I can’t, but because I know real magic comes from a place far deeper than any neural network it comes from pain, from love, from memories, from the questions that haunt us and the revelations that strike at 3 a.m.
My ideas aren’t generated they’re lived. They’re the result of decades of observation, introspection, and a genuine love for cinema that changes lives.
So yes, in an age where AI and machines seem to be taking over, I’ve chosen to be a classic. Maybe the last of my kind. One who still believes that a story told from the soul can do more than a thousand visual effects.
Patience is the virtue of those who know what they carry in their hands. I’m sure that one of my screenplays will make its way into the world and when it does, it will be the kind of film people talk about for years. Not because it was flashy. But because it was real. Because it made them feel.
I’m here to bring back emotions that stay. The kind of story that stays.
I’m Petru Gradinariu and I PROMISE I will change the world!
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I highly agree Edivelton Alcantara! It seems like there is a shortcut for creativity these days and that manual creativity can feel somewhat on the decline, however, I believe that some of the best stories will prevail. Take SINNERS for example, no AI and practical effects and the impact that will have on future films will be pivotal! I think things kinds of conversation are especially important to have as we've seen AI come the rise and be marketed to be not evil, however, as a whole we have no idea to how to probe that!