Augmented Reality Cinema. Reformulation of the Cinematographic Apparatus: a Jester's Tale Case Study

Abstract

The emergence of immersive technologies and the recording of volumetric images are giving rise to innovative augmented reality (AR) audiovisual fiction productions. In response to this reformulation of the audiovisual narrative device and with the aim of examining the technological and ideological drifts of these immersive cinematic practices, it is necessary to explore in depth the key aspects of the evolving cinematic apparatus. From a qualitative perspective, a first phase of literature review was followed by a case study of the volumetric augmented reality film A Jester's Tale (Malik, 2019), structured in two blocks. The first consists of semi-structured interviews with the author and the second of an analysis of the work through a proprietary model. The reconfiguration of the cinematic apparatus in the context of AR is demonstrated. Moreover, the difference in its production and consumption with respect to conventional cinema procedures, where the interactivity layer is particularly relevant, is significant. A strategy of fracturing the focalisation of the narrative is also observed, which generates two types of spectators, the ones who are questioned and interact and the invisible spectators. Finally, narrative is identified as a primary technology in internal tension with the technological drifts of the audiovisual device.