Why Public Perception Varies in CGI Use: A Comparative Analysis of Star Wars Rogue One and Justice League

The use of CGI in modern blockbuster films is a common occurrence, though the public's reaction to it can vary widely depending on the specific film and the execution of CGI work. This article explores why the audience tends to be more forgiving of CGI characters in Star Wars Rogue One, while still expressing strong dissatisfaction with certain CGI elements in Justice League.

Star Wars Rogue One: A Conscious Decision

Star Wars Rogue One, the 2016 film, faced a unique challenge in its portrayal of certain characters due to the untimely death of British actress Natalie Adele Richardson, who played the character of Mon Mothma. Despite the loss, the filmmakers decided to not cast a replacement actress for the role, opting instead to use computer-generated imagery (CGI) to continue Mon Mothma's story.

This conscious decision by the studio and filmmakers was part of a deliberate effort to maintain continuity and honor the character's legacy in the wake of the tragedy. The use of CGI for Mon Mothma's role was seen as a creative choice rather than a technical necessity, aligning with the Star Wars franchise's approach to embracing new technologies while respecting the iconic characters fans hold dear.

Justice League: The Perfect Storm of Factors

In sharp contrast, the use of CGI for Justice League and specifically for actor Henry Cavill, who portrayed Superman, garnered significant criticism. The primary issues surrounding the CGI in Justice League stem from three major factors:

1. Creative Direction Mismatch

Director Zach Snyder, known for his moody, dark, and brooding style, passed away during the shooting of Justice League. This led to a sudden change in creative direction with the arrival of Joss Whedon, who aimed to infuse the film with more lighthearted tones characteristic of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Why It Matters: Fans of both the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and the MCU had a specific set of expectations for the tone and style of each universe. Whedon's attempt to bridge these universes by making Justice League funnier and more light-hearted was seen as a betrayal by DC fans, who preferred the more serious tone of the Snyder cut.

2. Crisis of Timeliness and Actor Scheduling

Unfortunately, when Joss Whedon took over, he was also working on the re-shoots for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This presented a significant scheduling conflict for Henry Cavill, who had to balance shooting The Force Awakens with his commitments to Justice League.

Why It Matters: While Cavill was willing to participate in the re-shoots, his primary focus was on his upcoming film Justice: Impossible Missions, which was also being produced by Paramount. Paramour, his current studio, would not allow him to shave his beard and mustache, which were integral to his role in the original Justice League.

3. Quality of Final Product

Perhaps the most contentious issue was the quality of the CGI used on Henry Cavill's face. The hastily executed facial reconstruction for Justice League resulted in a noticeable and clunky lip sync, which detracted from the overall viewing experience.

One drawback was the timing:

Why It Matters: The re-shoots were conducted later in the summer, and there was insufficient time to properly refine the CGI to achieve a seamless effect. The rushed nature of the process led to less than satisfactory results, particularly during scenes where the characters were supposed to be engaging in natural, witty banter reminiscent of the MCU.

This mismatch in quality and timing between the serious Star Wars and the more lighthearted Justice League created a stark contrast in public perception, with Rogue One being praised for its thoughtful use of CGI, and Justice League facing severe criticism for its poorly executed CGI.

Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

The differing public reactions to CGI in Star Wars Rogue One and Justice League highlight the delicate balance between honoring fan expectations and embracing new technologies. While Star Wars chose to use CGI as a seamless part of the franchise, Justice League faced complications due to creative direction changes, scheduling conflicts, and the imperfect execution of facial CGI.

Both examples serve as case studies in the evolving landscape of film production and audience reception. They remind us that the success of CGI integration depends not only on the technology used but also on the thoughtful application and the overall storytelling experience it contributes to.