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Upon its debut in 1996, the video game “Tomb Raider” quickly gained media attention primarily for the distinctive presentation of its protagonist, Lara Croft. Featuring noticeable assets and an exaggerated figure, Lara’s portrayal was a continuation of the gaming industry’s history with sexualized content—though perhaps none as notorious as the 1982 Atari title “Custer’s Revenge,” which is best not explored during work hours.
The franchise’s leap to the big screen in 2001 with “Tomb Raider,” casting Angelina Jolie as the titular character, provoked contemplation in director Gus Van Sant. Having immersed himself in the world of “Tomb Raider,” Van Sant was somewhat disconcerted to find that the film’s director, Simon West, intended to approach the adaptation with traditional cinematic techniques. Van Sant, accustomed to the video game’s aesthetic of constantly keeping Lara centered and the camera persistently behind her, believed that the film adaptation would benefit from mimicking this style. He conveyed this vision to Harris Savides, his cinematographer for the film “Gerry”:
“[W]hen I heard they were doing ‘Tomb Raider,’ I was kind of interested in it, but I also knew that they were thinking in terms of an action movie, and the game’s not like that. I mean, there are action moments, but there’s lots of other stuff going on—swimming, walking, climbing through great expanses. One of the cool things about it is the sound, but also the camera. I showed the game to Harris before we shot.”
Van Sant’s film “Gerry” notably exhibits the aforementioned video gaming narrative techniques.
FAQs about the Influence of ‘Tomb Raider’ on Gus Van Sant’s Film
What is “Tomb Raider”?
“Tomb Raider” is a celebrated video game franchise that began in 1997 and follows the adventures of Lara Croft, a British archaeologist and adventurer. The series is known for its action-adventure gameplay and has been influential in the gaming industry.
Who is Gus Van Sant?
Gus Van Sant is an American film director, screenwriter, and author known for directing films like “Good Will Hunting,” “My Own Private Idaho,” and “Milk.” His style often includes experimental and unconventional storytelling techniques.
How did “Tomb Raider” influence Gus Van Sant’s work?
After playing “Tomb Raider” and considering the approach to its cinematic adaptation, Van Sant was inspired to apply the game’s distinctive visual style to his own work. This can particularly be seen in his film “Gerry,” where the camera keeps the character in the center of the frame, much like in the “Tomb Raider” game.
What is the film “Gerry” about?
“Gerry” is a 2002 American drama film directed by Gus Van Sant that stars Matt Damon and Casey Affleck as two friends who find themselves lost in the desert with no food, water, or sense of direction. The film’s style is marked by long takes and a minimalist approach.
Why was Gus Van Sant interested in the film adaptation of “Tomb Raider”?
Van Sant had an interest in the juxtaposition of video game aesthetics with film narrative, particularly the way “Tomb Raider” centered its gameplay on the character of Lara Croft. He was curious about how those elements could influence cinematic storytelling and considered how he might employ them in his own filmmaking.