TRON: Legacy - A Visual Spectacle
When Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), the heir to the vast computer corporation left behind by Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), who disappeared 25 years ago, discovers his father in cyberspace, he finds him in dire straits. It turns out that the world of programs has been seized by Kevin’s younger double, Clu (Jeff Bridges), originally created as an assistant. Flynn Sr. himself is biding his time, waiting for an opportune moment to strike back, in the company of a spirited brunette (Olivia Wilde).
The primary question that arises in relation to “TRON: Legacy” is: who is this Joseph Kosinski – the person to whom Disney Studios entrusted a massive budget to realize a dream project based on a mere promise? Especially considering that the original film, which also cost a pretty penny back in its day, didn’t just flop at the box office, but failed spectacularly. In 1982, hardly anyone clearly understood the crucial role computers would soon play in human life. Well, Kosinski is a qualified architect who teaches a course in 3D modeling at his university and also directs commercials. In fact, his collaboration with Disney began when he presented them with a stunning promotional video with a concept for “TRON 2,” which they had been contemplating and hesitating to make for many years.
Visuals and Sound
However, all of this is just background information, as the question of the debutant’s competence disappears from the very first frames, making it clear what so impressed the Disney producers two years ago. The oppressive atmosphere of the operating room, thickened by the dark blue soundtrack of the French electronic duo Daft Punk, is relieved by gladiatorial battles (the weapon is a hard drive attached to each participant’s back), adrenaline-fueled chases (on ultra-high-speed motorcycles and modernized fighters), and neon lightning that occasionally illuminates the inky cyber-sky. “TRON” is beautiful. “TRON” is spectacular. “TRON” is 3D.
Technological Advancements
In general, the creators of “Legacy” initially aimed to be the new “Avatar” in terms of technology. Kosinski supposedly filmed motion capture with a larger number of cameras, and not only upgraded the 3D but also came up with the idea of making it interactive: the film’s prologue is shot in 2D, while it becomes stereoscopic only in cyberspace, when viewers have to put on glasses upon “entering.” In other words, the technology here truly works for physical immersion in the story: to follow Flynn’s son from the real world into the cybernetic world, you also need to make an effort.
Story vs. Spectacle
However, in terms of the story itself, or rather the dismissive attitude towards it, “Legacy” also followed in the footsteps of “Avatar”: the plot turns out to be just an excuse to demonstrate technical prowess. The question is, does it even matter if there are motorcycle races on the screen?