Antonio Banderas Reveals Steven Spielberg's Shocking Prediction On Zorro Set
Antonio Banderas recalls Spielberg's prophecy on Zorro set: An insightful glimpse into the CGI-dominated future
The Mask of Zorro star Antonio Banderas shares Steven Spielberg's foresight on the future of movies during their work on the film in the late '90s. Spielberg predicted the dominance of CGI in the movie industry, a prediction which has proven to be true. Here is Banderas' complete statement: "During the production of The Mask of Zorro, Steven Spielberg had a vision of the future where CGI would play a major role in filmmaking, and his prediction has certainly come to pass."
"During the shoot, Steven Spielberg mentioned to me that this Western film would likely be one of the last to capture the essence of the old days, with genuine scenes featuring real horses and authentic sword fighting, without relying on CGI. Every element was hands-on.
He also predicted that the industry would undergo rapid changes, making it all the more crucial for me to feel proud of this movie. Looking back, I am even prouder now than I was during its production."
Was Steven Spielberg Right About Zorro?
I may not have been fully aware at the time, but while working on Zorro, I couldn't predict the significant impact it would have. The lasting impact it continues to have, even after 25 years, is remarkable. It was an enchanting adventure movie that possessed various elements that made it truly remarkable. I cherish nothing but fond memories of that experience."
Despite the decline of the Western genre, there have been several notable releases in recent years. Films such as 3:10 to Yuma (2007), True Grit (2010), Django Unchained (2012), The Hateful Eight (2015), The Magnificent Seven (2016), Hostiles (2017), and The Harder They Fall (2021) have all contributed to keeping the genre alive. Although these movies may make use of visual effects for certain elements like muzzle flashes, blood spatters, and environmental adjustments, practical effects still play a significant role.
While Spielberg's statement holds some truth regarding The Mask of Zorro and the state of Western films, it also applies broadly to action movies. Following Campbell's interpretation of Zorro, action/adventure films began to increasingly rely on visual effects, including stunts, grand-scale sets, and environments.
However, practical filmmaking continues to hold significance. As a response to the prevalence of subpar CGI in contemporary movies, franchises such as John Wick and Mission: Impossible remain dedicated to a traditional filmmaking approach, emphasizing real stunts, real locations, and real actors. While Spielberg's assertion that The Mask of Zorro marked the end of its kind is accurate, fortunately, there are still a few contemporary filmmakers striving to revive the essence of practical filmmaking, albeit not predominantly in the Western genre.
Source: Yahoo! Entertainment
