Has CGI got no soul?

Do computer generated effects lack soul?

I watched Labyrinth the other day and was struck by the level of handcrafted artistry in the film. I was also alarmed by David Bowie's bulging jodphurs, but that's another story.

It's easy to forget how effect films used to be made before computers solved every problem. A film like Labyrinth was made using artistry, paper mache and lots of little people. It's handmade and beautiful. Every puppet is sculpted by hand and every fantasy landscape is hand painted. It means you get gorgeous shots like this:

You respond to the handmade human touch at work. The effects have a heft and weight that feels undeniably real.

It is also nice that a film such as Labyrinth was made using the same skills and tricks used by filmmakers as far back as George Melies. Those matte paintings hark back to beautiful shots like this one from Black Narcissus:

In the shot above everything on the right is a painting and the woman and the bell on the left are real.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not a luddite. Computer generated effects in the right hands can be a marvellous thing. All effects should simply serve the story and keep out of the way. Look at the majesty of Jurassic Park. But I miss the soul of a painting or a hand-carved puppet.

But, all is not lost. These are not completely dead arts. There is a film in cinemas at the moment that is full of handcrafted detail. It is called The Pirates! Band of Misfits. Look at this:

Beautiful, eh?

But, what do you think? Is something being lost in the rush to CGI? Can computers beat human artistry?

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