Shin Itagaki is a director who provokes mixed reactions. Known for his experimental style and controversial use of 3DCG, his works like Berserk (2016) and Teekyu are a constant visual frenzy. His extreme camera movements and blend of techniques aim to break conventions, though not always with polished results.
3DCG and Impossible Shots: Itagaki's Technique 🎬
Itagaki employs a combination of traditional animation and 3DCG that often clashes with industry standards. In Berserk (2016), for example, abrupt transitions and forced camera angles create a sense of instability. His use of CGI does not aim for realism, but for visual impact, albeit at the cost of questionable fluidity. This technical approach, which prioritizes experimentation over correctness, defines his personal signature.
When CGI Looks Like a PS2 Video Game 🎮
Watching Itagaki's Berserk (2016) is like remembering those late-night sessions playing an action game from the 2000s: flat textures, rigid movements, and a camera that seems to have a mind of its own. But hey, at least it's not boring. While other directors strive for technical perfection, Itagaki seems to ask himself: what if we just make Guts look like a plastic doll? And he succeeds.