The nature of the movies is different than it was five years

Tom Hanks’ words, "The nature of the movies is different than it was five years ago, and they're all driven by the possibilities of CGI, which means you can make anything happen on screen that you can possibly desire," speak to the profound transformation in the world of cinema. Hanks’ reflection touches on the boundless possibilities of modern filmmaking, where Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) has made it possible to create worlds, characters, and scenarios that were once beyond the realm of imagination. With the advent of CGI, the barriers of reality have been pushed aside, and filmmakers can now manifest the impossible—from mythical creatures to explosions in space. This shift in the nature of movies reflects a broader trend in human creativity, where technological advancements continuously expand what is possible, making art not just a reflection of the world, but an exploration of the infinite potential within the human mind.

In the ancient world, storytellers were similarly limited by the tools at their disposal. Homer, when composing the Iliad and Odyssey, did not have the luxury of depicting gods in the sky or monsters in the sea through the imagery that we can now achieve on screen. He relied instead on language, metaphor, and the power of spoken word to create vivid images in the minds of his listeners. The gods and monsters in his epics were not visually seen but deeply felt, their presence revealed through the weight of the narrative. The limits of the storyteller’s craft, however, did not diminish the impact or power of these stories. In the same way, the imagination of modern filmmakers, freed from the restrictions of physical sets and real-world physics, can now give visual form to the most fantastical concepts.

The Greek playwrights also had their own ways of using limited resources to create awe-inspiring spectacles. Aeschylus and Sophocles employed intricate stagecraft and symbolism to evoke grand ideas of fate and divine intervention. They were aware of the power of illusion—that is, the ability to create a perceived reality—even though their resources were nowhere near as advanced as modern filmmakers. The ancient Greeks understood that the essence of storytelling lies not in the limitations of tools, but in the boundless nature of human imagination. Hanks’ statement about CGI echoes this ancient understanding—today’s tools, though more sophisticated, are still part of the same continuum of human creativity, where vision drives the story, and technology simply enables its realization.

CGI has not only expanded the creative possibilities in film, but it has also redefined what is possible in storytelling. Just as Shakespeare expanded the boundaries of drama with his rich characters and complex plots, so too have filmmakers used CGI to create narratives that break the boundaries of what could once only be imagined. Consider the impact of James Cameron’s Avatar, where CGI was used to create an entire world—Pandora—that felt as alive as the earth itself. The fusion of advanced technology and storytelling in Avatar brought a new level of immersion to film, making the audience feel as if they were walking through the world of the film rather than simply observing it. This is the power of CGI—it allows filmmakers to transcend the limitations of reality and create worlds that challenge our perceptions of the possible.

In the ancient world, visionary creators like Daedalus, the master craftsman of Greek mythology, pushed the boundaries of what was achievable with the tools of their time. Daedalus, who crafted the labyrinth that contained the Minotaur, was revered not only for his technical skill but for his unlimited imagination. His creations defied the norms of the age, building complex structures that seemed to transcend the very laws of nature. CGI in modern filmmaking serves a similar purpose—it is a tool that extends human imagination, enabling artists to craft worlds, creatures, and experiences that were once relegated to myth and legend. Just as Daedalus’ ingenuity allowed him to escape the limits of his craft, so too does CGI provide filmmakers with the ability to break free from the physical and logical constraints of the real world.

The lesson in Hanks’ words is one of embracing the endless possibilities that technology offers, while also recognizing the responsibility that comes with it. Just as Daedalus’ creations were both wondrous and dangerous, so too does the power of CGI require a thoughtful and mindful approach. Imagination should not be used to simply create spectacle, but to bring meaning and depth to stories. As artists, we must remember that the most profound stories are not just about what is seen on screen, but about what is felt in the heart of the audience. CGI, in its brilliance, should serve the narrative—not replace it. The human experience is still at the heart of every story, and the most powerful use of CGI is in service of that experience.

As you walk through life, embrace the tools at your disposal, whether they be technology, knowledge, or skill. Seek out the boundless potential that these tools offer, but do not lose sight of the deeper purpose behind their use. In your own creative endeavors, whether in art, work, or relationships, ask yourself: What is the true purpose of what I am creating? How can I use my abilities to bring meaning and depth to the world around me? Just as CGI allows filmmakers to create incredible worlds, so too can your creativity and vision shape the world in ways that inspire and uplift those around you. Use your imagination freely, but always with purpose and integrity. In this, you will create something that lasts, something that transcends the limitations of the present and reaches into the infinite possibilities of the future.