If you wish to make a 3D film or movie, it may be best to hire the best filmmaker who loves working in the format. And that filmmaker is James Cameron. After amazing audiences with his visually incredible franchise, Avatar, Cameron has become the leading expert in making 3D movies. So it makes perfect sense that Billie Eilish hired Cameron as the co-director of her new 3D concert film, Hit Me Hard and Soft. I was a bit surprised and disappointed that Eilish and Cameron didn’t choose the IMAX format for their concert project. Still, the result is a mostly visually stunning film that highlights the gorgeous visual effects, the immense stage design, and the big, vibrant stage persona that Eilish brings to her shows.
Eilish and Cameron not only capture a complete concert from the singer-songwriter’s most recent tour, but also give the audience a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the artist, her band, her concert crew, and a wealth of reactions from her more adoring fans. It truly is an exciting, entertaining, and heartwarming experience to witness such a talented artist and performer pour so much passion and energy into her show, while also connecting on a deeper level with everyone she encounters.
Though I do not know Elish’s music and songs well, I had a great time with this concert film. Her infectious, and often high-energy music, her great singing, and the incredible stage effects show how much effort Eilish and her team put into one of her grand shows. Cameron and his team use their filmmaking skills well to present the concert in a visually impressive way. I say mostly well, because there are occasions that the 3D format doesn’t lend itself well to certain shots capturing the concert. This issue is probably due to a combination of factors, including the concert’s framing, strobe effects, and lighting choices. Don’t get me wrong, though, there are still plenty of incredible and impressive shots that are guaranteed to immerse the audience within the show.
For this concert movie, Cameron and his crew used virtual reality technology through a partnership with Meta Platforms, and it will be released for enjoyment on Meta Quest headsets in addition to its theatrical release. I am guessing that the virtual reality experience is way better than the theatrical version, but I still recommend it for Billie Eilish fans who do not have access to the VR equipment. While the theatrical version of the movie does have some incredible visual moments, I have seen better 3D filmmaking for the IMAX format with the concert film, U2 3D. As for the film’s content, it’s a highly enjoyable way to become acquainted with Eilish’s songs, music, and magnetic personality, which have captivated her fans for several years now.