Entertainment

A cinematic technology from a bygone era is experiencing a remarkable revival. VistaVision, a high-resolution film format popular in the 1950s, is increasingly being chosen by filmmakers seeking a distinctive visual aesthetic, even as the movie theater landscape faces ongoing challenges. This resurgence is highlighted by its use in two potential Academy Award contenders: Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Bugonia” and “One Battle After Another,” signaling a broader trend within the industry.

The appeal of VistaVision lies in its ability to capture images with exceptional clarity and detail. However, it’s also known for being a technically demanding format, requiring specialized cameras and processing. Its renewed popularity speaks to a desire among some filmmakers to prioritize visual quality and a unique look, potentially as a way to draw audiences back to the big screen experience. The format’s large negative size—eight perforations instead of the standard four—results in a wider aspect ratio and a more immersive image, offering a distinct alternative to digital filmmaking.

“Bugonia,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, is a black comedy thriller remake of the 2003 South Korean film “Save the Green Planet!” The film follows the story of two young men who kidnap a powerful CEO, suspecting she is an alien intent on destroying Earth. According to a report in The Hollywood Reporter, Lanthimos was immediately enthusiastic about the script and began working on the project quickly. The film, a co-production of the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Korea, and the United States, had a budget of $45–55 million and has grossed $41.6 million worldwide as of February 22, 2026, according to Wikipedia.

The choice to utilize VistaVision on “Bugonia” wasn’t accidental. Lanthimos, known for his distinctive directorial style, reportedly embraced the format’s unique qualities. A recent Los Angeles Times article highlighted the collaborative dynamic between Lanthimos, Stone, and Plemons, noting the director’s unconventional rehearsal techniques. The article also details the film’s plot, centering on the kidnapping of a pharmaceutical CEO, played by Stone, by two men who believe she is an extraterrestrial.

The revival of VistaVision isn’t solely about aesthetics. It also represents a deliberate choice to engage with the physicality of filmmaking. Unlike digital workflows, VistaVision requires a more hands-on approach, from loading film stock to carefully calibrating the camera. This tactile process can influence the creative decisions made on set, fostering a different kind of connection between the filmmakers and the images they are capturing. As reported by NPR’s Mandalit Del Barco, the format is “visually stunning yet finicky,” requiring a dedicated team and meticulous attention to detail.

The use of VistaVision in “Bugonia” and “One Battle After Another” comes at a time when the movie theater industry is grappling with shifting audience habits and the rise of streaming services. Filmmakers are increasingly exploring ways to create a compelling cinematic experience that justifies the trip to the theater. The distinctive look and experience of VistaVision may be one way to achieve this, offering audiences something they can’t easily replicate at home.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether VistaVision will become a widespread trend or remain a niche choice for filmmakers. However, its current resurgence demonstrates a continued desire to experiment with different formats and push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. The success of “Bugonia” and “One Battle After Another” at the upcoming Academy Awards could further solidify VistaVision’s place in the modern filmmaking landscape.

What are your thoughts on the return of classic film formats? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow film enthusiasts!

Romance scams have long been associated with financial exploitation, preying on individuals seeking connection online. But a disturbing new trend is emerging: fraudsters are increasingly recruiting their romantic partners into elaborate insurance fraud schemes, shifting the focus from draining bank accounts to manipulating insurance payouts. This tactic, while potentially less immediately damaging financially for the victim, carries significant legal risks and can have long-lasting consequences.

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) in the UK is warning that these scams often start like typical romance frauds, with criminals building trust and affection before revealing their illicit intentions. However, instead of requesting money, these scammers ask their partners to participate in staged accidents or to take out insurance policies with the intent of filing false claims. This new approach is proving tough to detect, as victims may be hesitant to come forward due to shame or a lack of understanding of the severity of their involvement.

Nicola Smith, intelligence and investigation manager at the IFB, explains that the core of this scam isn’t financial gain from the victim, but rather the exploitation of their identity. “The generic reason that it might be going under-reported is because of the shame around the situation,” Smith said. “But also this tactic is different in that the target isn’t being hugely financially impacted. They’re not being asked for money. They’re being asked to apply their identity.” The IFB notes that many cases likely travel unreported, highlighting the need for increased awareness.

Last year, Nathan Atkins was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment at Bournemouth Crown Court after manipulating women he met on dating sites into participating in planned car crashes. Atkins persuaded the women to stage accidents at specific locations, subsequently filing personal injury claims that insurers ultimately paid out on. This case underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating these evolving scams.

The Mechanics of the Scam

Unlike traditional romance fraud, where victims are directly financially exploited, this new scheme targets a victim’s willingness to comply. Scammers identify individuals they believe they can persuade to participate in fraudulent activity, rather than those with substantial savings. “You don’t have to have lots of money to be a target of this scam because all they need is your identity,” Smith emphasized. “What they want from you is your agreement to take part in a scam.”

The process often involves the scammer providing a detailed script or account of events for the victim to follow. This could range from simply answering a phone call from an insurer and falsely claiming to have been a passenger in a vehicle, to actively participating in a staged accident. The ultimate goal is to deceive the insurance company into making a payout based on false information.

The Risks for Victims

While the immediate financial impact on the victim may seem minimal, the potential consequences are significant. Complicity in insurance fraud is a serious criminal offense, and even avoiding prosecution doesn’t guarantee freedom from repercussions. Individuals involved can be added to the Insurance Fraud Register (IFR) for up to five years, making it incredibly difficult to obtain insurance in the future and potentially impacting their credit score.

Shelley Comb, IFB intelligence and investigations manager, warns, “Being convicted of insurance fraud can have life-changing consequences; don’t risk it all to line someone’s pocket.” Insurers routinely check the IFR when processing new policies, and a listing can result in increased premiums or outright denial of coverage. This can have cascading effects, potentially leading to job loss or difficulty finding employment.

Protecting Yourself and Reporting Fraud

If you’ve met someone online who asks you to participate in any illegal activity, the IFB advises immediately reporting the individual to the dating app or social media platform. Screenshots of conversations can be valuable evidence for law enforcement. You can also report suspected fraud to the police and through the service Report Fraud.

The IFB operates Cheatline, a confidential online tool for reporting insurance fraud. A key tactic used by scammers is creating a sense of urgency, pressuring victims to act quickly without careful consideration. The IFB recommends offering to contact emergency services if someone you’ve met online needs urgent assist, and being wary of anyone who declines this offer.

As online relationships become increasingly common, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and aware of the potential for exploitation. This evolving form of romance fraud highlights the importance of critical thinking and caution when connecting with individuals online. The IFB continues to investigate these cases and work with law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice.

The rise of these schemes underscores the need for continued public awareness and proactive reporting. As scammers adapt their tactics, staying informed and exercising caution are the best defenses against becoming a victim.

What are your thoughts on this evolving scam? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below.