Narrative Perspectives and Embodiment in Cinematic Virtual Reality

Along with the technological advancements of virtual reality over the years, has come the emergence of Cinematic Virtual Reality (CVR), where immersive 360º degree video approaches the high-quality found in feature film. Extensive research has been done on embodiment and presence in relation to Virtual Reality (VR), however, there is a lack of existing literature on the narrative effects of embodiment and perspective in narrative VR films. Exploring the concept of viewer embodiment and its connection to the cinematic concept of narrative perspective, we conduct a review of literature in relation to CVR and flat screen cinema, selecting five CVR films to conduct an analysis of how cinematic techniques for establishing perspective and embodiment can be translated from flat screen cinema. Considering embodiment and perspective in CVR, we propose a spectrum of embodiment between extreme distancing from and extreme identification with characters in the narrative. Areas for future exploration are considered in light of the lack of research in this area.

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