The past and present of virtual worlds. Illusion and immersion in early cinema

Abstract

This (Dis)Agreements section aims to explore the different ways in which we can understand the notion of virtual in Early Cinema. The dialogue between Guillaume Soulez (Paris III University – The Sorbonne) and Sonsoles Hernández (University of the Balearic Islands) is a developing process reflection and definition of the key concepts involved in the construction of virtual worlds (immersion, simulation, fiction, illusion, as the notion of virtuality itself). On the other hand, it has been an opportunity to draw meeting points, recognize strategies and establish affiliations between Early Cinema, current technologies (VR, AR, videogames) and the optical shows of the past (panoramas, mareorama, optical views).