Jasmine Soule
Elements of Film
14 May 2012
The
Evolution of Special Effects
Special effects have been around for many years, it has
continued to capture the minds and attention of the public. Special effects are
such a broad term because so many other aspects that goes under this
terminology. For instance, special effects can be considered,
computer-generated imagery, digital effects, computer animation, 3D graphics
animation and many other terms. All of these different terms have lead to the
evolution of cinematography and the beauty of it. There are countless movies
starting from the late 60s and on, that start to develop and change “special
effects” for movies that represent science fiction, surrealism and futuristic
plots that express pure creativity. On that note, the purpose of this paper is
to discuss the evolution of computer animation through innovators, and the
progression of different techniques in creating a movie. While also examining
the advancement of film technology, I believe it is necessary to take a look at
different movies throughout time to get a glimpse of expansion of movie
creativity. As movies go forward with intricate cinema techniques and camera skills,
the originality and pure imagination of cinema will continue to influence,
inspire, and change the lives of generations to come.
It is important to begin with the person who coined the
term “computer graphics,” William Fetter. William was an art director who
created the term computer graphics through his project in 1961. His creation
was the first human simulation in computer graphics. It is said that this
experiment of human figures “became one of the most iconic images of the early
history of computer graphics, and often were referred to as the ‘Boeing Man’”
(Wikipedia). This was only a start for more new and innovative technology to
come with special effects. The “new pioneers” in the mid 60s and 70s made way
with research, experimentations, and conventions that would help further along the
development of special effects in the film industry. For example, the 1968
movie 2001: A Space Odyssey is a great representation of the types of computer
graphic, film industry was working with.
Looking closely at the graphics, “the film's end in the Star Gate
sequence, astronaut David Bowman (Keir Dullea) traveled through the stargate
corridor in a dazzling sequence (using a slit-scan photographic
technique) - a sound and light hallucinatory journey or whirling lights and
colors in which he was hurled through and into another dimension…”
(filmsite.org). This scene is only one example of many throughout this movie,
that really gives the audience this surrealistic feeling through the animation
used in the film.
Furthermore,
“from around the early 1970s, much of the emphasis in computer animation
development was towards ever increasing realism in 3-D imagery, and on effects
designed for use in feature movies” (Wikipedia). I believe that a lot of directors and editors
were excited for this type of development because this type of technology would
bring a completely new edge to the film industry. 3-D computer animation was
just the tip of the iceberg, because it would bring a whole new complex
perspective to the tone and narrative of the film. When 3-D imagery was still
evolving in cinema during mid late 70s this is where the public first gets a
glimpse of the term, “CGI” computer-generated imagery, in the film Futureworld in 1976. This is the first
time Yul Brynner uses digital representation (CGI) in a featured film. However, the movie that
received awards and recognition for the visual effect would be, the 1977 movie
Stars Wars IV: A New Hope. With complex
camera movement and the usage of 3-D computer animation, “ this was the
first major work of George Lucas' visual effects company - Industrial Light
& Magic (ILM), which would become the biggest, most prestigious FX company
in film history” (filmsite.org). As we lead into the 80s, there are numerous
advancements in the CGI sector of the film industry. There is where the public
is starting to see futuristic type movies with more 3-D graphic imagery, making
the scenes more surrealistic and engaging for the audience. As story narratives
became more elaborate, the camera technique and computer animation became
sophisticated too allowing for a more eye-opening cinema style. Michele Pierson
(1999) makes the point, “popular discourses on CGI effects have also focused on
the dream of simulation: often presenting the latest Hollywood science-fiction
blockbuster as an invitation to participate in the techno-scientific adventure
that this dream represents” (167). A great example of this “techno-scientific
adventure” would be the 1982 Tron
movie, where they used the most computer-generated imagery at the time and created
a 3-D world. From the complex visual effects to the captivating soundtrack and
background creation, this movie captivated audiences with it directing,
illustration and editing, allow audience to enter in a different atmosphere
unlike real life.
There was much
improvement in the 80s and 90s in the special effect area with movies like The Abyss, Total Recall, Jurassic Park,
The Fifth Element, and last but not
least The Matrix.
From
the 2000 to present day, I would like to talk about movies that have influenced
my love for movies and special effects. There are out countless moves in the
2000s that have given a representation of the possibilities of visual effects
in some way. For example, The Matrix
Reloaded is one of my favorite trilogies that really use fantastic visual
animation. When Neo has to fight many Agent Smiths, this particular scene on
the roof is a great representation of facial computer animation.
Avatar, an Oscar award winning film, is
another representation of visual stunning piece of work, with the usage of 3-D
and CGI effects. Again with talking about ultramodern time, “this futuristic,
epic 3-D live-action film, with ground-breaking, Oscar-winning special effects.
Much of the film's reported budget of over $300 million was spent on CGI. (40%
of the film was live-action while 60% was photo-realistic CGI)” (filmsite.org).
Lastly, I would like to briefly talk about the film, Inception for its
innovative and ingenious techniques with the usage special effects. This film
won best visual effects and cinematography because of “some of the most
astonishing, surreal and ground-breaking special effects were seen in the
various dreamscapes where the laws of logic and gravity didn't hold”
(filmsite.org). This is only two years ago and I can only imagine what 2012
Summer blockbusters movies have to offer audiences, with remakes like Total
Recall and the originality of Prometheus. Special effects can only get better
with the advancement of technology and camera styles.
Work
Cited
History of Computer Animation. (n.d.). Wikipedia.
Retrieved May 14, 2012, from
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_computer_animation#The_New_Pioneers:_mid
60s_to_mid-70s
Pierson, M. (1999). CGI effects in Hollywood science-fiction
cinema 1989-95: the wonder
years. Screen,40(2),
158-176.
Visual and Special Effects Film Milestones. (n.d.). Greatest
Films - The Best Movies in
Cinematic History. Retrieved May 14, 2012, from
http://www.filmsite.org/visualeffects23.
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