Amazing VFX in Classic Films – How Did They Do It?

The Enduring Magic of Practical Effects: Lessons for VFX Artists

For visual effects artists, looking back at the history of filmmaking is not just a nostalgic exercise, it's a crucial guide for innovation. The early days of cinema were brimming with ingenious solutions to seemingly impossible problems, creating magic before the lens with limited resources. These techniques, born from necessity, continue to inform and inspire modern VFX. Watch as the brilliant Film Riot delve into some classic examples and uncover the secrets behind their enduring appeal.

Superman (1978): The Illusion of Flight and Speed

The 1978 film Superman presented a unique challenge: making a man fly and run at superhuman speeds. The film's solution for the running effect was surprisingly simple yet effective. The actor was suspended on wires, not touching the ground, creating the illusion of speed. While this may look rudimentary by today's standards, it was a clever in-camera solution that kept the actor's shadow grounded, adding to the believability. This technique, refined over time, paved the way for modern techniques like the "magic carpet" seen in The Wolfman and Underworld. In these films, actors ran on a carpet pulled by a vehicle, achieving the illusion of impossible speed.

The flying sequences in Superman were even more groundbreaking. While wirework and blue screen were used, the most convincing technique employed a form of front projection using a special screen called the "Scotchlite" made by 3M. This screen, composed of tiny glass beads, reflects light back at an incredibly high intensity, but only in the direction it came from. A beam splitter, a two-way mirror, was placed in front of the camera. A projector shone its image onto the mirror, which then reflected onto the Scotchlite screen and back to the camera lens.

What made this setup truly special was that the projector, camera, and beam splitter were mounted on a rig that could be synced and operated in unison. This allowed the filmmakers to move the rig, not the actor, to create the illusion of flight. Zoom lenses on both the camera and projector, synced to be controlled remotely, allowed them to scale the actor while keeping the projected image consistent. This innovative approach eliminated the need for wires and allowed the actor to be positioned closer to the screen, avoiding the black outline often seen in other films of the era. This technique, in essence, was a precursor to modern virtual production, demonstrating the power of combining practical ingenuity with technical innovation.

The Terminator (1984): Low-Budget Ingenuity

James Cameron's The Terminator, despite its low budget, is a masterclass in resourceful filmmaking. The iconic scene where the Terminator punches through a car windshield was achieved using a pneumatic ram with a fake arm attached. The ram itself was too large to move, so instead, a 50-foot false brick wall was mounted on a semi-truck that drove past the car at the precise moment of impact. This clever solution allowed them to capture the effect in camera, adding to the film's gritty realism.

Another memorable moment, the crushing of the Terminator's head, was achieved with a combination of foam core, tin foil, a light bulb, and cigarette smoke. This DIY approach demonstrates that even the most impactful moments can be achieved with simple materials and a creative vision. The film also highlights the importance of improvisation. When a prop body bag was needed, Cameron simply grabbed his vinyl suit bag, and it worked perfectly in the shot.

The film's final shot, a seemingly simple shot of a car driving away, was filmed without permits, almost resulting in a run-in with the police. The filmmakers, however, managed to convince the officer that it was a student film project, highlighting the power of resourcefulness and quick thinking.

The Shape of Water (2017): Blending Practical and Digital

Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water showcases the perfect marriage of classic practical effects with modern digital techniques. The opening scene, featuring a submerged apartment, was achieved using a combination of in-camera techniques and CGI. Actors and props were suspended on wires, filmed with high-contrast lighting and fans. The sound stage was then flooded to create an underwater atmosphere. CGI was used to add floating props, water bubbles, and floating hair, further enhancing the illusion. Powerful overhead projectors running pre-rendered high-contrast animated patterns created the illusion of caustics, the lighting effect seen underwater. This sequence demonstrates that the most compelling visual effects often result from a thoughtful combination of practical methods and digital enhancements.

Lessons for VFX Artists

These examples from classic films offer valuable lessons for VFX artists:

• Embrace In-Camera Solutions: Practical effects, when possible, add a level of realism and tangibility that can be difficult to replicate with CGI alone.
• Resourcefulness is Key: Limited resources can often breed creativity and innovation.
• Don't Be Afraid to Improvise: Sometimes the best solutions are discovered in the moment.
• Learn from the Past: Studying the techniques of classic films can provide a foundation for new ideas and approaches.
• Blend Practical and Digital: The most impactful visual effects often result from a thoughtful combination of both.

By embracing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of filmmakers past, VFX artists can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, creating truly magical moments on screen. The history of visual effects is not just a collection of old techniques; it's a treasure trove of inspiration waiting to be unearthed and built upon.