What are Special Effects in Movies — History & Types Explained

SFX vs VFX

Types of Special Effects

Special effects in film can be divided into two main categories: practical and digital. Both types of special effects have their unique strengths and limitations, and filmmakers often combine them to achieve the desired effect. Let’s take a look at SFX vs VFX.

Practical Effects

Practical effects involve creating physical illusions on set using props, makeup, animatronics, prosthetics, miniatures, pyrotechnics, etc. These effects are often used to create a sense of realism or tangibility in a scene, and can be particularly effective for portraying physical objects such as explosions, creatures, or vehicles. Practical effects can also help actors get into character by providing them with tangible objects to interact with on set. 

One of the biggest proponents of the use of practical effects is director Christopher Nolan. In Nolan’s best films from Inception to Dunkirk, Nolan opts for practical effects whenever possible. These range from iconic stunts, miniature models, and in the case of Inception — moving sets.

Check our analysis of how Nolan shot one of the most iconic scenes from Inception with practical effects. 

However, practical effects can be costly and time-consuming to create, and may not always provide the level of control or flexibility that digital effects offer. Despite these limitations, many filmmakers continue to use practical effects for their unique aesthetic qualities and ability to create a sense of authenticity.

Visual Effects 

Visual effects, often abbreviated as VFX, are a type of digital effect used in films and other media to create or enhance imagery that cannot be achieved through practical means. These effects can range from simple compositing of different elements to create a seamless shot, to complex simulations of physics, weather, or other natural phenomena. 

Visual effects can also be used to create fantastical creatures, environments, or events that would be impossible to film in real life. Let’s take a look at another scene from Inception where Nolan actually opted to use VFX.

In this breakdown video, we analyze how and why the scene called for VFX and what it takes to recreate VFX in post-production. 

While visual effects offer filmmakers a great deal of creative freedom and flexibility, they can also be time-consuming and expensive to produce. 

Additionally, poorly executed visual effects can detract from the overall quality of a film if they appear unrealistic or out of place. As such, it is important for filmmakers to carefully consider their use of VFX in order to achieve the desired effect while maintaining a sense of believability.

Origins of Special Effects in Movies

History of Special Effects in Movies

The history of special effects in film dates back to the beginning of the film history timeline. Filmmakers began experimenting with various techniques to create illusions on screen. One of the earliest examples of practical effects and trick photography can be seen in silent films. These relied heavily on visual storytelling due to the lack of synchronized sound.

One popular technique used during this time was stop-motion animation. This involved filming objects or characters one frame at a time and then moving them slightly between each shot to create the illusion of motion. 

This technique was used in films like The Lost World (1925), which featured realistic-looking dinosaurs brought to life through stop-motion animation.

The advancements in visual effects technology from the 1970s to present day have revolutionized the film industry and transformed the way we experience movies. With the introduction of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in the 1980s, filmmakers gained access to a vast array of new tools and techniques for creating stunning and immersive visual effects.

One of the most influential films in this regard was Star Wars (1977). That film featured groundbreaking SFX that set a new standard for sci-fi filmmaking. In our breakdown of how they shot Star Wars, we learn just how complicated it was to create elements like the aerial space battles.

In the 1990s, films like Jurassic Park (1993) demonstrated how CGI could be used to create realistic-looking creatures on screen. The film's use of animatronics and CGI allowed audiences to believe that dinosaurs were once again roaming the earth.

More recently, Avatar (2009) pushed the boundaries of what was possible with CGI by creating an entirely new world with photorealistic creatures and environments. The film's use of motion capture technology also allowed actors to bring their performances to life in ways never before seen on screen.

SFX can also be used to heighten emotional impact by adding visual cues that reinforce key themes or ideas within the story. In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), for example, the dreamlike sequences featuring surreal imagery. They help to convey the fragmented memories and emotions of the main character as he tries to hold onto his relationship with Clementine.

In this scene, particularly, keep an eye on the books surrounding Joel and Clementine, how they change and how it adds the emotional impact.

From practical effects to CGI and motion capture technology, filmmakers now have an unprecedented range of tools at their disposal for creating immersive and emotionally impactful visual experiences. 

What Are Special Effects Advancements in Film?

The Future of Special Effects

As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the future of SFX in film is looking more exciting than ever. With these technological advancements, filmmakers are exploring new ways to create immersive and emotionally impactful visual experiences for audiences. 

One major innovation is the use of virtual reality and augmented reality to create immersive experiences that blur the lines between the real and digital worlds. 

Motion capture technology has also advanced significantly in recent years, allowing filmmakers to capture more detailed performances from actors that can then be translated into stunning effects on screen. 

The use of practical effects will always have its place in filmmaking. But with the rise of CGI and motion capture technology, the possibilities for creating stunning visuals that push the boundaries of what is possible are endless.

With these emerging technologies and techniques, the future of special effects looks bright as filmmakers continue to explore new ways to create unforgettable visual experiences for audiences.

When used effectively, SFX can help to bring a filmmaker's vision to life on screen, enhance a film's narrative and emotional impact, and leave audiences feeling awed and inspired. As technology continues to advance, it will be exciting to see how filmmakers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with effects in the years ahead.

Up Next

Practical Effects in Film

As we mentioned above, practical effects are achieved in a variety of incredible ways involving different crafts and principles. For a deeper dive into practical effects in film, check out our next article. 

Up Next: Practical FX →