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SPECIAL EFFECTS ANALYSIS

1. FILM NAME: INCEPTION

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94goG-pLtaQ

Before Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnPMCxPSeRM

WHAT IS THE EFFECT?

The effect used in this scene is the illusion that the hallway is moving as the characters are fighting each other. 

WHAT MATERIALS WERE USED TO MAKE IT?

The materials used to create this effect was that the team had to model this 'hallway' to create the illusion that it is rotating itself. This was made using wood, metal and wires. 

IS IT EFFECTIVE? YES/NO/HOW?

The SFX is effective, because it adds emphasis on the fight scene to fit the pace of everything that is happening on stage in a subtle way. 

For example, while the fight scene is taking place, a fast-paced shooting/chase scene between 3 main characters is happening at the same time. Since this shooting/chase scene was extremely fast paced, this meant that the fight scene had to level this, but in a way which isn't too much – hence the moving of the hallway achieved this by creating a subtle movement (not anything too over the top). 

HOW HAS IT BEEN MADE REALISTIC? 

The SFX has been made realistic by not making the rotation constant but instead only having certain moments where it rotates (for example, when a character hits the wall, the hallway then rotates). This makes it look realistic, because having it rotate constantly can make it look over the top and not well put together, which overall can make it look unrealistic and not effective in a positive way. 

The use of music in the sequence also makes the whole effect look realistic, because having tense music to exaggerate a moment can make the whole scene look more put together and can be a way of making the audience feel as though they are in the moment themselves. 

The use of camera angles also makes the effect look realistic. For example, the use of pov shots, tracking shots and low angle shots can make the audience feel as though they are in the moment and are experiencing what the characters are facing in the scene. 



2. FILM NAME: AVENGERS ENDGAME 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phT1OKgSflI

WHAT IS THE EFFECT?

The effect used in this scene is the illusion that Iron Man has passed away after winning the fight for the infinity Gauntlet and the infinity stones. 

WHAT MATERIALS WERE USED TO MAKE IT?

The materials used to create this effect was mainly special effects makeup and fake blood. This was then adjusted in the scene using relevant equipment to make it look realistic (limited light on the characters face). 

IS IT EFFECTIVE? YES/NO/HOW?

This SFX is effective, because it exaggerates to the audience how much impact this one goal has on the subject - leading to his death. This is effective, because it can play with the audiences emotions and allow them to be more engaged with the moment as a result. 


HOW HAS IT BEEN MADE REALISTIC? 

This SFX has been made to look realistic by exploring with camera angles throughout the sequence. For example, at the end, we are shown a tracking shot from the characters body to his face. This makes the moment realistic, because it allows the audience to feel as though they are in the moment and they are viewing the situation in this way (firstly looking down then looking up at the character). 

Having music also makes the realistic, because having this touch of action music can make the whole moment seem more intense and ensure the audience is more engaged. However, also not having this music throughout the entire thing and having very little music at the end can still portray a sense of realism, because it can make the characters reactions more wholesome and make the overall moment seem like it is actually happening. 

3. FILM NAME: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone  

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRqY1nxGGE4

WHAT IS THE EFFECT?

The effect used in this scene is the illusion that once Harry grabs the wand, it is 'destined' for him. This is shown by having wind blow in his face and his face lightening up. 

WHAT MATERIALS WERE USED TO MAKE IT?

The materials used to create this effect was mainly equipment to create the illusion that the wand is destined for him (e.g. candles and lights to make Harry's face 'glow' and fans to give the effect that wind is blowing in his face as he grabs the wand). 


IS IT EFFECTIVE? YES/NO/HOW?

This SFX is effective, because it exaggerates the moment in a way which tells the audience that the wand was really made for Harry and was destined for him. It also makes the wand stand out from the rest which makes the whole moment effective/suit the scene. 


HOW HAS IT BEEN MADE REALISTIC?

This SFX has been made realistic by having sound effects and dramatic music at the moment when he stares at the wand. This makes it more realistic because it makes the moment stand out from the whole scene while catching the audiences attention and keeping them engaged. 

It has also been made realistic by having a build up of which wand would be best for Harry. For example, he has had to go through 2 other wands before finding the 'right one' for him. This makes it more realistic, because it is more believable to find the 'perfect one' after a few failed tries instead of finding the right one straight away.