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Does anyone else miss old school SFX over CGI?

posted 3 years ago by Freeion (111)
27 replies | jump to latest

Just something in my mind makes these older films seem more real than the newer CGI fests. Sure CGI looks cooler, but it just doesn't seem as real.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

Not especially, I think CGI has allowed film makers to realise visuals that would have been virtually impossible using standard, non-computerised effects. The awe inspiring visuals of Lord of the Rings and Life of Pi are two that come to mind that would be so much less without the help of CGI.

That said, it’s still impressive when visual effects can be successfully created in a modern film without CGI, like the stuff George Miller came up with in Fury Road (although I still have my doubts those were quite as organic as he claimed).

[–] sslssg (34330) 3 years ago

I think it depends. The overuse of CGI can completely take me out of a movie, especially when it's obvious. Fire is a big one, but I understand why they use it. So often now in both movies and tv when you see a car driving down a road from above it's cgi and it's really obvious.

When CGI is done well though, it can be really effective. I like a combination of practical and CGI effects.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

CGI explosions never look real.

[–] Freeion (111) 3 years ago

Exactly... but they're much cheaper than using SFX. I think many people don't remember how good it was when we used real vehicles and real explosions and actually burned down real sets (not just miniatures.) There was a time when you had to have things done in reality, you couldn't put it in after filming, and the films looked much better for it. Stunts done by actual stuntmen > cgi stuntmen.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

I remember the movie The Battle of Algiers (1966) which had the most realistic bombings scenes in an urban setting. I still can't believe no one got hurt filming that movie.

[–] Valerian (-274) 3 years ago

I like CGI because it allows filmmakers to realize their vision. If you can imagine it, CGI can show it.

[–] db20db (17297) 3 years ago

"It's not just blowing up a bridge, it's the way you blow up a bridge."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KSVQzAYITQ

[–] Freeion (111) 3 years ago

Wow, I have never seen that movie but it never ceases to amaze me what practical effects of the past were like. The planning involved, the permissions needed to dam up the river or even build a bridge on it, You don't see that kind of devotion anymore.

[–] db20db (17297) 3 years ago

That scene has always stuck in my mind as one of the greatest stunts in film. It was actually the last scene that was filmed because there was no way to do a dry run, they had to get it right on the first attempt.

[–] ODB82 (2055) 3 years ago

CGI can’t even begin to touch practical effects done by someone like a Savini.