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Special Effects Analysis

Effect 1

Film: Ben-Hur (1925)

Effect: 'Jesus heals some Lepers' - The characters' faces change (their makeup becomes invisible)

Frame 1

Frame 2

How it is made: Colour filters are transitioned from blue to red so the characters' makeup becomes invisible. The makeup is red therefore it doesn't show on the red filter.

Is it effective: It was an advanced special effect for the time. Nowadays, this effect is still being used across different media.

Realism: The film is black and white, so the colour does not show up. In the context of the film, the wave of the hand in front of their faces before the change creates the magic of the shot.

Effect 2

Film: Inception (2010)

Effect: 'The Hallway Scene' - the gravity in the hallway changes

How it is made: It is made using a rotating set and a fixed or motion-controlled camera. The set is built from wood and metal, with decorations matching the interior of the actual hotel.

Is it effective: It does add to the entertainment and is an amazing effect.

Realism: Using fixed and motion controlled cameras to make it look like the gravity is what is shifting. The framing is limited to the set so that you cannot see the rotating structure. The set decoration to match the real location of the hotel so it looks exactly the same and there is no visible switch in location to the audience.

Effect 3

Film: Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Effect: 'Pale Man Scene' - prosthetic makeup for Pale Man character

How it is made: Prosthetic makeup, green screen material for the legs. Prosthetics are often made from latex or silicone. Fake blood is also painted on his hands and around his mouth.

Is it effective: It is designed to be horrifying and the performance and makeup make it so

Realism: The legs are partly CGI to make them thinner. The context of the horror and fairytale story makes this character very believable. The lighting and use of close up shot add to the aesthetic of this location and character, making it more powerful.