Special effects have always been an important factor in a movie's success. They can help immerse the viewer into the world of the film and offer a great sense of escapism. Nowadays, films often rely on CGI to make special effects that defy what's possible in real life.
However, some people feel that practical effects offer a greater sense of realism, due to the fact that they are made using real objects as opposed to 3D computer imaging. Practical effects have a long history in Hollywood and hopefully will have a great future in the business, even if CGI has been slowly replacing them. Take a look at these examples to understand the power of practical effects.
8 Bruce The Shark — Jaws
Not to be confused with Bruce the shark from Finding Nemo, this shark is the main antagonist of the classic thriller Jaws. Bruce was the name given to the animatronic shark used in the film's production by director Steven Spielberg.
While the film is famous for hiding the shark throughout most of the movie, the final act gives Bruce his time to shine. Though the animatronic was notorious for being difficult to operate and film, the final result is a realistic shark that terrified audiences in 1975 — and still does today.
7 The White House — Independence Day
Indpendence Day is an over-the-top sci-fi action film from the 90s featuring a surprisingly incredible effects shot. In possibly the film's most famous scene, the Earth-invading aliens fly their mothership overtop of the White House and fire a massive beam that destroys it in a glorious explosion of fire.
The effect was created using a 6-foot miniature of the White House and real explosives. The rolling wall of flame was made by cleverly filming it on its side with the camera directly above, creating a realistic effect.
6 Baby Xenomorph — Alien
Alien is a certified sci-fi horror classic. The practical suit used for the xenomorph in the climax is fantastic, but it's the puppet featured in its first appearance that really stands out. The chest-bursting scene is expertly crafted, and remains iconic to this day.
The slow buildup allows audiences to get on the edge of their seats by the time the baby alien finally comes popping out of John Hurt's chest. Even though it's clearly a puppet, the excessive use of blood and the genuine reactions from the actors make this scene one of the most unsettling in horror movie history.
5 Exploding Head — Scanners
Scanners is a cult classic sci-fi film from director David Cronenberg. Even if someone has never seen Scanners, they've probably seen the infamous exploding head scene. The movie features people with powerful telekinetic abilities, and one scene sees the film's antagonist use his powers to make a man's head pop in a shockingly brutal fashion.
The effect was done by filling a prosthetic mannequin head with animal liver and then shooting the head with a shotgun. The slow motion makes this effect one of the most memorable moments in body horror, and isn't for the faint of heart.
4 The Hallway — Inception
Inception became an instant classic with its incredible special effects, directing, acting, and intricate plot. One scene that stands out among the rest is the hallway fight scene. The scene features Joseph Gordon-Levitt fighting a man in a spinning hallway caused by being trapped in a dream within a dream.
The fight is expertly choreographed and looks unbelievably real, because most of it is actually done in real time. The effect was done by building an actual massive hallway that spins. The actors were then hooked up to wires to keep them from falling.
3 The Jog — 2001: A Space Odyssey
There are dozens of tremendous practical effects featured in 2001: A Space Odyssey, but one simple jogging scene might be the most impressive. The scene consists of the film's protagonist simply jogging through a spinning room in a spaceship.
The shot is done in one take and follows closely behind the actor as the set spins. Like Inception, this effect was done by building a massive structure. The giant wheel set built for this scene was one of the most ambitious practical effects ever done at this point in film history, and still holds up today over 50 years later.
2 Everything — Mad Max: Fury Road
Mad Max: Fury Road is one of the most recent films to feature unforgettable special effects. In a time when CGI is the standard for effects, director George Miller set out to make an action film with as many practical effects as possible.
The film features real car chases, massive explosions, and unbelievable stunt work. Using the vast Australian outback and a few disposable vehicles, Miller was able to unleash an epic two-hour long demolition derby filled with high octane action.
1 The Trench Run — Star Wars
The original Star Wars is arguable the most famous film franchise in movie history. The franchise wouldn't be where it's at today without its incredible special effects team and George Lucas' innovative directing.
The first film features numerous practical effects including alien costumes, miniature sets, and handcrafted props, but it's the iconic trench run in the film's climax that remains the most impressive. Using meticulously crafted models that were built to scale on a line of trestle tables and a handful of hand painted star ships, Lucas was able to create an unforgettable finale that changed cinema forever.