The Evolution of Cinematic Special Effects: The Impact of CGI on Contemporary Movie Viewing.

If you're a movie buff like me, you probably love watching the latest blockbusters with stunning special effects. Whether it's a superhero flying across the sky, a dinosaur roaring in the jungle, or a spaceship zooming through the galaxy, CGI (computer-generated imagery) can create amazing visuals that bring the story to life.

But have you ever wondered how CGI works and how it affects the way we watch movies? In this blog post, I'll give you a brief overview of the history and evolution of CGI, and some of the pros and cons of using it in modern cinema.

CGI is not a new invention. It dates back to the 1970s, when pioneers like John Whitney and Ed Catmull experimented with computer animation and graphics. The first movie to use CGI was Westworld (1973), which featured a pixelated robot cowboy. Since then, CGI has improved dramatically, thanks to advances in technology and software.

First ever CGI used.

Some of the milestones of CGI in cinema include:

- Star Wars (1977), which used wireframe models and vector graphics to create the iconic Death Star and spaceship battles.

- Tron (1982), which used CGI to create a virtual world inside a computer.

- Jurassic Park (1993), which used CGI to create realistic dinosaurs that interacted with live actors.

- Toy Story (1995), which was the first fully computer-animated feature film.

- The Matrix (1999), which used CGI to create the bullet-time effect and other mind-bending scenes.

- Avatar (2009), which used CGI to create a lush alien planet and motion-capture technology to animate the characters.

- The Lion King (2019), which used photorealistic CGI to recreate the classic animated film.

CGI has many advantages for filmmakers and audiences. It can:

- Create spectacular scenes that would be impossible or too expensive to film in real life.

- Enhance the realism and immersion of the movie experience.

- Expand the creative possibilities and artistic expression of the filmmakers.

- Reduce the environmental impact and ethical issues of using animals or stunt performers.

However, CGI also has some drawbacks and challenges. It can:

- Be costly and time-consuming to produce, requiring a lot of technical expertise and resources.

- Lose the charm and authenticity of practical effects, such as models, puppets, or makeup.

- Make the actors' performance more difficult, as they have to act in front of green screens or with motion-capture suits, without seeing what they are reacting to.

- Create uncanny valley effects, where the CGI characters look almost but not quite human, causing discomfort or disbelief in the audience.

CGI is not a magic tool that can make any movie better. It is a tool that has to be used wisely and skillfully, balancing the artistic vision and the audience's expectations. CGI can enhance or detract from the story, depending on how it is used.

What do you think about CGI in modern cinema? Do you love it or hate it? What are some of your favorite or least favorite examples of CGI in movies? Let me know in the comments below!