The reality of special effects - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

HCIsland · 11-23-2004, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meela

I'll support that, I was overwhelmed when I first saw Minas Tirith. It was a fantastic sight. It's sights like those that make the long, painstaking processes utterly worthwhile.

My favourite Minas Tirith shot is after Gandalf spooks off the Nazgul while rescueing Faramir. The shot follows Gandalf on Shadowfax from behind as they arc around to return to the city. The integration of the live action in the forground with, the real landscape and the minature Minas Tirith seems just about perfect, and this is in a jostling shot that looks like it was shot from the back of a truck.

There is a comment at the beginning of the thread that I have to disagree with though, and that is that good special effects are necessary. Certainly it's great when FX and story telling are both strong, but I would take good story telling over FX any day. I can think of many films I've enjoyed with mediocre FX but none with bad story telling.

H.C.

Essex · 11-24-2004, 05:21 AM

hcisland.

great minds think alike....................have a read of my last post

drigel · 11-24-2004, 08:09 AM

Heren Exxex - I would agree with you. The first thing that comes to mind is Dr. Who hehe. Cheesy special effects but with a good story, SE is not a primary nessesity.

HCIsland · 11-24-2004, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Essex

hcisland.

great minds think alike....................have a read of my last post

Oops, sorry Essex.

H.C.

radagastly · 11-24-2004, 11:50 PM

Since I posted some of my nitpicking on the "Possible Perils" thread, I thought I should come in here and give the other side of the story.

I have to say, that I found Shelob truly frightening, and somehow intelligent and cold-hearted. Her movements were completely believably "spider" and yet calculated. A really masterful combination of some very high-tech effects and thoughtful direction.

Also, I thought the gentleness of the eagles as they carefully plucked Sam and Frodo off the slope of the exploding Mount Doom and flew them to safety was just amazing. I think they would have made Tolkien cry.

Encaitare · 11-25-2004, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radagastly

Also, I thought the gentleness of the eagles as they carefully plucked Sam and Frodo off the slope of the exploding Mount Doom and flew them to safety was just amazing. I think they would have made Tolkien cry.

Oh, I agree. This scene is one of my favorites. The shot of Gandalf upon Gwaihir's back is so beautiful.

11-24-2004, 11:50 PM	#5
radagastly Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Washington, D. C., USA Posts: 299	Since I posted some of my nitpicking on the "Possible Perils" thread, I thought I should come in here and give the other side of the story. I have to say, that I found Shelob truly frightening, and somehow intelligent and cold-hearted. Her movements were completely believably "spider" and yet calculated. A really masterful combination of some very high-tech effects and thoughtful direction. Also, I thought the gentleness of the eagles as they carefully plucked Sam and Frodo off the slope of the exploding Mount Doom and flew them to safety was just amazing. I think they would have made Tolkien cry. __________________ But all the while I sit and think of times there were before, I listen for returning feet and voices at the door.

11-24-2004, 05:21 AM	#2
Essex Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Essex, England Posts: 886	hcisland. great minds think alike....................have a read of my last post

11-24-2004, 08:09 AM	#3
drigel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: commonplace city Posts: 518	Heren Exxex - I would agree with you. The first thing that comes to mind is Dr. Who hehe. Cheesy special effects but with a good story, SE is not a primary nessesity.