The+Societal+Impact+of+Action+Films+-++A+Closer+Look+at+Stunts+and+Special+Effects

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On the big screen, nothing quite grabs the attention like a massive explosion coupled with a seemingly impossible stunt. We see it over and over again in nearly every major motion picture in the action genre. We generally accept what is presented as unreal but simultaneously possible. 3D animated feature films are known for defying the laws of physics and we accept these fictitious events without protest. It's quite clearly not real. It's not difficult for a child to see that a cartoon or animated film does not look like reality either. But as more advanced computer generated scenes mesh with recorded reality, the distinction between the two is becoming increasingly difficult to make. This eventual inability to tell the difference poses a very real societal concern particularly for the young or gullible. On the flip side, stunts and special effects that abide by the laws of physics or even exploit them in profound ways can be inspirational for future filmmakers, athletes, artists, musicians, computer programmers, scientists and so on.=====

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It wasn't until the 1970s that stunt work evolved and became a professional field with its practitioners taking precautions by using air bags and bullet squibs during film making. As a now recognized profession, audience members are less likely to try their Mary Poppins impression and jump off a roof hoping their umbrella will slow their descent. In recent years, many stunt professionals have been replaced with computer generated images (CGI) which can sometimes cut filming costs, be less hazardous or to achieve something that a human body is incapable of doing. However, there is still and will likely always be a need for professional stunt men and women in the film industry. The film Casino Royale showed us the awesomeness of the free running sport known as Parkour. Parkour is a beautiful combination of running, acrobatics, gymnastics and some martial arts. Each stunt showcases the ease in which the runner navigates obstacles in the outright defiance of gravity. VIDEO: @http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJubOZLpp4A It almost makes you want to try running up a wall, doesn't it? Sadly, the real thing is even more impressive than Hollywood has portrayed it. See for yourself: media type="youtube" key="SZ7OhP8rpoQ?rel=0" height="349" width="425" Nearly every Jackie Chan movie includes death defying stunts and martial arts maneuvers in creative situations. He performs the dangerous stunts repeatedly until he gets it right. His final cut truly is a grand display of what the human body is physically capable of if you're willing to suffer some injuries along the way. media type="youtube" key="cI1AwZN4ZYg?rel=0" height="349" width="425"=====

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Film has always used special effects. The medium or method has changed from "smoke and mirrors" to superimpositions and optical effects such as "lenses and/or chemical processes to produce the film effects. Film titles, fades, dissolves, wipes, blow ups, skip frames, bluescreen, compositing, double exposures, and zooms/pans." More recently, we have seen the use of "cel animation, scale modeling, claymation, digital compositing, animatronics, use of prosthetic makeup, morphing and modern computer-generated or computer graphics imagery (CGI)." Our technology is finally catching up with our wild imaginations. Who could forget the cow spiraling up into the funnel in Twister? Spiderman 3's use of 3D rendered models and excess of visual effects make for a truly captivating movie to watch. media type="youtube" key="e_VkSR6lsFo?rel=0" height="349" width="560" Newer films allow us to peek into virtual worlds and watch as characters interact in these mysterious places. Those who have seen Avatar can agree that computer generated imagery (CGI) combined with physically real movie sets make for an incredible viewing experience. Pirates 3 utilized the notorious bluescreen with such skill, I am still amazed. Have a look at this before and after footage to understand its true application. media type="youtube" key="7NpAXMdBWTQ?rel=0" height="349" width="425" A more recent example of the fine line between fact and faked is seen in the film 2012. The world as we know and see it, is visibly falling apart right before our eyes and unless you understand what you're seeing, it is quite believably realistic. media type="youtube" key="cp0DmPIt1JE?rel=0" height="349" width="560"=====

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In a Wile E. Coyote sort of way, much of what we see and hear in action films isn't real and couldn't be real. According to "9 Laws of Physics That Don't Apply in Hollywood," a car crash resulting in an explosion or gasoline instantly igniting is unlikely because gasoline doesn't explode unless it's mixed with 93% air. In films, thunder and lightning occur simultaneously which, if you've noticed, is not realistic - the sound of thunder follows lightning because sound moves slower than light. In another example, a volcano erupts off in the distance and the blast is heard instantly onscreen instead of conforming to the five seconds per mile rule. Myths abound, radioactive materials do not glow in the dark as feature films would have us believe. For a car, never mind a bus, to jump across gaps in a bridge, it would require more than simple acceleration. And when that magic bus leaps over the gap in the movie in slow motion, the driver or passenger's screaming definitely would not sound normal. Why? "Slow down motion by a factor of two and the frequency of all sounds, should drop by an octave." What about bullets that spark, showing the target was just missed? Reality: This is not possible because real bullets are made of lead. A stunt or special effect is far more impressive if it abides all natural laws. One of the best action movies I've seen that offers semi-believable "magic" is Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. This YouTube video examines how closely the characters flying and falling motions fit with projectile motion. media type="youtube" key="OIf9LFR1LpU?rel=0" height="349" width="560"Unfortunately some of the biggest feature films have missed the mark. Instead of showcasing incredible yet plausible events, they've garnished illogical and unrealistic goofs that fall short of entertaining. Imagine if the same events played out realistically. Well, then you'd have something like this: VIDEO: @http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4bsCzcw5f0&feature=feedf_more=====

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All flaws of action films aside, we are usually entertained. Some of us endeavor to create onscreen greatness, a passion spawned from watching action films as children while others are brainstorming the possibilities of the universe and go on to become astrophysicists. How many people have joined the Air Force to become jet pilots after watching Top Gun? How many video games have been inspired by a feature film? How many stupid stunts have people tried after watching an action movie? Example: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=failed+stunts&aq=f How many crimes have been inspired by movies? See: @http://brainz.org/15-films-inspired-real-life-crimes/ Films have even inspired fashion and hair trends. Although it may not be the most influential film genre, there is absolutely no doubt that action films have had an impact on society in both negative and positive ways. Aside from documentaries, no other film genre better captures amazing footage of mother nature in all her glory via natural disasters or "impossible to get to" remote locations.=====

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If action movies such as Stargate didn't exist, I would have chosen a different major (currently in Applied Physics). If martial arts action films didn't exist, I would have never trained in the arts nor experienced the beauty of its culture and tradition. If action films didn't exist, I would have never climbed a mountain and rappelled down the side of a cliff in pure exhilaration.=====