The bullet effects in Terminator 2 weren’t CGI (hackaday.com)

Article summary

The bullet effects in Terminator 2 were not created using CGI, but rather through practical effects developed by Stan Winston and his team. They researched the correct look for the splash impacts by firing projectiles into mud and then cast the resulting shapes in foam rubber with a chromed finish. The foam rubber splash patterns were deployed using a simple mechanical system, creating a realistic effect. This technique allowed for a convincing portrayal of the T-1000's liquid metal body reacting to bullets.

Main themes

• film technology
• frame rate debate
• practical effects
• CGI vs practical effects
• cinematic experience
• audience perception

What commenters say

• Some people are sensitive to the 24fps frame rate used in most movies and find it causes eye strain or a blurry mess.
• The use of high frame rates in movies can make the picture look less cinematic and more like a TV production.
• Practical effects, such as those used in Terminator 2, can be more convincing and immersive than CGI.
• The choice of frame rate is a trade-off between technical limitations, artistic goals, and audience expectations.
• Higher frame rates can make fast-paced scenes look smoother, but may also make the picture look less engaging or more like a video game.
• The association of janky motion with quality film and fluid motion with cheap TV production is a cultural phenomenon rather than a technical necessity.