Special effects have always been one of the main attractions of cinema. They have the power to transform the impossible into reality on screen, to transport the viewer to other worlds, times or dimensions. From manual tricks to graphics created by artificial intelligence, special effects have evolved as much as cinema itself.
In this article, you will learn how special effects came about, how they have evolved over the decades and what innovations have marked the history of cinema to this day.
The beginning: manual effects and camera tricks
At the beginning of the 20th century, with cinema still in its infancy, special effects were done manually , using optical illusion techniques, film cuts and editing tricks.
Effects pioneers:
- Georges Méliès , considered the father of special effects, used superimpositions, stop motion and hand-painted sets. His film A Trip to the Moon (1902) is a landmark in the history of science fiction cinema.
- Edwin S. Porter used montage to create continuity between scenes in The Great Train Robbery (1903).
These effects were limited, but extremely creative and functional for the public of the time, who marveled at “magical” images never seen before.
1920s–1950s: Makeup, miniatures, and projections
With the evolution of studios and greater investment in productions, special effects became more sophisticated, even without digital technology.
Common techniques at that time:
- Miniatures : reduced-scale scenery or vehicles used in destruction or flight scenes.
- Advanced makeup : physical transformations of actors, such as the monsters in Universal films ( Dracula , Frankenstein ).
- Rear projection : actors filmed in a studio with images projected behind them (often used in car scenes, for example).
- Stop motion : used in classics like King Kong (1933), which brought incredible creatures to life frame by frame.
These techniques required manual skill, patience and a lot of creativity — and were essential to building the foundation of modern effects.
1960s–70s: visual revolution in fiction cinema
With technological advances and the emergence of new genres, especially science fiction, special effects have gained prominence.
Striking examples:
- Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) was revolutionary in spatial realism. Without computers, everything was done with models, special lenses and optical techniques.
- Star Wars (1977) used computer-controlled cameras and ultra-detailed miniatures to create battle scenes that had never been seen before.
This phase consolidated the use of effects as part of cinematographic language — not just as a spectacle, but as a narrative tool.
1980s–90s: The birth of computer graphics (CGI)
The 80s and 90s were a turning point: computers began to enter the scene and radically change the way effects were produced.
Highlights of this era:
- Tron (1982): One of the first films to use computer-generated animation.
- Terminator 2 (1991): revolutionized with the effects of the T-1000, a liquid metal robot.
- Jurassic Park (1993): mixed CGI with animatronics (giant robots) and created realistic dinosaurs like never seen before.
This period was marked by the transition from analog to digital. Effects began to be created in software, but still depended heavily on integration with real elements.
2000s onwards: the era of digital realism
From the 2000s onwards, CGI became consolidated and became a fundamental part of most films , especially blockbusters.
Films such as Avatar (2009), The Lord of the Rings (2001–2003), and the Marvel and DC universes have showcased the power of computer graphics to create entire worlds and digital characters with expression and emotion .
New technologies have emerged:
- Motion capture : recording the movements of real actors to apply to digital characters (such as Gollum, played by Andy Serkis).
- Chroma key (green screen) : allows you to replace the scene background with any image or digital backdrop.
- Real-time rendering : used in productions that mix cinema with gaming technologies, such as behind the scenes of the series The Mandalorian (2020).
Today, virtually every film uses visual effects—even simple dramas—to correct lighting, sets, or costumes.
The Future of Effects: AI, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Production
The evolution of special effects continues at full steam. New tools are emerging with the use of artificial intelligence , augmented reality , holograms and virtual production .
Promising trends:
- Deepfake : highly realistic face replacement — used both to recreate deceased actors and to rejuvenate characters.
- Virtual production with LED walls : real-time digital sets, like those used by The Mandalorian , which replace chroma key.
- Interactivity and VR (virtual reality) films : cinematic experiences where the viewer can “enter” the story.
These technologies not only enhance realism, they also reduce costs and increase creative freedom .
Practical effects still have their place
Despite digital advancements, many directors still opt for practical effects when possible, as they bring more physical realism and interactivity to the actors .
Christopher Nolan, for example, is known for avoiding excessive use of CGI. In Tenet (2020), he blew up a real plane, proving that practical effects can still impress.
The union between traditional and modern techniques is what creates the ideal balance between credibility and visual impact.
Special effects: the art of making the impossible visible
Special effects are a fusion of art, science and technology. They help tell stories that would otherwise be impossible to achieve.
The evolution of effects has not only pushed the boundaries of cinema, it has also inspired generations of viewers and creators . Whether it’s miniatures or artificial intelligence, they continue to delight us — and remind us that on the big screen, anything can happen.