Why Older CGI in Not Too Old Movies Seemed More Realistic

When discussing the why behind the realism of CGI in movies, it’s often pointed out that the early and not too old movies had a particular kind of authenticity that newer films sometimes lack. Early works like Terminator 2 (1991) and Jurassic Park (1993) were groundbreaking not only for their overall filmmaking but also in their use of CGI.

Early CGI and Filmmaking Innovation

The reason older CGI in movies like Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park looked so great is primarily because it was the filmmakers’ first time using this technology. These projects had a responsibility to prove that CGI had amazing potential, thus every detail was meticulously crafted to ensure the effect was as good as possible. The initial pioneers used CGI not simply as a replacement for practical effects, but as a complementary element that blended seamlessly.

The Role of Weta and ILM

A significant contributing factor to the realism was the use of top-tier VFX companies such as Weta and ILM. For instance, The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003) and Gladiator (2000) relied heavily on these companies, and the limitations of the technology necessitated a strategic approach. Take the motion-capture character Gollum in The Lord of the Rings series, for example. Each facial movement was done manually, involving animators moving sliders on a computer to capture Andy Serkis' movements.

Modern CGI vs. Older CGI

Nineteen years later, when we look at The Hobbit (2012-2014), the Gollum character had been improved into a more integrated motion-capture system, significantly enhancing his realism. However, even modern CGI faces criticism. The Flash (2014-2022), for instance, had some badly executed CGI shots, a result of rushed production and poor communication from the director.

Current State of CGI and VFX

In recent years, we’ve seen a lot of digital humans in cinema such as Digital Tarkin and Leia in Rogue One, Young Indiana Jones in Dial of Destiny, and Young Luke Skywalker in Mandalorian, Book of Boba Fett. While some still look off, a few have been incredibly good. Book of Boba Fett provided an example of a digital human that was nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, with some minor imperfections in facial rendering. In Mandalorian, the performance was a deeper integration, using a deepfake on top of a CG model, resulting in remarkably realistic features and sharp lighting.

Conclusion

In essence, the realism of CGI in older movies often came from the commitment and innovation of the filmmakers to push the technology to its limits. While modern CGI has made significant advancements, there are still instances where the human touch is lacking. The continued evolution of VFX and CGI technology promises to heighten the realism further, potentially making current work look more seamless and lifelike.