Many of the effects that end up on the screen are clever solutions to very boring problems, such as low budgets or because the necessary technology for a desired effect simply doesn't exist. Rear projection is a technique in which pre-recorded footage is projected onto a screen in the background of a shot while the main action, such as a character driving, running and jumping, is to simplify effects by avoiding the use of expensive stunts or scenery, is filmed in the foreground.
The Argonauts kick some boney ass.
The projected and stunt sections of the footage are impressively intercut in 'Dr. No' (1962) to heighten the tension and help the audience identify with Bond.
Rear projection in use on 'River of no Return' (1954).
A modern take on Rear Projection in 'Solo' (TBC).
Rear projection in 'Marnie' (1964). Apparently Hitchcock insisted on keeping the shot in spite of it's obviously fake look and the advice of his crew.
Deliberately fake looking rear projection for dramatic effect also appears in the opening scene of Quentin Tarantino's 'Kill Bill Vol.2' (2004) , to support Uma Thurman's overplayed, straight to camera speech.
Life on set can get strange sometimes. Especially when you're having lunch at Midnight. We explain everything.
Read moreIn the Wizard of Oz (1939) Dorothy left the monochrome behind and stepped out into a brave new world of colour cinema.
Read moreUndercranking refers to the effect the mechanical operation of the camera has on the speed of a film.
Read moreMade famous by 'Jaws' (1975), the 'Dolly Zoom' was first used in Alfred Hitchcok's 'Vertigo' (1958).
Read moreDid you like it? Did you not like it? Did we get something wrong? Or is there something you think it's worth including on the A to Z? Whatever the reason, we're always delighted to hear from you.