Proper Implementation of Bullet Time
Intro
Bullet Time is the facinating special effect in which time slows down while the camera movement does not. Bullet Time seperates the camera, from reality, but at the same time, it adds a 3D effect to the scene. The Matrix was the first movie to use this special effect and still did the best implementation. Other movies, commercials and even video games have attempted to use the special bullet time that The Matrix has used, but have never successfully accomplished the "wow" effect that The Matrix brings out.
Why it's amazing
The main reason Bullet Time is so amazing is that it exaggerates the 3D effect that is projected on a 2D screen. Another reason Bullet Time is amazing is because it creates the illusion of zero gravity and shows things that have never been seen before
Three types of Bullet Time
There are 3 types of Bullet Time that can be classified.
- Stop Motion Bullet Time
- Slow Motion Bullet Time
- and just plain old slow motion
Stop Motion Bullet Time
Stop Motion Bullet Time is the most commonly used version of Bullet Time. Most movies that have attempted to copy The Matrix have failed when using this style. Stop Motion Bullet Time requires an abrupt stop, yet graceful stop in time initially, and a quick viewing and quick camera movement. This type of scene should last no longer than 3 seconds. Most bad immitations do the opposite of this. They immideately stop, then rotate slowly for about 20 seconds. Even though Bullet Time doesn't seem possible in reality, it still has to follow some of nature's basic rules to create the best effect.
This is best used during a scene where you want to show the viewer that something is about to happen. It is a subtle way of pointing something out, without making the action stop. It's a way of pointing out subtle features in the scene, but hopefully you will not circle the features with a pen...
Another way this type of Bullet Time is used is when you want to change camera angles in a fight scene, but do not want to cut the scene. This is a very good way to do that because it helps the viewer keep their concentration on the action, but change the angle for a better shot.
Slow Motion Bullet Time
If most movies would have used this type of Bullet Time, then there would be no problem because Slow Motion Bullet Time is the most dynamic Bullet Time there is. This type can last for 30 seconds and camera rotation must be slow. The best part is that this type doesn't need to be quick because the action is still going and the viewer will not get bored. Camera movement does not need to be circular either. However, camera movement must be in such a way that it shows the viewer that the world is 3D. The best way to do this is using a curvy path for the camera.
This is used in a scene with action where guns are being fired, bullets are screaming through the air and particles are adding to the insanity. It's basically a way of showing the viewer a paradox of fast paced action in slow motion.
Slow Motion
Slow motion is just a neat thing. It's always used in action movies and has been for a long time. No need to write about it here.
General Notes on Bullet Time.
Bullet Time has rules that must be followed and many of them comply with nature's standards to entertain the viewer. Also, Bullet Time is there to entertain the user and not to bore them. It may sound rediculous, but viewers can get bored watching a 30 second scene. That is why Bullet Time MUST be implemented correctly. The main part of Bullet Time that is required are flying objects. Without the flying objects, there would be no need for slow motion. It just wouldn't be impressive. The main character does count as a flying object, but the best type of flying objects for Bullet Time are particles. Particles such as splashes of water, dust, sparks are good particles. Smoke and fire are also good types, but aren't as impressive because the particles are not seperated. Seperated particles are a must. Another required element in Bullet Time is a smooth transition from Real Time to Bullet Time. This falls under nature's rules. The brain expects to preceive things as round, smooth objects and along with that, movement must be smooth. Time must be quickly slowed down to keep the viewer's brain happy, but still not to bore the viewer. Only slow motion bullet time can use immediate transitions from Real Time to Bullet Time, but it is still expected to do a somewhat smooth transition. Real to Stop MUST be smooth while Real to Slow can be smooth or immediate. Real to Slow should be a faster transition though.
Notes on usage of particles
Particles is the most important part of Bullet Time, but the effect must not be overdone. If lots of particles are implemented, then you must demonstrate dense populations of particles within certian areas. When the particles are evenly distributed within the world such as rain or snow, it is not as impressive as a small explosion in the center of the scene. Rain and snow can still be used for a minor addition to the effect, but a small, dense area of particles must be somewhere in the center of the scene at certian times. This will create the 3D effect that is needed.
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