Action films are a genre everyone loves; the classic gunfight between the hero and villain, saving the heroine from the villain’s grasp, and all the typical storylines that we are well aware of, make an action movie a treat to watch.
We have to admit, some of our favorite scenes from an action movie include the thriller fight sequences. The cinematography of a shooting scene in such a movie is commendable, and everything looks realistic, which makes it all the more fun to watch. Often, it makes us wonder, how do movies make gunshots look real? (They certainly don’t use actual guns and bullets, we assure you!)
The answer is, they don’t! Yes, you heard us right! Movies do not make gunshots look real, instead, they dramatize them to make the film more fun and thrilling to watch!
How are movie gunshots different than real life?
As mentioned, gunshots in movies are a more dramatized version of how gunshots look in real life. Notice how movies show sparks being produced when the bullets hit a piece of metal? In the real world, bullets often do not produce sparks when they hit metal and even if they do, it is so tiny that you cannot register it or even notice it.
When bullets hit a person, blood doesn’t splash out as they show in the movies. The bullet goes in, comes out the back, and the blood starts coming out in spurts a few moments later.
Furthermore, bullets also do not bounce back after hitting the bullet-resistant glass. Instead, the bullet will fall to the ground and the glass will develop a spider-web crack.
Watch this video to learn more:
Why are movie gunshots dramatized?
Imagine paying for a cinema experience of your most awaited action movie only to get a mundane fighting scene, where you cannot see the bullet hit the person, or strike a piece of metal. Why would you ever spend money for a film like that?
That is precisely why gunshots in movies are dramatized, to keep the audience entertained and make the film less boring.
We all know everything that we see in a movie is not necessarily real and we appreciate the dramatic effects and storylines. Therefore, to make their films interesting and get viewers’ attention, movies dramatize gunshots.
Are real guns used in movies?
Movies use a wide variety of equipment while filming a particular scene. In a shooting scene or one involving guns, the director can opt for using real guns or rubber toys. If the scene is being filmed without shooting anything, the gun is referred to as a ‘prop firearm.’
However, if the gun is used to fire at something then it’s considered a real gun.
Are real bullets used in movies?
Even though real guns might be used in filming movies, real bullets are never used. Real bullets are dangerous, and even one misfire could lead to a terrible accident on set.
Instead of real bullets, blanks are used in real guns. Blanks are gun cartridges with gun powder and no bullets.
So, next time you watch a movie, don’t forget that all the special effects are to keep you glued to your seat!
