Unveiling the Spectacular CGI & Visual Effects in Oppenheimer: Behind the Scenes with the VFX Supervisor

Summary

Oppenheimer's visual effects supervisor clarifies that CGI was used in the movie, despite the extensive use of practical effects.

In Oppenheimer, the visual effects encompassed the alteration of visual elements by eliminating contemporary objects from the footage. The movie beautifully amalgamates CGI and practical effects, heightening its impact and emphasizing the indispensable role of both techniques.

Oppenheimer's use of CGI in its visual effects has been a topic of discussion in the movie industry. The film's impressive practical effects utilized to create the atomic bomb Trinity test have garnered attention. Although the traditional mushroom cloud shape was not replicated, director Nolan's emphasis on practical effects resulted in a realistic explosion that was used in the biopic.

To clarify, Oppenheimer's VFX supervisor Andrew Jackson addresses the use of CGI in the film. While the Trinity explosion received acclaim for its practical effects, Jackson explains to The Hollywood Reporter that some have mistakenly interpreted it as meaning that there are no visual effects, which is not accurate. The movie actually features around 200 shots with VFX, many of which involved CGI effects. See Jackson's full statement below:

“Some people have picked that up and taken it to mean that there are no visual effects, which is clearly not true. Visual effects can encompass a whole lot of things.”

Why Oppenheimer’s Use of CGI Makes The Movie More Impressive

Jackson explained that these effects entail the removal of objects representing contemporaneous times in the films. By delving into such minute aspects, Jackson supports his assertion that “visual effects can encompass various elements.” VFX not only encompasses fire and explosions, but also incorporates any shot in which a VFX team scrutinizes and digitally manipulates a movie's visual component. Similar to how an editor ensures seamless transitions between shots, a VFX team ensures that all those shots are immaculate and precise, whether it involves eliminating modern structures or enhancing an explosion.

Jackson's analysis of Oppenheimer's VFX highlights that CGI should not be regarded as a form of laziness. Oppenheimer is a visually captivating film that lacks any sense of visual sluggishness. The film's complexity stems not only from its practical effects but also from the seamless integration of CGI, making it even more impressive as audiences struggle to distinguish between reality and visual effects.

Although CGI tends to be overused in contemporary Hollywood, this is not the case in Oppenheimer. Jackson's examination of the visual effects employed in Oppenheimer demonstrates that computer-generated VFX is just as crucial as well-executed practical effects for a film of such grandeur. While the Trinity explosion showcases remarkable practical effects, CGI is equally essential in bringing Oppenheimer's visual enchantment to life.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter