A magician’s trick involves more sleight of hand than actual magic. The magician’s skill lies in the movement of their hands. The true purpose of magic should be to spark questions in the minds of the audience. Just as a magician creates illusions with their magic, films also have scenes that create illusions. One crafts the illusion on stage, while the other does so on screen. In both cases, sleight of hand and perfection are essential. In films, this effect is often created using specific objects or props
In this article, we will explore some movie props that, although fake, appear convincingly real on screen. We’ll learn about the materials used in these objects that bring scenes closer to reality.
Glycerin for Fake Tears
How do actors cry in movies without looking fake? Do they use glycerin or something else? Well, the answer is that some actors draw from their personal losses to cry on cue, but most rely on glycerin. Glycerin is a hygroscopic substance that, when mixed with a bit of menthol, produces fake tears. It’s the makeup artist’s responsibility to conduct a patch test before applying glycerine to any actor to ensure it is safe for their skin.
Alcohol used in films
Do actors really drink alcohol in movies?
Some actors might drink alcohol, but most do not. To mimic the effect of real alcohol, clear water is often used instead of vodka or gin. For whiskey, they use unsweetened tea or a mixture of water and aerated drinks. To replicate the color of wine, pomegranate juice is mixed with blueberries or cranberries. Sometimes, water with food coloring is used to simulate liquor. Cream soda with food coloring, ginger ale, or epoxy resin can mimic real beer, and non-alcoholic beer is often used as well.
Fake Drugs Used in Films
Using fake drugs in movies is challenging because the substitute substances must not harm the actors’ health. Since male and female actors have different biological makeups, it’s essential to ensure that the representation and safety of fake drugs are carefully considered.
When actors appear to snort drugs in scenes, they are often using baby powder, powdered lactose, or vitamin D powder to create the illusion of real cocaine. For actors who don’t want to snort these fake substances, special effects are used instead.
When drugs are injected with needles, prosthetic makeup is applied to the skin, and food colouring is placed inside the needle, which is then injected into props or containers.
Fake Body Parts
Polyfoam and molds are used to create fake body parts. These parts are coated with colour to simulate injuries and wounds.
Bomb Explosions in Films
When large-scale explosions are depicted in scenes, a significant amount of fuel and stage flash pots are used to create smoke effects and air ignition. Common explosives include plastic explosives, ammonium nitrate fuel oil, cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, and trinitrotoluene. Experts control the explosions, which are filmed on a smaller scale under strict safety measures. Sound designers create the impactful sounds of the explosions for added effect. Some action choreographers use regular firecrackers, such as jute twine (sutli) bombs. Large flour mounds are created, and these jute bombs aka sutli bombs are set off using incense sticks as timers, simulating explosions to some extent. Of course, special effects and editing also contribute significantly to the final effect.
War Horses
How do they fake war horses in films?
Customized made mechanical horses are used in the war films. In other words, these dummy horses resemble like the original one. An automatic machine is fitted inside the dummy’s stomach to create the effect of a real running horse. Camera work and special effects convert the mechanical horses into real. These fake horses are used alongside real horses, especially for female artists or those who cannot ride real horses.
Heavy Rain Effects
To create continuous rain effects, long pipes with adjustable nozzles are used to control the speed and spread of the water spray. Camera work and lighting also play a crucial role. Large fans are used to direct the water, helping create the effect of a storm on screen.
Knives Used in Movies
When characters appear to stab someone in a scene, the knife is not real. It’s a button knife or an automatic knife. The tip of the knife has a spring, so when it is pressed against the body, it retracts. To the viewers, it looks like real blood, but an automatic knife is used in such scenes.
Fake Blood Used in Films
Fake blood is usually made from red food coloring or red-cultured juice. Water is mixed in the right proportion to mimic the appearance of real blood. Ingredients such as corn starch, distilled water, cocoa powder, and corn syrup are used to create the fake blood.
Fake Hair Used in Films
Yak hair is often used to create fake hair in films. This hair is taken from live yaks without causing them any harm. Fake beards, Mustaches, and eyebrows are often made from yak hair. Sometimes, real human hair or synthetic hair is also used. Most of the time, heroes and heroines wear these wigs.
Even though these props are fake, ensuring the safety of the actors remains the primary responsibility of the technicians. They must conduct rehearsals in a controlled environment, use safety gear, provide first aid, and constantly supervise everything during the use of fake props in filmmaking.
