History of Special Effects in Cinema
Y19.2239
Credit:
The Paul McGhee Division
This survey course traces the creation of special effects in cinema historically and theoretically from its earliest inception in theatrical, photographic, and cinematic productions to contemporary artistic digital techniques. From the obvious to the invisible, this class examines special effects used either in the service of visualizing the fantasticalor the intentionally ubiquitous effects used in simulating a plausible reality. Students learn all the major techniques and interpret effects vis-a-vis storytelling, style, and meaning. We adopt practical approaches to film history, giving students a database of influential images while examining contexts of how effects work in films. Understanding of the physical aspects of play: visual, auditory, motor, perceptual, and cognitive. Finally, the moves to limit the impact of violence through censorship and ratings are covered.
To register for this course you must be an admitted student in an NYU credit or degree program or have special student status. Admitted NYU credit or degree students may visit NYUHome to register through ALBERT. To apply to an NYU-SCPS credit or degree program, call (212) 998-7100.
