Movie magic is a big deal. Going to the theater and seeing fiction play out on the big screen gives so many the illusion that such fantasy could be possible. Movie makers put a lot of work into these efforts to ensure this possibility for their audience—and it all starts with a model. Check out these five famous movies that use miniature scale models.
Star Wars
Technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today when Star Wars first premiered. Filmmakers had no choice but to use models to make certain images look realistic. And that practice continued well into the new millennium.
Stars Wars Episode I and Episode III used models in their films. Both films’ most dynamic and profound scenes required models to make the audience believe what they were seeing. The set and props required countless construction hours to make everything look believable.
True Lies
Arnold Schwarzenegger, aka The Terminator, has made some amazing futuristic films. And as much as the world loves that film, it doesn’t actually make the list of famous movies that needed a scale model. However, his film True Lies with Jamie Lee Curtis did need a scale model for that incredible bridge scene.
Since movie makers didn’t have permission to blow up the actual bridge, they went with the next best thing—wired explosives attached to a model with toy vehicles on the road. Fun fact: the set piece was created based on the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys.
The Dark Knight
Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker in The Dark Knight continues to be one of the greatest performances in cinematic history. The film was such a success because the director, Christopher Nolan, didn’t heavily rely on computer-generated imagery (CGI).
The set clearly depicts some of the most notable locations in Chicago. Still, the epic showdown between Batman and the Joker consisted of scale-down miniatures for the tunnel car chase. Batman slamming into the henchman’s garbage truck was the work of a model.
Superman Returns
As cool as it would be to think most of the images depicted in Superman Returns come from CGI, that’s just not the case. There’s not exactly a scale model of the flying superhero, but there’s definitely one of the set.
Filmmakers needed to design an entire model set of the film to get an aerial view of Metropolis. It would’ve cost far more money if they attempted to shoot scenes from a helicopter for the audience to get a clear view of the city.
Independence Day
Last but certainly not least, Independence Day relied heavily on scale models. The filmmakers used scale models for everything from exterior White House scenes to each blast-off moment.
Filmmakers had no connections with NASA, so they had to go with the next best thing. Check out some of our wholesale model kits if you ever feel like reenacting a few of these scenes yourself, especially if they involve rockets. They come with all the pieces you need to make a replica.
At AC Supply, we’re about using miniature scale models for hobbies or following your passion for making the next most famous film. Visit our website for more information.