What is this movie special effect?

Cafe Society
1

I have very basic experience with video capturing and editing. I have a feeling this is so simple I could duplicate it, but I’m not sure what it is.

It’s used in action movies for dramatic effect, usually. This question popped into my head after watching Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines again (spoilers coming up).
It’s used when they’re in the military HQ and SkyNet is starting to exert control. Arnie falls from a ceiling duct, twists the head off the prototype Terminator and then grabs its machine gun and goes full auto, destroying the other prototype down the corridor. After the belt of ammunition is exhausted he drops the gun…as the gun is falling and hitting the floor the effect takes place.

I can’t put my finger on it. It’s not normal slow motion because the action doesn’t seem to be slowed down. I would guess that either they inserted black frames at certain intervals or did slow motion/normal motion cycles very quickly. Another guess is that they removed a couple of frames at important points. Whatever it is it’s making me crazy.

It happens again when the TX and Arnie fall through the floor after battling in the restroom.

Anyone know?

2

More folks who probably do know are hanging out in Cafe Society, awaiting this question with bated breath.

I’ll just gie them a chance to help you out.

[ /Moderator Mode ]

3

I think you may be talking about an effect that was used in Gladiator and a bunch of other movies; there was a thread with a detailed discussion of it a few months ago:

4

Thanks, that’s the answer I was looking for.

5

I hate that effect. It gives me motion sickness. :frowning:

(Which may be the point, but still.)

6

I first noticed it in ‘The Omen’, which came out in 1976.