A silence. A look. A tear. A smile. A soundtrack. What do you feel when enjoying all these elements in a film? Many different elements in a film have an impact on us, and one of our favorites is explosions. Did you know that at AYMA we have worked with producers and top film production companies in areas of explosives, pyrotechnics and use of weapons in filmmaking? Start making some popcorn, because you are about to hear some interesting facts about explosions in films.

Are explosions in films real?

For obvious reasons, it is complicated, if not impossible, to actually blow up an entire city. For these types of explosions, special effects are used most of the time. However, in many other cases real explosions are produced, using different tricks to control them.

These real explosions are usually made on a stage or with scale models, using various techniques. One of the most common is to perform small pyrotechnic effects with firecrackers or smoke bombs close to the film set. It’s true that these explosions aren’t normally as spectacular as they appear on the big screen, but they do serve their purpose in achieving the right effect. Creating various small and controlled explosions can make them look bigger and longer-lasting. Another trick is to film in slow motion from different angles and alternate these shots with other images of the actors. 

Largest explosion in the history of filmmaking

As we know now that, indeed, many of the explosions we see in the cinema are real, let’s talk about one that is very special. Which one is that? It’s the one from the James Bond film, Spectre, a Hollywood blockbuster that was listed in the Guinness World Records because of its spectacular explosion, the biggest in filmmaking history.

Chris Corbould was the special effects supervisor. 8,418 liters of petrol and 33 kilos de explosives were needed to carry out the explosion. More than enough material to pull off this spectacular stunt, for which this film will always be remembered. 

The best explosions in filmmaking

Well, we have to say that we aren’t very much in favor of classifications. But while we’re at it –after seeing the largest– we are going to choose some of the best explosions in filmmaking. Ready? 

• Jaws (1975). An absolute classic. This Steven Spielberg film’s final scene is when the shark is blown up.
• Star Wars (1977). Who doesn’t remember when the Death Star was destroyed thanks to the skillful Luke Skywalker?
• The Dark Knight (2008). Christian Bale played one of the best roles of Batman in history, but the protagonist in this film is Heath Ledger –who played the Joker– when he blows up a hospital.
• Armageddon (1998). Let’s go back in time to see how they blow up an asteroid that is threatening to destroy the Earth. Bruce Willis and company save humanity.
• Fight Club (1990). The brutal explosion at the end of this film starring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton will go down as one of the best in the history of filmmaking.

If you have read all of this, now all you need to do is get another bowl of popcorn and watch some of these films. It’s all about explosions! And remember that at AYMA we offer an integral service that covers authorizations and administrative procedures that are necessary for the use of explosives in films.