5 Best-Kept Secrets Every Movie Lover Should Know

Movies are a universal language that can take us on incredible journeys to different worlds and evoke emotions that stay with us long after the credits roll. But there are some secrets about the film industry that even the most knowledgeable movie lover may not be aware of. Here are five best-kept secrets every movie lover should know.

1. The Wilhelm Scream

One of the most well-known and widely used sound effects in movie history is the Wilhelm Scream. This scream was first recorded in 1951 for the movie "Distant Drums" and has been used in over 400 movies and TV shows since then. The scream was named after Private Wilhelm, a character in the 1953 film "The Charge at Feather River" who made the sound while getting shot with an arrow. The Wilhelm Scream has become a popular inside joke among filmmakers, and many use it as a nod to classic films.

2. Hidden Easter Eggs

Many movies have hidden Easter eggs that can be easily missed by the casual viewer. These are often small references or nods to other films, pop culture, or the filmmakers themselves. For example, in the Pixar film "Up," the main character's mail truck has the license plate "A113," which is a reference to a classroom at the California Institute of Arts where many animators learned their craft. Similarly, in the film "The Dark Knight," a sign for "Reece's Famous Pieces" can be seen, which is a nod to the film's production designer, Nathan Crowley.

3. The Magic Hour

The "magic hour" is a brief period of time at dawn or dusk when the lighting is perfect for filming. This is the time when the sky is a beautiful orange or pink hue, and the lighting is soft and warm. Some of the most iconic film scenes have been shot during this time, including the horse head scene in "The Godfather" and the opening shot of "Apocalypse Now." The magic hour is highly sought after by filmmakers, as the lighting can create a cinematic look that is difficult to achieve in post-production.

4. The 180-Degree Rule

The 180-degree rule is a fundamental principle of filmmaking that states that two characters in a scene should always be filmed from the same side of an imaginary line. This creates a consistent spatial relationship between the characters and allows the audience to understand the geography of the scene. Breaking the 180-degree rule can result in disorienting or confusing shots that detract from the overall impact of the scene. For example, if a character is shown walking from left to right in one shot, they should continue to walk from left to right in the following shot, or it can confuse the audience.

5. The Kuleshov Effect

The Kuleshov Effect is a film editing technique that was developed by Soviet filmmaker Lev Kuleshov in the early 1900s. The technique involves juxtaposing different shots to create meaning that is not explicitly stated in the footage. For example, a shot of a person's face followed by a shot of a bowl of soup can create the impression that the person is hungry. This technique is still used today and is a powerful tool for filmmakers to convey emotion and meaning to their audience.

In conclusion, these five best-kept secrets are just a few examples of the many fascinating aspects of the film industry. As a movie lover, it's always exciting to learn something new about your favorite films and the creative process behind them. So the next time you watch a movie, keep your eyes and ears open for hidden Easter eggs, magic hour shots, and other filmmaking techniques that you may not have noticed before. The movie industry is always changing, and there will always be new and innovative techniques used to make movies even better.