The 1966 fantasy adventure film One million years BCstarring Raquel Welch and John Richardson, continues to arouse admiration in the visual effects industry nearly seven decades after its release. Known for depicting a fictional past between prehistoric creatures and angry cavemen, the film exemplifies Ray Harryhausen's iconic mastery of stop-motion animation. Directed by Don Chaffey, the film enjoyed relative success as the ninth most popular theatrical release in the United Kingdom that year.
Recently, VFX artists from Runner Crew analyzed some of the film's high-stakes action scenes, highlighting Harryhausen's intricate techniques with a deep admiration for the artistry and patience involved. The late special effects creator is best known for pioneering a stop-motion technique dubbed "Dynamation,” which integrates animated models, such as clay and stick dinosaurs, into live-action sequences. Here's what they had to say about the animator's process:
Nico: I just want to point out that the stop-motion was not done at the same time as the acting. But you just fall into it. It seems like they are in the same moment, but you have people acting against nothingSo someone comes in there, Ray Harryhausen, and then just watches the footage, frame by frame, making his character react to what he's doing.
He's basically doing everything himself. He has footage of the film, of the cavemen and the background, doing their acting first and then this is on a projection screen behind the model. So he's looking through the viewfinder of the camera, seeing his little figurine, and he's seeing a projected frame of film behind it. He's lining everything up, lining up his creature with what the guys are doing in the background of the projected screen, taking a picture and then moving the background forward one frame.
He enters and looks at the display again. [Like Harryhausen] “Okay, he’s getting stabbed right there. Based on that perspective, I’m going to move my guy a little bit like this.” Photo. Advance one frame. He's doing this repeatedly. Making everything coordinate with the people fighting and attacking.
One of Hallway the artists asked a question about Harryhausen's process while admiring the complexity of the finished product:
Jordan: Is he cheering some up here?
Nico: Yes, Ray Harryhausen does 24 frames per second.
Jordan: I wonder about the spear throw acquisition in particular. You don't see the spear sticking out the other side of the frame. Did they splice a comparison photo?
Nico: There are a lot of tricks in this that are totally working.
Jordan: So those sheets were clay from the beginning. There is no acquisition. The sticks and arms are all stop-motion clay!
What the VFX Breakdown Means for 100 Million Years BC
Ray Harryhausen's Timeless Legacy
Ray Harryhausen's monsters and methods, as discussed by Corridor Crew, underscore the sheer dedication and creativity that defined his career from the 1940s until his death in 2013. In an era without digital tools, Harryhausen single-handedly created immersive visual effects which required a complex combination of physical modeling, hand-sculpted animation, and synchronized timing. This painstaking process involved countless hours of lining up creatures of clay, sticks and leaves with live performances, showcasing their unparalleled skill and innovation during a time with limited technological resources.
Corridor Crew's analysis shows how Harryhausen's techniques continue to resonate with modern visual effects professionals in an industry saturated with computer-generated imagery. As practical effects re-emerge in contemporary cinema, as seen in recent works such as Alien: Romulus and the MCU Agatha all the timeHarryhausen's ability to create seamless interactions between live actors and animated creatures continues to be a benchmark for combining practical effects with the living, breathing process of filmmaking.. Harryhausen's influence continues to be a testament to the enduring appeal of tactile technology, handmade visuals in an era dominated by CGI.
Our Take on Ray Harryhausen's Lasting Impact
A masterclass in storytelling through innovation and art
Watching modern visual effects artists like Corridor Crew marvel at Harryhausen's work proves that his creations transcend generational divisions. More than just a prehistoric adventure, One million years BC stands as a monument to the enduring allure of practical effects in an era of photorealistic CGI. Eleven years after his death, Harryhausen's art continues to remind audiences and creators of the emotional resonance achieved through meticulous attention to detail.
Whether it's the subtle movements of an angry dinosaur or the interaction between clay sticks and human actors, his work bridges the gap between imagination and reality in a way that still captivates with an unparalleled level of realism and creativity. For anyone interested in the evolution of cinema and special effects, One million years BC is a timeless masterclass – and a stunning reminder that passionate innovation has no expiration date.
Source: Runner Crew