Outline for the Third Term Paper

Introduction:

A: Special effects for explosions of organic matter

B: Both Raiders of the Lost Ark ‘s “exploding head” and Galaxy Quest’s inside-out pig lizard use similar yet different techniques to achieve a common effect

Body:
1.      Raiders of the Lost Ark: the exploding head

a.       Practical special effect coupled with video speed alteration

b.      The head: a model composed with layers of various materials to imitate human flesh and bone

c.       The explosion appears to be slowed down; this could be because the model itself was built in another scale, or to appear eerily ethereal (or, possibly, both)

d.      Video composite overlay of other special effects such as fire, lightening, and ghostly beings 
2.      Galaxy Quest: exploding pig lizard

a.       Another practical effect

b.      It appears that various sections of the model have different functions pre-explosion

c.       The explosion of the model itself is seemingly conducted by using high-pressure steam to launch bits of pig-flesh all over

d.      Solely practical effects—no digital effects seem to have been used 
3.      Comparison between the two scenes

a.       Both scenes use real-life, layered, exploding models to create the special effect

b.      The choice of materials and presentation utilized in Raiders of the Lost Ark do not stand as well over time, yet it is still enough to instill a cheesy creepy feeling in the audience

c.       On the other hand, Galaxy Quest’s exploding pig-lizard, thanks to its nicely-presented is decently convincing and thoroughly disgusting; It still holds up pretty well today

Conclusion:

1.      Despite having little to no computer assistance in creating special effects, films were still able to hold their own and create absolutely unforgettable scenes with what they were able to gather based on their budget