10 Unbelievably Realistic Movie Scenes That Blur the Line Between Fiction and Reality

19.11.2023 - 21:55

The magic of cinema often relies on various techniques to capture a semblance of reality. However, there are certain movie scenes that defy the boundaries between fiction and reality, leaving audiences astounded and questioning, 'Can this really be fiction?' Join us as we delve into these mind-bending moments that push the limits of believability and are sure to leave you in awe.

Chinatown (1987)

IMDb: 8.2

Roman Polanski's neo-noir classic 'Chinatown' features an unforgettable scene where private detective Jake Gittes has his nose sliced. Some even believe Polanski genuinely injured Nicholson during this scene.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

IMDb: 8.2

In the first minutes of the film, we witness a tranquil scene of a lion casually strolling through the offices of Jordan Belfort's company, Stratton Oakmont. While some believe it was a cleverly acted scene with an erased lion added later, the truth is a bit more intriguing. A trainer did walk the lion through the office, digitally removed afterward, but the dozens of office workers seen in the scene were never in the room with the lion. Instead, the part with the actors was filmed separately and seamlessly integrated into the scene.

Logan (2017)

IMDb: 8.1

Early in the film, the main character attempts to escape from the villainous Pierce and his army, leading to a car chase to secure Charles Xavier and X-23. Unexpectedly, the danger in the scene significantly lightens. Instead of using green screens and having Hugh Jackman act in a car, director James Mangold opted for a real stunt driver. Later, high-quality digital effects were used to superimpose Jackman's face onto the driver.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

IMDb: 8.1

In one scene, a character named Valkyrie lies on the ground as a car passes over her. This scene was actually created by combining two separate shots: one where Valkyrie lays down, and another where the car drives over the road.

John Wick 3: Parabellum (2019)

IMDb: 7.4

Despite the seemingly masterful action scenes in the John Wick films, many were enhanced with CGI. For instance, in a scene from the third film, John and assassins break glass display cases to retrieve weapons. However, the glass was digital, and actors mimicked breaking it during the shoot.

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

IMDb: 7.4

Maurice, one of the trilogy's beloved characters, was portrayed with such convincing detail that it becomes nearly impossible to distinguish from reality. Wētā's illusion is so believable that in some scenes, it's hard to believe actress Karin Konoval wasn't interacting with a real orangutan.

The Crow (1994)

IMDb: 7.4

Brandon Lee's lead role in 'The Crow' is overshadowed by a tragic incident on set where he lost his life due to a misfired scene gun. However, the film's depiction of Draven's death doesn't include real footage of Lee's demise.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

IMDb: 7.2

The truck driver throws a wrench at Leatherface, causing him to fall. When Leatherface hits the ground, he drops the chainsaw onto his leg, beginning to saw. Many believed that Gunnar Hansen actually fell and cut his leg, but in reality, Hansen wore a metal plate covered with meat and blood bags on his leg, ensuring no harm from the chainsaw. However, due to the chainsaw's contact with the metal plate, Hansen ended up burning his leg. So, saying that his screams were entirely real wouldn't be inaccurate.

Top Gun (1986)

IMDb: 6.9

Tom Cruise appears to fly several planes in the film. However, the U.S. Navy did not grant Cruise permission to fly a warship, which cost around $65 million per piece. Therefore, Cruise had to sit behind a specially designed cockpit and film from the back while a real pilot flew the fighter jet. Nevertheless, while watching Maverick, many assumed Cruise had received permission to perform his own flights.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

IMDb: 6.5

'The Blair Witch Project' convinced viewers of its authenticity. The film claimed the footage left behind by a young filmmaker's team lost in the woods was real. However, it was a meticulously crafted work of fiction.