Why does fake blood in older movies look so fake?
I've noticed that when showing blood in a number of older movies, the fake blood is always bright red. Why was this? I know special effects have obviously improved over the years but it doesn't seem like blood would be that hard to make a color that looks real. So it seems like there must be some other reason. Why does fake blood in older movies look so fake?
Example from Suspiria 1977
Example from Dawn of the Dead 1978
Example from Carrie 1976
Best Answer
Blood in horror movies has a rich history. Black-White movies had no problem with it and could pull it off easily. So much so that it is said that Alfred Hitchock shot Psycho in Black-White because he wanted the bloid in shower to look "realistic" since he couldn't get the same effect with fake blood.
"What was once alarmingly "realistic" now looks either stylized (if it's a good movie) or fakey (if it's not so good)."
That quote best describes how I feel about blood in old movies. 70's movies as OP points out didn't look 'realistic' because there has been a general shift in our perception. As always, 70's doesn't has lack of cheesy movies and so blood may seem fake to us. Tarantino and Coen now generally use darker, gritier shade this is now even an industry phenomenon.
If I had to pin it down to one reason it would be because of trend change. It is interesting to know that lens flares were dispised by filmmakers who used expensive equipment to counteract the effect because to them it was just a nuisance but today lens flares are ubiquitous and are thought to add realism.
Note- As for how the shade 70's blood was achieved I can say only two words- corn syrup.
This post was HEAVILY influenced by this article- Color of Blood
I recommend you check out the link for a deeper feel. Also the pictures perfectly encapsulated the visual styles.
Pictures about "Why does fake blood in older movies look so fake?"
Why did blood look so fake in old movies?
The Savini-created blood in the first Friday the 13th, released in 1980, looks like, well, blood. So does most movie blood these days, whether created by mixing together corn syrup and food coloring or turning to CGI, as many productions have in recent years.What did they use for fake blood in old movies?
For groundbreaking and bloodletting movies like The Godfather (1972), The Exorcist (1973), and Taxi Driver (1976), Smith perfected the recipe for fake movie blood: 1 quart white corn syrup. 1 level teaspoon methyl paraben. 2 ounces Ehlers red food coloring.How is blood fake in movies?
Fake blood generally consists of the following in various ratios: Corn syrup (or plain syrup) as the base. Dishwashing liquid to prevent the blood from beading and staining. Opacifier, e.g. titanium dioxide to make blood non-translucent.What movie used the most fake blood ever?
Braindead set and still holds the record for the most fake blood used in a movie; over 300 litres were used for the final scene.How Fake Blood Is Made For Movies | Movies Insider
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