Super slow motion was relied on heavily in 'The Matrix', but certain moments in the script called for something special. These scenes required dynamic camera movement around slow motion events that approached 12,000 fps (frames per second). This is known as 'bullet-time photography.' The passage of time is slowed down so that an observer can see individual bullets flying throughout the scene at a conceivable rate, or any fast-moving object, sometimes with streaks and trails made visible.
The effect is achieved by a set of still cameras positioned around the subject that all capture the action simultaneously. This effect is different to normal slow-motion because multiple cameras are placed around the subject, rather than having one camera move around the subject at an unachievable high speed.
To produce this effect in 'The Matrix', the camera path was pre-designed using computer-genrated visualisations as a guide. The cameras were positioned behind green-screen, allowing them to add any effects in post-production, and a laser-targeting system was used to create a smooth, complex curve effect seen in the final scene.
Technology and innovation in this modern age has allowed us to create some incredible effects, and I can't help but think there are many more ways in which we can capture film waiting to be discovered. I'd imagine the editing process of a scene/effect like this to be complex, interesting and fun. The effect is not seen in a lot of films but when it is pulled off correctly it creates an incredible visual effect that adds another layer to a film.
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