Since the birth of cinematography in 1895, filmmakers have been striving to

develop and incorporate techniques and strategies to enhance audience's

viewing experiences. The various effects that cinematographers have
formulated over the century can be categorized as either special effects (i.e.
effects such as make-up, animatronics, and explosions filmed in-camera) or
visual effects (i.e. effects created in post-production computer generated
imagery (CGI) such as digital props (e.g. bullets, blood and gore) and digital
renderings that are composited in post). The famous thriller blockbuster 'Die
Hard: With a Vengeance' directed by John McTiernan is a classic illustration of a
film that efficiently encompasses compelling special and visual effects that
reinforces and further augments the viewing experiences perceived by the
audience. An example of this is the representation of Bruce Willis who plays the
role of John McClane, a suspended police officer of the New York Police
Department. The filmmakers' portrayal of McClane is achieved very well with
the use of special effects. John McClane is shown throughout the film series
wearing a dirty, blood-stained singlet and pants which are a common trait of
high-ranked Hollywood police officers as well as bloody cuts and bruises to his
face and body which provide details that he has been involved in some action
or conflict; also a common trait of police officers. McClane is regularly
accompanied by a police badge and a firearm which are elements that all
stereotypical lieutenants are known to possess. All of these different features
are assimilated effectively in John McTiernan's 'Die Hard: With a Vengeance' to
construct a true representation of a stereotypical lieutenant.