The Flash CGI: What Went Wrong and How to Fix It

The CGI in The Flash has been widely criticized for being unfinished and subpar. There are a few reasons for this.

• The VFX team was overworked. Visual effects artist Zach Mulligan explained in a TikTok video that the VFX team on The Flash was severely overworked. He said that studios typically approach VFX companies and say, "Hey, I have 2000 shots I need for this sequence" and the VFX studios will place a bid based on that quantity of shots. However, the amount of work per shot can vary dramatically. One shot could have a wire removal, while another shot could have wire removal, smoke simulation, fire simulation, face replacement, and green screen. Despite the difference in workload, both shots are considered just one shot each. This means that the VFX team is often working on many shots at once, which can lead to rushed and unfinished work.

• The studio wanted to release the film quickly. The Flash was originally scheduled to be released in 2022, but it was delayed several times. The final release date was June 23, 2023. This short turnaround time may have put pressure on the VFX team to rush their work.

• The studio didn't want to spend a lot of money on CGI. The Flash is a big-budget movie, but it's not as big-budget as some other superhero movies. This may have led the studio to cut corners on the CGI.

It's important to note that not all of the CGI in The Flash is bad. Some of the effects, such as the time travel sequences, are actually quite impressive. However, the bad CGI is so noticeable that it's hard to ignore. It's a shame that the VFX team was overworked and that the studio didn't give them more time and money to do their job properly.

In addition to the reasons mentioned above, it's also worth noting that The Flash uses a unique visual style that may not be to everyone's taste. The movie has a very stylized look, with bright colors and cel-shaded effects. This style can make the CGI look more artificial than it would in a more realistic movie.
Ultimately, whether or not you think the CGI in The Flash is bad is a matter of personal opinion. However, there are some clear reasons why the VFX in the movie has been criticized.

Posted by Jasleen Kaur

Jasleen Kaur is a content writer, Exclusives & PR Coordinator at BehindFilmMaking. She has a background in reviewing films and TV shows on various entertainment news platforms. Her favourite genres are Ancient and Dramatic thrillers.