In 1999, 'The Matrix' introduced a visual effect that would be parodied and replicated for decades: 'Bullet Time.' This effect allowed the camera to orbit a character while they remained frozen or moved in extreme slow-motion. To achieve this, the Wachowskis and visual effects supervisor John Gaeta set up 120 still cameras in a circular rig around the actor. These cameras were triggered in sequence, only milliseconds apart. When the still images were played back at 24 frames per second, it created the illusion of a single camera moving at superhuman speed. The background was then digitally rendered to match. This technique bridged the gap between traditional cinematography and computer-generated environments, proving that the 'impossible' could be captured on film if one thought outside the traditional frame.