Is there another cinematic look and feel in films that is better than bullet time?

Answer 1

well, it certainly depends on the themes and mood of the scene you are attempting to convey. so i don't think there is a "best" cinematic technique.

you could easily argue that for action movies, like The Matrix, bullet-tme is the best you can do. but that's just opinion.

i like the feel of really grainy, black and white film, that's lit for high contrast. but that wouldn't work well for The Matrix.

other successful cinematic techniques could include roto-scoping, over-exposure, exposing for highlights (underexposing doesnt usually work too well for the simple fact you can't see anything), bleach bypass process (that will give you the muddy look of Saving Private Ryan, where it doesn't develop the highlights), if you close the shutter on a film camera, each frame will be exposed for less time, making a crisper image (if you watch Gladiator, you will notice at times the visuals feel unusually sharp). then, you have the innumerable amounts of combinations of film stocks, lenses, lighting techniques, etc etc

hope this gives you an idea of what's out there

Answer 2

How about a black and white montage with inspirational music?

Answer 3

stills

Answer 4

Real time?