Does a bullet really fly like that when it’s shot, like in the movie MATRIX?

Question

In the movie Matrix, when a flying bullet is shown in slow motion, it emits some kind of rings behind it. Does a it really do that in real life, if the bullet is seen in slow motion, or is that just an “imaginary” effect for movies only? (And if it is real, then what makes it do that?)

Also this is a random question, but do you have any idea why this special effect (for the movie) is named as “bullet time?” I was just curious if anyone knew.

Answer 1

Yes and no. The turbulent compressed air does produce a similar visual effect due to changes in the index of refraction (similar to the thermal convection patterns you see rising over a hot surface on a sunny day). However, the effect is greatly exaggerated in the movie. To see it that clearly, you'd have to use Schlieren photography, or (and I think this is the real point of the special effects) have your senses while linked to the Matrix heighten by virtue of being "The One". Such photography enormously amplifies the effect of index changes in the air, as you can see from the attached link.

Answer 2

There are many kinds of bullets but the determining factor here is velocity. The slug from a Barrett .50 caliber sniper rifle is supersonic when it leaves the barrel and would create a shock wave as it passes through the air, much like a cone of compressed air with the apex at the tip of the slug. There would be a certain amount of turbulence behind the slug but no 'rings'. Aircraft create wingtip vortices but this is due to the differences is pressure around a wing. I assume 'bullet time' is simply a reference to the cinematic effect of slowing time down so that bullets become visible.

Answer 3

It's all special and dramatic effect.