
In older times, films that aimed to depict an actor playing various roles simultaneously faced numerous technical challenges. As there was no digital technology, sophisticated editing tools, or CGI available to streamline the process of having one actor appear on screen together, directors had to resort to ingenious methods. They utilized optical illusions, double exposures, stationary cameras, and painstaking editing to achieve their vision. The actor also needed immense concentration and vitality to deliver the same scene repeatedly with unwavering precision – it was a challenging endeavor. Distinctive makeup, costumes, and other visual cues were crucial in helping audiences distinguish between the characters. “Coming to America,” featuring Eddie Murphy portraying four roles, serves as an excellent demonstration of how effective this approach can be.