Special effects are characters. Special effects are essential elements. Just because you can't see them doesn't mean they aren't there.
“I always received much more satisfaction as a defense attorney in obtaining an acquittal for a client than I ever have as a D.A. in obtaining a conviction. All my interests and sympathies tend to be on the side of the individual as opposed to the state.”
“The bore is usually considered a harmless creature, or of that class of irrationa bipeds who hurt only themselves.”