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Filming extended, uninterrupted sequences is more demanding than quick edits, but the outcomes can be stunning (or subtle, depending on the director's expertise). Explore 13 unforgettable examples of these seamless single takes.
1. Goodfellas (3:04)
The iconic steadicam sequence in Goodfellas, which follows Henry Hill and Karen through the back entrance and kitchen of the Copacabana, is more than just visually striking—it serves as a profound metaphor. Lasting just over three minutes, this scene immerses viewers in the allure of the mob lifestyle through Karen's perspective, an outsider and Henry's girlfriend. As Karen is drawn deeper into Henry's world of influence and status, the audience experiences the same sense of awe and fascination.
The scene required seven takes to perfect, and Scorsese worried it might lose the audience's interest.
2. Russian Ark (96 minutes)
A groundbreaking cinematic achievement, Russian Ark is a 96-minute film captured in a single, uninterrupted shot—no cuts or edits. Set in 19th-century Russia, the story unfolds across 33 rooms of the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, featuring a massive cast of over 2000 actors. Director Alexander Sokurov accomplished this feat in just three attempts.
3. Boogie Nights (2:54)
Paul Thomas Anderson, a contemporary filmmaking genius, showcases his talent in Boogie Nights, which boasts one of the most iconic opening sequences of the 1990s. Set to vibrant disco music and the film's title displayed on a marquee, the three-minute shot brilliantly introduces the main characters of Boogie Nights.
4. Atonement (5:08)
Cin - Atonement from Matthew Parillo on Vimeo
Joe Wright's Atonement showcases breathtaking cinematography, particularly in a mesmerizing five-minute single take. This pivotal scene occurs in the film's latter half, where Robbie Turner, portrayed by James McAvoy, stands on a French beach following the Battle of Dunkirk.
Due to budget constraints, Wright and cinematographer Seamus McGarvey devised an innovative approach to depict the chaos of war without thousands of extras. They crafted a steadicam sequence that masterfully conveys the terror and disarray of a soldier's experience amidst a meticulously orchestrated backdrop.
5. Panic Room (2:28)
While director David Fincher first experimented with the virtual camera in 1999's Fight Club, his 2002 thriller Panic Room cemented his passion for this innovative technique. The nearly two-and-a-half-minute continuous shot, which glides through banisters, a keyhole, and a coffee mug handle, might appear as a display of technical prowess. However, Fincher uses it strategically to map out the New York townhouse's layout and the characters' positions before the home invasion unfolds.
6. I Am Cuba (Soy Cuba) (1:29 and 2:34)
In 1964, Mikhail Kalatozov directed I Am Cuba (Soy Cuba), a film celebrated for its stylistic brilliance and two of the most intricate and mesmerizing single shots ever captured on screen. Kalatozov’s camera glides effortlessly through Havana’s streets during a funeral procession. The first shot starts at ground level, while the second offers a sweeping aerial perspective of the bustling streets and crowds below.
7. The Protector (Tom-Yum-Goong) (3:47)
The Thai martial arts film The Protector (Tom-Yum-Goong) introduced action star Tony Jaa to American audiences. Upon its U.S. release in 2005, it became the first Thai film to rank in the top 5 at the box office during its opening weekend. Known for its intricate action sequences and stunt choreography, The Protector captivated viewers worldwide. One standout scene features a meticulously crafted, uninterrupted shot that took a month to plan and five takes to perfect, resulting in a stunning showcase of action cinema.
8. Touch of Evil (3:31)
The opening sequence of Orson Welles’ Touch of Evil stands as one of the director’s most elaborate and technically demanding shots. It starts with a time bomb hidden in a car trunk and unfolds over three and a half minutes as the vehicle navigates a bustling border town, its passengers oblivious to the impending catastrophe.
9. Rope (10:06)
Alfred Hitchcock aimed to make Rope unfold in real time, mirroring the stage play it was adapted from. To achieve this, Hitchcock filmed the movie in a series of lengthy takes, editing them to create a seamless flow. The film is divided into ten segments, with the longest take running just over 10 minutes.
10. Hard Boiled (2:49)
John Woo’s Hong Kong action masterpiece Hard Boiled served as his introduction to American studios, showcasing his exceptional talent. Released in 1992, the film remains a benchmark for action cinema, featuring one of the most intense and uninterrupted shootout sequences, lasting nearly three minutes.
During a hospital raid, Inspector Tequila and Tony pause in an elevator to reload. Meanwhile, John Woo’s crew hurriedly transformed the destroyed hallways to resemble a different floor, ensuring the action could continue seamlessly.
11. Paths of Glory (1:39)
Stanley Kubrick’s Paths of Glory highlights the director’s mastery of black-and-white cinematography, juxtaposed with the grim realities of war. Set partly in WWI trenches, Kubrick uses extended tracking shots to bring energy and depth to the confined spaces.
12. The Player (8:08)
Opening scene from The Player (1992) from Single Shot Film Festival on Vimeo.
Robert Altman’s return to filmmaking, The Player, includes an impressive 8-minute continuous shot that sets the movie’s postmodern tone. In this opening sequence, actors improvise much of their dialogue, referencing iconic films like Touch of Evil’s tracking shot, Hitchcock’s Rope, and a fictional follow-up to The Graduate.
13. Children of Men (3:57)
Set in a dystopian future, Children of Men features several extended single-take sequences, with the car attack scene being the most unforgettable. Lasting nearly four minutes, the scene begins with lighthearted banter between Theo (Clive Owen) and Julian (Julianne Moore), only to descend into chaos as an armed gang ambushes their vehicle. Director Alfonso Cuarón used a custom-built rig to capture the action from every angle, resulting in one of the film’s most gripping and intense moments. Watch it here.
