The Art of Tracking Shots 🎥

Dear Cinephile,

Welcome to the next enlightening episode of our "Techniques in Cinema" series, where we explore the art of visual storytelling. Today, we're delving into the cinematic magic of tracking shots, a technique that carries us through the narrative with seamless grace! 🎥

Read Time: 5min 15sec

The Artistry of Tracking Shots 📹

Tracking shots, also known as "dolly shots", are a symphony of movement and composition. They allow us to glide through the story, sharing the characters' perspective and immersing ourselves in the film's world in all sorts of different ways. Stay with me, we’ll make the learning fun by discussing some easily recognizable examples!

🗝️ Key Aspects:

🚶Character Perspective: Tracking shots can create a connection between the viewer and the path of the characters, following them makes us feel like silent companions on their journey.

🏙️World Exploration: Filmmakers use tracking shots to navigate intricate spaces, unveiling the settings and creating a dynamic sense of place.

🎭Emotional Impact: The fluidity of tracking shots can intensify emotional moments, sweeping us along with the characters' highs and lows.

📝 Notable examples in film:

"Birdman" (2014)

Character Perspective: Alejandro G. Iñárritu's film ingeniously utilizes a continuous tracking shot to follow the movements of the protagonist, Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), through the chaotic backstage of a Broadway theater. This unbroken perspective immerses the audience in Riggan's world, providing a real-time, fly-on-the-wall experience as we seamlessly follow his every move. The tracking shot becomes a narrative tool, making us silent witnesses to Riggan's challenges and successes, and allowing us to physically navigate the intricate and dynamic spaces within the film.

"Goodfellas" (1990)

World Exploration: Martin Scorsese's masterful tracking shot through the bustling back entrance of the Copacabana nightclub not only immerses us in the glamorous world of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and Karen (Lorraine Bracco) but also serves as a dynamic exploration of the vibrant and exclusive settings within the mob lifestyle. The continuous movement captures the allure and complexity of their world, providing an engaging and detailed view of the characters' surroundings.

"Atonement" (2007)

Emotional Impact: Director Joe Wright's breathtaking tracking shot during the Dunkirk evacuation follows the emotional journey of Robbie Turner (James McAvoy). This single-take sequence intensifies the impact of the wartime experience, immersing the audience in the character's perspective and emotions. The unbroken shot amplifies the emotional resonance, making us feel, intensely! This way, Robbie's harrowing journey is more accessible and powerful.

🕺The Director's Choreography:

Directors, cinematographers, and camera operators work in harmony to choreograph tracking shots. The movement of the camera becomes a dance that carries the narrative forward and blends into the experience of the film as it is envisioned by the director.

🌌Your Cinematic Journey

As you watch films, pay attention to the use of tracking shots. How do they enhance your connection to the characters and the storytelling? Why were they used in some scenes and not in others? Let’s discuss this example:

👶🏽"Children of Men" (2006)

In this film, director Alfonso Cuarón employs stunning long tracking shots to heighten the impact of some crucial scenes. For instance, the tense car ambush scene. By seamlessly navigating through the confined space of the car and its surroundings, Cuarón achieves an unprecedented level of immersion. The unbroken shot intensifies the suspense and urgency of the characters' escape, allowing the audience to experience the relentless danger in real-time! The tracking shot not only showcases technical brilliance but also serves a crucial storytelling purpose. In another notable scene, the tracking shot inside the refugee camp serves a dual purpose. By fluidly moving through the environment, the shot not only showcases the bleak conditions faced by the characters but also invites viewers into the documentary-like experience. The continuous movement enhances the storytelling, making us feel the dystopian world's harsh realities.

Share your favorite moments where tracking shots led you through unforgettable cinematic experiences, as always @cinneman.

Our exploration of "Techniques in Cinema" continues, and the art of tracking shots invites us to experience the magic of filmmaking from a different perspective!✨

Yours in motion of films,

Cinneman