The Art of the Long Take in Cinema
The long take, often referred to as the unbroken tracking shot or “the oner,” is widely regarded by filmmakers as one of cinema’s most intricate technical feats. This accomplishment combines creativity with meticulous choreography and coordination, as even the smallest error can compromise the entire shot.
Notable Examples in Film History
Some renowned instances include the casino sequence from Martin Scorsese’s GoodFellas, the action scenes in Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men, and the entirety of Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman. Recently, an episode of The Studio, titled “The Oner,” portrayed the challenges of filming a long take, showcasing a character who described it as “the ultimate cinematic achievement.” He mentioned the previously noted films, indicating that the continuous take is of interest primarily to a niche audience.
Bi Gan’s Pioneering Work
However, none of these examples compare to the work of Chinese director Bi Gan, who has delivered one of the year’s most ambitious long takes. His sci-fi movie Resurrection features an impressive 30-minute tracking shot filmed in a single take, set against the backdrop of 20th-century China. In contrast, Sam Mendes’ 1917 contains a nine-minute long sequence, stitched together to create an illusion of continuity. Bi’s take transitions from night to dawn, following characters from a violent dock fight through rainy alleys to a lively karaoke bar, culminating in an unexpected turn at sea.
A Deep Understanding of Time
Bi Gan’s achievement in Resurrection represents not only a significant technical feat but also draws on his previous works. His debut film, Kaili Blues, concluded with a 41-minute journey through a rural town, while his second film, Long Day’s Journey into Night, incorporated a remarkable 59-minute continuous shot in 3D. Bi, now 36, discusses using long takes to enable audiences to experience time in a more profound way, noting that the uninterrupted shots encourage viewers to engage with the story more intimately.
Challenging the Viewer’s Perception
In an interview, Bi reflected on whether viewers need to recognize the singular nature of the long take. While he believes many will notice it, he emphasizes the importance of the audience grasping the experience of time as it unfolds. He also utilizes techniques such as time lapse to manipulate viewers’ perception of time, illustrating how memories can be integrated within a continuous shot.
Behind the Scenes of Filming
When deciding on long takes, Bi uses a careful approach, collaborating with his team to find the best settings for their cinematic vision. Rehearsals included technical preparations, with a month allocated from location scouting to actual practice, with actors performing night rehearsals, often undertaking additional training for specific scenes.
The Unique Vision of Resurrection
Ultimately, Bi’s approach to Resurrection emphasizes a strong narrative alignment with the style of filming. The decision to employ one long shot came during the creative process, blending adaptation of a novel into a cinematic experience. He focused on delivering a cohesive story that reflects the emotional and temporal shifts of his narrative.
