10 Of The Most Impressive Long Takes In Movie History

Amongst the highest of high praise received so far by Gravity (which I see as well deserved) is that it has the potential to be a game-changer for movies. Reasons for this include its use of sound, a simple storyline for the audience to follow through, subtle but effective characterization, and some of the best use of 3D we have seen to date. One of the chief reasons its action sequences have drawn accolades is its use of what are typically referred to as “long takes,” although the label may not be entirely suitable for this film since rather than the traditional method of having to capture every aspect of a sequence in one continuous go-round, CGI allows for a little more dexterity and precision than the mayhem of getting everything right all at once. The way of achieving this effect, of giving us one long, interrupted shot with no cutting is markedly different, but the effect itself and the degree of difficulty in achieving it are likely quite similar.

Darren Ruecker

Published: Oct 28, 2013 03:37 pm

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[h2]3) Oldboy[/h2]

Oldboy

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You could watch all of Oldboy and be completely unimpressed by most of it. I wouldn’t be all that upset or surprised either (I’d disagree, though I understand it’s not for everyone), but I’d wager that it’s impossible for anyone to witness the iconic hallway fight scene and walk away without a blown mind. The premise of the scene as it fits into the plot of the movie isn’t terribly relevant, or maybe that’s just what I think since the story escapes me, even as I re-read online descriptions of it. What matters here are the protagonist who is a man essentially backed into a corner, both in the scene and in his narrative, and the action that results from one man taking on a hallway full of henchmen.

Once again, we have a three-minute continuous take, but rather than a camera sweeping in and out of rooms, it’s all in one long corridor with intricately choreographed fighting. Our hero is armed with only a hammer, and at one point gets a knife jammed in his back, but each time he seems to be put out, he comes back with even more fury. It’s incredible not only how realistically the action works, but the physical performance, especially the wonderful touch of doubling over from sheer exhaustion, stands out in particular. With a Spike Lee-directed remake set for release in November, we’ll have to wait and see if there’s any attempt to recreate such an incredible visual sequence.

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