The long take, often referred to as “the oner,” presents a significant technical challenge in filmmaking. It requires exceptional coordination, as even a minor mistake can lead to the failure of an entire shot. Notable examples include the casino sequence in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men, and Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman. Recently, an episode of The Studio titled “The Oner” illustrates the intricacies of filmmaking in one continuous shot, suggesting that this specific technique resonates with certain audiences.
Chinese filmmaker Bi Gan has recently made headlines for a particularly ambitious long take in his science fiction film Resurrection, which features a remarkable 30-minute tracking shot. This surpasses other long takes, such as the nine-minute segments in Sam Mendes’ 1917, where various cuts are spliced together to evoke continuity. Resurrection guides viewers through diverse evening scenarios—starting from a chaotic dockside altercation to a lively karaoke bar—culminating in a surprising twist as the narrative unfolds.
Bi’s previous works similarly showcased his affinity for extended takes; his debut film Kaili Blues concluded with a 41-minute shot, while Long Day’s Journey into Night featured a 59-minute unbroken take shot in 3D. During discussions about his filmmaking approach, Bi emphasized the significance of long takes in shaping audience perception of time and narrative continuity.
In Resurrection, the long take serves to depict the pivotal transition from the 20th to the 21st century. Bi noted that the choice to use one long shot came during production discussions, where visual storytelling techniques were carefully evaluated. He also underlined the collaborative nature of filming, where location scouting, script adjustments, and technical rehearsals are essential to achieving a seamless take. The final product of Resurrection, currently in select theaters, consists of actual uninterrupted action rather than stitched scenes, highlighting its unique cinematic execution.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/entertainment/842881/resurrection-bi-gan-interview-tracking-shot