The Ultimate Guide to the Tracking Shot — Cinematic Camera Movement Explained

In the vast array of techniques available to filmmakers, the tracking shot stands tall as one of the most immersive and captivating camera movements. From the iconic opening sequence in Orson Welles’ “Touch of Evil” to the pulse-pounding battle scenes in “The Revenant,” the tracking shot has been a recurring tool in the arsenal of directors and cinematographers looking to draw their audiences deeper into the cinematic experience.

This article will delve into the intricacies of the tracking shot, exploring its definition, various forms, and the reasons why filmmakers continue to return to this powerful technique time and time again. So, buckle up, grab your camera (or simply your popcorn), and get ready to embark on a journey through the compelling world of tracking shots.

What is a Tracking Shot?

At its core, a tracking shot is a camera movement that follows or tracks one or more subjects as they move through a scene. It’s a dynamic technique that allows the camera to independently capture the action, creating a sense of immersion for the viewer by placing them right in the midst of the unfolding events.

Unlike a static shot or a pan, a tracking shot requires the camera itself to be mobile, whether mounted on a dolly, Steadicam, drone, or any other device that can facilitate smooth, continuous movement. When the camera moves parallel to the subject, either forward or backward, the movement is referred to as a “dolly shot,” regardless of the actual equipment used. When the camera moves laterally, left or right, it’s called a “trucking shot.”

The term “tracking shot” itself harkens back to the days when cameras were bulkier and more challenging to maneuver, often requiring tracks or rails to achieve the desired movement. Today, however, the possibilities are boundless, with modern technology allowing filmmakers to execute tracking shots in a variety of innovative ways.

Chapter 1: Types of Movement

The impact of a tracking shot is heavily influenced by the type of movement employed, which in turn depends on the equipment used by the crew. Each method of movement imparts a distinct mood and feel to the shot, allowing directors to tailor the effect to suit the specific tone and genre of their film.

Dolly Shots

When a tracking shot is executed using a dolly, the camera glides smoothly along a set of tracks or rails, resulting in a meticulously controlled and precise movement. This type of shot is often associated with a sense of order and formality, as exemplified in the iconic scene from Stanley Kubrick’s “Paths of Glory,” where the camera’s flawless movement mirrors the rigid military setting.

Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, Wes Anderson is a master of the dolly tracking shot. In his film “The French Dispatch,” he employs this technique to follow the character of Roebuck, simultaneously establishing the inner workings of the police station with a sense of whimsy and precision.

Steadicam Shots

While dollies offer unparalleled smoothness, Steadicam rigs provide a similar level of stability without the constraints of tracks. One of the most celebrated Steadicam tracking shots in cinema history can be found in Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas,” where the camera effortlessly floats through the crowded Copacabana nightclub, capturing the protagonist Henry’s effortless confidence and success.

Crane Shots

For tracking shots that require vertical movement, filmmakers often turn to cranes. The opening scene of Robert Altman’s “The Player” exemplifies the versatility of crane shots, as the camera smoothly transitions from one character to another, establishing the sprawling studio lot setting in a single, continuous take lasting over eight minutes.

Drone Shots

In recent years, the advent of drone technology has opened up new avenues for tracking shots, allowing filmmakers to achieve breathtaking aerial perspectives and dynamic camera movements previously unimaginable. While still a relatively new technique, drone tracking shots have already found their way into various productions, adding an extra layer of cinematic spectacle.

Handheld Shots

While smooth, controlled movements are often desirable for tracking shots, some directors intentionally opt for a more gritty, handheld approach. Alfonso Cuarón’s “Children of Men” is a prime example of this technique, where the handheld camera work lends a sense of raw realism to the film’s intense action sequences, evoking the visceral chaos of war footage.

Chapter 2: Framing and Camera Angles

In addition to the type of movement, the framing and camera angle chosen for a tracking shot can significantly impact the overall effect and emotional resonance of the scene. Filmmakers have a wide range of options at their disposal, each with its own unique storytelling implications.

Close-Up Tracking Shots

A close-up tracking shot places profound emphasis on a character, allowing the audience to intimately connect with their emotions and reactions. László Nemes’ “Son of Saul” employs this technique to create a claustrophobic sense of discomfort, while in “Tár,” a close-up tracking shot enables viewers to witness the complex, shifting emotions on Lydia’s face.

Medium Tracking Shots

Medium shots are a common choice for tracking shots, particularly in scenes involving dialogue or character interactions. Aaron Sorkin’s signature “walk-and-talk” scenes, as seen in films like “The West Wing” and “The Social Network,” utilize medium tracking shots to add kinetic energy to conversations that might otherwise feel visually stagnant.

Wide Tracking Shots

Wide tracking shots are ideal for emphasizing the setting and environment in which the characters are moving. This technique is particularly effective for establishing massive sets, such as the Day of the Dead parade in “Spectre,” or capturing the chaos of large-scale action sequences, as witnessed in the battle scenes of “The Revenant.”

Dynamic Framing

Some of the most iconic tracking shots seamlessly transition between different framing styles, creating a dynamic and visually engaging experience. Orson Welles’ “Touch of Evil” opens with a close-up shot that immediately establishes the high stakes of the scene, before widening to reveal the Border Town setting and eventually settling on a medium shot to introduce the main characters.

Camera Angles

Camera angles play a crucial role in the impact of a tracking shot. An overhead angle, like the one used in “Minority Report,” can effectively establish the geography of a scene while conveying a sense of oppression or surveillance. Conversely, a low-angle tracking shot can imbue a character with a sense of physical power and dominance, as seen in the iconic opening of “The Social Network.”

Chapter 3: Blocking and Staging

Successful tracking shots rely heavily on the precise blocking and staging of characters and their movements. Directors must carefully choreograph the action, considering factors such as the camera’s position relative to the subjects, the speed of movement, and the use of eye-trace techniques to guide the viewer’s attention.

Camera Position

The position of the camera in relation to the subject can significantly influence the mood and impact of a tracking shot. A trailing shot, where the camera follows behind the subject, can create a sense of suspense and anticipation, as seen in the haunting corridors of “The Shining.” Conversely, a frontal tracking shot can convey a sense of power and spectacle, allowing the viewer to witness the action unfolding directly before them, as in the iconic Harvard bar scene from “The Social Network.”

Speed of Movement

The speed at which the camera and subjects move can also shape the overall tone and energy of a scene. A quick, frenetic tracking shot can heighten the chaos and intensity of an action sequence, as demonstrated in the D-Day landing scene from “Saving Private Ryan.” On the other hand, a slower, more methodical tracking shot can build tension and unease, as exemplified in the chilling scenes from “The Invisible Man.”

Blocking and Eye Trace

In scenes involving multiple subjects, precise blocking and the strategic use of eye trace techniques are essential for guiding the viewer’s attention and maintaining a coherent narrative flow. Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterful use of character movement in the extended tracking shots of “Boogie Nights” is a prime example of this, as the camera smoothly transitions from one conversation to the next, drawing the viewer’s eye through the lively party atmosphere.

Chapter 4: Editing and Duration

While some of the most celebrated tracking shots in cinema history are renowned for their technical complexity and lengthy durations, the true impact of a tracking shot often lies in its purposeful integration into the overall narrative and editing rhythm of the film.

Long Takes

Extended, uninterrupted tracking shots can be incredibly impactful when used judiciously and with clear narrative intent. In “The Adventures of Tintin,” Steven Spielberg employs a two-minute-long tracking shot to emphasize the chaos and mayhem sparked by a seemingly innocuous set of scrolls, seamlessly following multiple characters and maintaining a sense of spatial orientation throughout the sequence.

Short Bursts

On the other hand, some directors opt for shorter, more explosive tracking shots that come in quick bursts. John Woo’s “Mission: Impossible 2” is a prime example of this technique, where rapid-fire tracking shots lend an incredible sense of kinetic energy and momentum to the action sequences.

Cutting Between Shots

Another effective approach is to cut between multiple tracking shots, creating a sense of parallel action and heightened tension. In the climactic scene of “There Will Be Blood,” Paul Thomas Anderson seamlessly intercuts between several tracking shots, following multiple characters as they converge on a single, pivotal moment.

Takeaways

The tracking shot is a versatile and powerful tool in the filmmaker’s arsenal, capable of serving nearly any genre or mood. Its impact lies not only in the technical execution but also in the purposeful integration of movement, framing, blocking, and editing to immerse the audience in the unfolding narrative.

Whether it’s the meticulously choreographed dolly shots of Wes Anderson, the gritty handheld realism of Alfonso Cuarón, or the breathtaking aerial perspectives afforded by drone technology, the tracking shot continues to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.

As you embark on your next filmmaking endeavor, remember that every element of a tracking shot – from the type of movement to the framing, blocking, and editing – has the potential to shape the emotional resonance and impact of the scene. Plan carefully, experiment boldly, and never underestimate the power of this captivating technique to draw your audience deeper into the world you’ve created.