Long Takes or Oner

Definition

A long take, also known as a oner, is a continuous shot that lasts for an extended period without cuts. This technique is used to create a sense of realism and immersion by allowing the audience to experience events in real-time, providing a deeper connection to the characters and their emotional journeys. Long takes can emphasize character development by showcasing their actions and reactions in a fluid manner, often highlighting their inner thoughts and conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Long takes can serve to enhance tension by extending moments of conflict or suspense, giving the audience time to process what is happening on screen.
2. Directors often use long takes to showcase intricate choreography or complex scenes that require detailed blocking and timing from the actors.
3. The use of long takes can lead to a more naturalistic portrayal of character emotions, as audiences can witness subtle changes in expressions and body language over time.
4. Long takes require careful planning and rehearsal, as any mistake during the shot necessitates starting over from the beginning.
5. Notable films featuring long takes include 'Birdman' and '1917,' which have been praised for their technical mastery and ability to convey character depth.

Review Questions

• How do long takes contribute to character development in film?
  • Long takes contribute to character development by allowing audiences to observe characters’ actions and emotions in real-time. This continuous format helps build a stronger connection between the viewer and the character, as it captures subtle nuances in performance that might be lost in traditional editing. By immersing the audience in the moment, long takes can effectively convey internal conflicts, growth, and changes in the characters over time.
• In what ways can long takes enhance the storytelling process compared to traditional shot composition?
  • Long takes enhance storytelling by creating an uninterrupted flow that mirrors real life, allowing viewers to engage more deeply with the narrative. This technique can build tension and suspense by prolonging critical moments or conflicts without cutting away. It also allows for more complex blocking, where multiple actions unfold simultaneously, showcasing relationships between characters in a dynamic way that traditional cuts may not capture as effectively.
• Evaluate the impact of long takes on audience perception of time and space within a film narrative.
  • Long takes significantly impact how audiences perceive time and space within a film narrative by fostering a sense of realism and immediacy. This technique blurs the lines between action and reaction, allowing viewers to experience events as they happen, which creates a heightened emotional engagement. Additionally, the lack of cuts can alter the pacing of a scene, leading audiences to feel both the weight of time passing and the spatial relationships between characters more acutely, ultimately enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Related terms

Cinematography: The art of capturing visual images for film and video, encompassing camera angles, lighting, shot composition, and movement.

Blocking: The precise staging of actors in a scene, including their movements and positioning relative to each other and the camera.

Continuity Editing: A system of editing that seeks to create a seamless flow of action and maintain spatial and temporal continuity within a film.