How did they get this shot?

Buddy Greenfield

Buddy Greenfield

I (as I imagine others must) see shots now and then that make me wonder me how they were done,
so I figured we could try to address some of those shots for the fun.


My 1st: From the shower scene of Psycho.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VP5jEAP3K4

How do they get that shot up into the water at 1:03-1:04 without the water hitting the lens
or whatever the camera was encased in? I can only guess that it’s zoomed in from far enough
back, but I don't know.



My 2nd: From the opening credits of Sahara.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lObeFAfZf1w

Is it Steadicam or a motion control jib head?


-Thanks-
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
1) The showerhead looks like it's been modified to not spray water in the center, in addition to a waterproofing solution (camera wrapped in plastic or something).

2) Steadicam and an incredible focus puller, along with really good set design :)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I can see that being in the mix (water directed away from the center of the head), but shooting up the middle like that is crazy with no spill.


In the Sahara clip, I like how the Costume Designer credit travels into the hand held (lighted) magnifying glass and comes out as the Editor credit on the other side. (Other credits vanish and appear from behind from various other items and places in the nice exposition set as well - looks expensive.)


-Thanks-
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0 Downvote
knightly said:
2) Steadicam and an incredible focus puller, along with really good set design :)
Click to expand...

Some amazing work in there. There are a couple of vertical moves that made me think motion control rig, but after watching it a couple of times I don't think there's anywhere they could have hidden the gear. Even with hidden cuts, it seems like a bombing combo like above.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I suppose you can figure out HOW Robert Altman did this, but holy crap, imagine the planning.

Opening sequence to "The Player." An eight minute and five second CONTINUOUS tracking shot.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0epB5Z6ijpk



For some reason the embed code for YouTube isn't working for me. Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0epB5Z6ijpk
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Upvote 0 Downvote
Good call! I always thought that was like a play on or homage paid to the continuous shot from “A touch of evil”, am I right maybe?
Click to expand...

Isn't that what Fred Ward is talking about in this scene? About how directors these days would never take a chance on a continuous shot like Welles did with Touch of Evil?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Oh yeah, its fabulous...what a brilliant way for Altman to set up the reflexive nature of The Player, too. I'll never forget the first time I saw it...you hear Fred Ward from a distance talking about how directors these days are too afraid to take chances, etc, and how no one these days would be brave enough to to do a continuous tracking shot like Welles did in Touch of Evil, etc. Very subtle, very brilliant.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top