Steadicam shots have played a crucial role in transforming how movies are filmed and experienced. Since its invention by best steadicam shots Garrett Brown in the 1970s, the Steadicam has allowed filmmakers to create smooth, dynamic shots that would be impossible with traditional handheld or dolly-mounted cameras. From breathtaking tracking sequences to immersive first-person perspectives, these shots have revolutionized cinematic storytelling. Here are the 10 best Steadicam shots that changed the way we see movies.
1. The Shining (1980) – Danny’s Tricycle Ride
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining features one of the most iconic uses of the Steadicam in cinematic history. As young Danny Torrance rides his tricycle through the eerie, deserted halls of the Overlook Hotel, the camera glides behind him, capturing the unsettling silence and the claustrophobic atmosphere. This sequence builds suspense without using traditional horror tropes like jump scares, proving how camera movement alone can create tension. The smooth, fluid tracking of the Steadicam immerses viewers in Danny’s perspective, making the audience feel like they are navigating the haunted hotel with him.
2. Rocky (1976) – Training Montage on the Steps
One of the first major films to use the Steadicam, Rocky took full advantage of its mobility. The famous training sequence where Rocky Balboa runs through the streets of Philadelphia and up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is now legendary. The Steadicam operator followed Sylvester Stallone as he moved, creating a sense of momentum and triumph. This shot became an iconic representation of perseverance and success, inspiring countless filmmakers to use the Steadicam for tracking movements.
3. Goodfellas (1990) – The Copacabana Entrance
Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas features one of the most famous single-take Steadicam shots ever filmed. The sequence follows Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) as he takes his girlfriend through the back entrance of the Copacabana nightclub. The camera glides smoothly through hallways, kitchens, and staircases, seamlessly following the couple as they move through the bustling club. This continuous shot captures Henry’s confidence and power while immersing the audience in his world. It remains one of the greatest long takes in cinematic history.
4. Children of Men (2006) – The Car Ambush Scene
Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men is filled with masterful long takes, and the car ambush scene is a standout moment. The Steadicam allows the camera to move inside and outside of a moving vehicle, capturing the chaos and tension in real time. As the characters face an unexpected attack, the fluid motion of the camera makes the audience feel trapped inside the car with them. This sequence is a brilliant example of how Steadicam shots can enhance action scenes by maintaining an unbroken sense of realism.
5. 1917 (2019) – The Continuous Battlefield Shot
Sam Mendes’ 1917 is known for its ambitious cinematography, designed to appear as one continuous take. The Steadicam was essential in capturing the seamless flow of the film’s narrative. One of the most breathtaking moments occurs when the protagonist, Schofield, sprints across the battlefield as explosions erupt around him. The smooth tracking of the Steadicam enhances the urgency and intensity of the moment, immersing the audience in the chaos of war. This shot is a perfect example of how Steadicam can make a film feel more immersive and visceral.
6. Boogie Nights (1997) – The Pool Party Scene
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights features a mesmerizing Steadicam shot that introduces the vibrant world of the 1970s adult film industry. The camera follows the main character as he arrives at a pool party, seamlessly weaving through the crowd and capturing different interactions. This single take gives the audience a sense of the era’s energy and excess, while also establishing the film’s central characters. The fluid movement of the Steadicam adds a documentary-like realism to the scene, making it feel like an authentic glimpse into the time period.
7. Atonement (2007) – Dunkirk Beach Scene
One of the most breathtaking Steadicam shots in Atonement is the five-minute-long tracking shot of soldiers on Dunkirk Beach. This sequence captures the despair and chaos of war, as the camera follows soldiers wandering through the ruins of their retreat. The Steadicam’s continuous motion gives the scene a haunting, dreamlike quality, emphasizing the horror of war without the need for rapid cuts. This sequence is widely regarded as one of the most technically impressive long takes in film history.
8. Birdman (2014) – The Hallway Scene
Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman was filmed to appear as if it were one continuous shot, with the Steadicam playing a crucial role in achieving this illusion. One of the most impressive moments is the hallway scene, where the camera seamlessly follows the protagonist, played by Michael Keaton, as he moves through the backstage areas of a theater. The fluidity of the Steadicam enhances the film’s surreal, dreamlike atmosphere, keeping the audience engaged without breaking the illusion of a single take.
9. Casino (1995) – The Casino Entrance
Martin Scorsese once again used the Steadicam to perfection in Casino, particularly in the stunning sequence that follows Sam “Ace” Rothstein (Robert De Niro) as he walks through the casino. The Steadicam glides through the busy environment, capturing the extravagant world of gambling with a sense of grandeur and realism. This shot, like in Goodfellas, immerses the audience in the protagonist’s perspective, making them feel like they are stepping into a high-stakes world.
10. The Revenant (2015) – The Opening Battle Scene
The opening battle scene in The Revenant is a masterclass in Steadicam cinematography. As a group of trappers is ambushed, the Steadicam moves fluidly through the action, capturing the brutality and chaos in a visceral way. The use of long takes and seamless camera movement enhances the realism of the battle, making the audience feel like they are right in the middle of the action. This sequence is a testament to how Steadicam can elevate action filmmaking by maintaining immersive, unbroken shots.
Conclusion
Steadicam shots have redefined the way stories are told on screen. From tension-building horror sequences to immersive action scenes, these ten shots showcase the power of fluid camera movement in enhancing cinematic storytelling. As technology advances, the Steadicam continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking. Whether it’s a long take that draws us into a character’s world or a dynamic tracking shot that adds intensity to an action scene, the Steadicam remains one of the most powerful tools in a filmmaker’s arsenal.
