What Is a Tracking Shot in Camera Movement? Definition and Examples in Entertainment

Last Updated Apr 14, 2025

A tracking shot in camera movement involves the camera following a subject smoothly along a predetermined path. This technique is commonly used in films to create a sense of immersion and dynamism. One famous example is the tracking shot in Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas," where the camera follows Henry Hill and his date through a nightclub, showcasing the environment in a continuous take. Tracking shots also appear in action films to maintain the intensity of a scene while keeping the subject in frame. The 2014 movie "Birdman" features an extended tracking shot that simulates a single continuous take, enhancing the narrative flow and emotional impact. This camera movement is essential in generating visual interest and connecting viewers closely to the on-screen characters and action.

Table of Comparison

Movie Title Scene Description Type of Tracking Shot Cinematographer Year
Goodfellas Copacabana nightclub entrance Lateral Tracking Shot Michael Ballhaus 1990
Birdman Opening continuous single take Long Tracking Shot Emmanuel Lubezki 2014
Children of Men Car attack sequence Handheld Tracking Shot Emmanuel Lubezki 2006
Atonement Beach evacuation sequence Tracking Dolly Shot Seamus McGarvey 2007
The Shining Hallway tracking of Danny on tricycle Tracking Dolly Shot John Alcott 1980

Iconic Tracking Shots in Film History

The tracking shot in film history is exemplified by the seamless corridor sequence in "Goodfellas," where the camera follows Henry Hill through a bustling nightclub, creating immersive engagement. Another iconic tracking shot appears in "Touch of Evil," featuring an extensive opening scene that intricately moves through multiple rooms and streets, establishing tension and atmosphere. These shots demonstrate how continuous camera movement enhances storytelling by maintaining spatial continuity and emphasizing characters' journeys.

Tracking Shot Techniques in Famous Movies

Tracking shots in famous movies demonstrate dynamic camera movement by smoothly following characters or objects, enhancing narrative immersion. Notable examples include the continuous hallway scene in "Oldboy" (2003), where the tracking shot intensifies raw action, and "Goodfellas" (1990), which uses an extended steadicam tracking shot through a nightclub to establish atmosphere and character relationships. These techniques involve precise camera rigging, steady stabilization, and choreography to maintain seamless motion and visual storytelling impact.

Memorable Examples of Tracking Shots in Cinema

The tracking shot in cinema creates dynamic movement by smoothly following characters or objects, as famously demonstrated in Martin Scorsese's *Goodfellas* during the Copacabana nightclub scene. Another iconic example is the opening sequence of *Touch of Evil* directed by Orson Welles, which features an extended tracking shot that sets the tense atmosphere. Alfonso Cuaron's *Children of Men* also showcases masterful tracking shots, especially the long continuous takes that immerse viewers in the dystopian setting.

Classic Films Featuring Notable Tracking Shots

Notable classic films featuring iconic tracking shots include Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo" (1958), famous for its dizzying dolly zoom effect that intensifies suspense. Orson Welles' "Touch of Evil" (1958) begins with an elaborate three-minute tracking shot that seamlessly follows characters through a bustling street, showcasing technical mastery. Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" (1980) employs smooth, eerie tracking shots to create a sense of isolation and impending doom, enhancing the film's psychological horror atmosphere.

Legendary Directors Known for Tracking Shots

Legendary directors like Martin Scorsese and Alfred Hitchcock are renowned for their masterful use of tracking shots to create immersive storytelling experiences. Scorsese's iconic tracking shot in "Goodfellas" follows Henry Hill through a nightclub, emphasizing character perspective and fluid movement. Hitchcock's innovative tracking shots in "Vertigo" enhance psychological tension and visual dynamics, showcasing the power of camera movement in narrative cinema.

Tracking Shot Sequences in Modern Blockbusters

Tracking shot sequences in modern blockbusters such as "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "Birdman" showcase dynamic camera movement that follows characters or action seamlessly. These shots emphasize fluid motion and immersive storytelling by maintaining continuous focus while navigating complex environments. Advanced stabilization technology and precise choreography enable filmmakers to create visually engaging sequences that heighten tension and audience engagement.

Tracking Shots that Enhanced Storytelling

Tracking shots in movies like Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" use fluid camera movement to follow characters through dynamic environments, intensifying the immersive narrative experience. The continuous tracking shot in "Children of Men" masterfully builds tension by capturing real-time chaos without cuts, heightening emotional engagement. Such expertly executed tracking shots deepen storytelling by visually linking characters to their surroundings and unfolding events seamlessly.

Unforgettable One-Take Tracking Shots

Alfred Hitchcock's "Rope" (1948) is a pioneering example of an unforgettable one-take tracking shot, with scenes carefully stitched to appear as continuous takes within a single apartment setting. The film's continuous tracking shot creates tension and intimacy by following characters fluidly through confined spaces without visible cuts. Modern examples like Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's "Birdman" (2014) use digital stitching techniques to emulate a seamless one-shot experience, enhancing narrative immersion and emotional engagement.

Pioneering Tracking Shots in Early Cinema

Pioneering tracking shots in early cinema revolutionized narrative storytelling by enabling dynamic camera movement that followed characters seamlessly through a scene. A notable example is the 1915 film "The Birth of a Nation," where director D.W. Griffith employed tracking shots to enhance dramatic tension and spatial continuity. This technique laid the foundation for the immersive visual language seen in modern filmmaking, influencing directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles.

Award-Winning Tracking Shots in Movie Scenes

The continuous tracking shot in "Children of Men," directed by Alfonso Cuaron, masterfully captures intense action with fluid camera movement, earning widespread acclaim for its technical brilliance. Another iconic award-winning example is the opening sequence of "Touch of Evil" by Orson Welles, admired for its seamless long take that establishes narrative tension. These scenes exemplify how tracking shots enhance storytelling by immersing viewers directly into the cinematic environment.

What Is a Tracking Shot in Camera Movement? Definition and Examples in Entertainment

example of tracking shot in camera movement Infographic



About the author.

Disclaimer.
The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about example of tracking shot in camera movement are subject to change from time to time.

Comments

No comment yet