How Christopher Nolan Shot the Iconic Inception Hallway Fight Scene...Without CGI

Inception Hallway Fight Scene Breakdown - the sets, cameras, stunts, and special effects Nolan and his team used to create a mind-bending fight scene without CGI.
How They Shot the Inception Hallway Scene ►► bit.ly/dp-hs
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro - Inception Hallway Scene Breakdown
0:44 - Previsualizing the Scene
01:21 - Building the Sets
02:06 - Placing the Cameras
03:13 - Lighting the Hallway
3:52 - Choreographing the Fights
04:59 - Achieving Zero Gravity
06:43 - Takeaways
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How They Shot It - Inception Hallway Fight Scene
What was going through your mind the first time you saw the Inception hallway fight scene? Chances are it was some form of the question: “How did they shoot that?” In this video, we are going to break down the sets, camera rigs, stunts and special effects that Christopher Nolan and his team employed to create the Inception hallway fight scene…without CGI.
Inception Spinning Hallway
The most complicated part of the Inception hallway fight scene was the sets themselves. Taking a cue from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, Christopher Nolan had a radical idea - to build a rotating set (two, in fact). Both the hallway set and the hotel room set could be rotated along the horizontal plane to simulate the shifting gravity. Then for the zero-gravity scenes, a new identical hallway set was built vertically.
Camera Rigs and Lighting
Two different camera systems were used in the spinning hallway. The first was a floor-mounted dolly that was attached to hidden rails in the floor,, which rotated with the set. The second was a Technocrane arm that was operated independently of the set, which allowed the camera to actually see the rotation of the hallway. The lighting was entirely practical - the light fixtures you see in the hallway were the actual sources of illumination.
Zero Gravity
For the zero-gravity shots, using the vertical set, the camera simply tilted up 90 degrees looking straight down (up) the hallway. Then the actors could lowered with a wire rig system that made them look like they were floating “forward” instead of “down.” The same technique was used for the hotel room in zero-gravity and the only CGI necessary was to paint out the wires. One final detail that helped sell this illusion was from costume designer Jeffrey Kurland, who stiffened the moveable parts of the costume like shoelaces and pant legs that would otherwise “betray” the illusion.
The Inception hallway fight scene will go down as one of the greatest examples of special effects filmmaking. Granted, it was only possible with a massive budget but the spirit of the low-fi, old-school trickery can be applied anywhere.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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Chapters: 00:00 - Intro - Inception Hallway Scene Breakdown 0:44 - Previsualizing the Scene 01:21 - Building the Sets 02:06 - Placing the Cameras 03:13 - Lighting the Hallway 3:52 - Choreographing the Fights 04:59 - Achieving Zero Gravity 06:43 - Takeaways

[@danextra858]

Not only is the video informative, its so well made and edited it feels like a film in itself. As usual, great work StudioBinder.

[@clath2823]

I’ve said it before, this is the best KZbin channel out there. Just pure quality.

[@danextra858]

@@clath2823 totally agree

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@johnstreet8013]

I remember working on this job like it was yesterday. I have worked on 5 of Chris’s movies now. I put the zero gravity, hallway and the Hotel room fight together and trained Joseph for 6 weeks. He worked extremely hard and gave it all. What I love about working with Chi’s is how much he does practically and does not used CQI as an easy way out. He uses it to paint out the lines etc. I remember on The Dark Knight Rises watching the Batwing fly across in front of us from an alleyway on tech 12 cables in L.A. As always Studio Binder. Great work covering this in such a detailed way. John Street (Stunt Coordinator)

[@StudioBinder]

Great work!

[@camyuga5542]

I am looking for placement

[@1970brenz]

Well it really worked so great job!

[@Vo_Memes]

People who creating and thinking about "how this scene will looks and what they need for that", is genius people, i think

[@StudioBinder]

A very talented crew no doubt!

[@lvbboi9]

Well I didn't expect you here lmao

[@grootism5103]

@@StudioBinder well but I think it on every movies .

[@AmPrnvvv]

Chirstoper Nolan & Wally Pfister gave us some of the most beautiful sequences in the history of filmmaking🙌🏻

[@StudioBinder]

Agreed!

[@robertobuatti7226]

I remember watching how they did this sequence on the special features of Inception back when it first released and being mind blown, A lot of work and preparation went into it, I don't think CGI could ever pull off a scene like this so realistically, whenever you can do an effect practically is the better option.

[@StudioBinder]

Definitely worth the effort

[@robertobuatti7226]

@@StudioBinder Yes definitely. 100%.

[@largol33t1]

What shocks me the most is that physically, it is real. The actors actually were in a spinning hallway but it was so massive that the camera didn't show the edges. Mind-bending effort to produce special effects. Christopher Nolan knows the value of "pushing the envelope as far as possible."

[@robertobuatti7226]

@@largol33t1 Yes he definitely does, he always get's a great shot or sequence, one that audiences haven't seen before and he knows how to tell it effectively in the most cinematic way, watching the behind scenes of this sequence from the features on the Blu-ray just as much impressed me as much as the sequence in the film and I couldn't believe how much work and effort went into it.

[@waseemalibrahim295]

When I watched Inception for the first time in 2018 I was mesmerized. During a rewatch in April 2018, I noticed this scene in particular, and it made me want to be a film director. 4 years later now, I made 7 shorts (4 of them are available on my KZbin channel here ) and now I'm preparing for two feature lengths ❤

[@StudioBinder]

Congratulations!

[@ps2progamer814]

I can see that you are inspired by Nolan and Kubrick

[@waseemalibrahim295]

@@ps2progamer814 I'm glad to hear this from you. Yeah exactly I'm so inspired by them.

[@crweewrc1388]

I wish you more success in the future ❤❤❤

[@blurryface616]

Respect to the cast and crew of Inception 🙌 This is true filmmaking. I loved this breakdown. Please do the Airport scene from Tenet 🙏

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Evanderj]

Awesome, StudioBinder! Thank you. Continuing with Chris Nolan, I’d love to see you do the iconic forward vs inverted Freeport fight in Tenet!

[@StudioBinder]

We probably will do something with Tenet in the future!

[@jackyleecs]

This is one of the most iconic fight scenes in movie history.

[@StudioBinder]

A modern classic!

[@adamhendrickson512]

Arguably the most VISIONARY filmmaker working today.

[@StudioBinder]

We're lucky to see him work!

[@lowkeyloki8493]

It must be very exciting for the cast and crew everyday to be on the nolan's set knowing they are doing something that will even be talked about in the flying cars era

[@StudioBinder]

I'm sure it's the highlight of their careers!

[@johnstrange6799]

Every episode of "How" is a mind blower of the highest caliber. Great work.

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@srayandhar1091]

What a beautiful presentation! ❤️ Cheers to Studiobinder! 👏

[@ksisneh]

From the very first time ive watced this scene, I have always wondered how it was shot. I had a lot of theories in head and this is completely different from all of it. This is increadible work!

[@StudioBinder]

It's fascinating to learn 💯

[@pedroesteves3018]

one of the most iconic shots in cinema history

[@StudioBinder]

💯

[@accountinitial5434]

I don’t have a chance to go into film school, but you are my best teachers I could ever wish on the internet. I am not from USA, but I am looking for a development of a films in my own country. Thanks for always making such a great content!

[@StudioBinder]

Good luck!

[@tezzag818]

Thank you so much, your videos are always so interesting!

[@kavijathanthulage6582]

Its really amazing video...your videos are really helpful for my studies. Thank you so much!👍❤️

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

Inception like Inspiration and Innovation. Preparation makes Dreams come True. Thank you StudioBinder.👍🙏😇

[@vicentecampos2893]

Well done guys, amazing work.

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it helps!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

Thank you StudioBinder. You Brilliantly explain the reasons that the Hallway Scene in Inception (2010) is one of the Most Famous Moments in Christopher Nolan's Filmography. You Inspiring Creativity Without CGI. 👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@gunasai57]

Best channel, searching this type of videos thank you very much for giving information ❤️.

[@johnathandelrio]

StudioBinder always on point!

[@StudioBinder]

That's the goal!

[@Klookkidd]

Awesome, StudioBinder Thank you.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@mariatraci6171]

Thank you again guys a great content. The Tenet fight scene breakdown would be nice to see 🙂

[@EddieLensweiger]

it is mindblowing work! one of the best and most beautiful action sequences of all time.

[@StudioBinder]

Truly a visual treat

[@muthamalarajesh3757]

We are lucky to have u #studio binder ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

Love our viewers! 💖

[@alejandrovargasaguilar6180]

So cool. One of the first movies that blow my mind. And seen this was almost real....wow. only studioblinder can blow me away with such content

[@StudioBinder]

That's what we're here for :)

[@clausvergara9702]

Awesome as always!!!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@jeffersonblackmon]

An Epic Movie and these scenes are unforgettable.

[@deepakpp369]

Great video ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@koushikreddy5885]

As usual, a masterclass video. And for suggestions, it would great to see an explanation on how the opening scene of Gravity is shot.

[@StudioBinder]

Sweet!

[@CharlyLucky0397]

Buenísimo!! siempre tuve la curiosidad de saber como se grabaron las escenas sin gravedad, me encantó mucho esta película!!!

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

Oh god I love to listen to this voice!

[@StudioBinder]

💖

[@ventura269]

Wow thank you studiobinder

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@sadrasahranavard1684]

beautiful video

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@TheSuzberry]

Terrific video. But, every time I see a rotating set I think of Fred Astaire dancing on the ceiling.

[@vspatmx7458]

Brilliant. thanks

[@lexcoupe82]

Do a series of videos on every Christopher Nolan film one video for one film

[@StudioBinder]

You can start with this script breakdown on Interstellar! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJCtqXywjsuNfa8

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Incredible & Thanks :)

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@TeacherRaf]

Absolutely amazing planning and budget.

[@StudioBinder]

That budget was used to its fullest!

[@moviegoerfacts]

Great Responsibility of prestigious director ❤️🙏

[@StudioBinder]

The man is leading the way!

[@doge389]

I see what you did there

[@johnathandelrio]

Wow! So informative!

[@StudioBinder]

Hope it helps!

[@josephbowditch8385]

Could you please review the sequence from 1917, where Scofield is being chased by the Nazi in the night, next to the burning church? Love your work guys!!

[@StudioBinder]

We cover the lighting in that scene in this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/babam4ZtmZmhqqM

[@alexanderg1297]

Great video as always! What are some other films besides 2001 and Inception that have used this sort of illusion? Thanks.

[@alfonta]

Joseph played tune in his mined in the hallway that helped him time the rotation vs choreography of steps

[@StudioBinder]

🤯

[@crc2403]

Can we please have the inglorious basterds iconic bar shootout?❤️❤️ I keep going back to it purely for its sheer fun and drama elements. One of my top 3 films of all time ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion! We have a breakdown on the movie's opening scene you would like kzbin.info/www/bejne/enOYdYFjo7tkhq8

[@crc2403]

@@StudioBinder Yes, I have seen all your videos and love all of them.. That scene is another classic by the way ❤️😀

[@Shafeek-vd2zx]

*MINDBLOWING*

[@StudioBinder]

Lots to learn!

[@onuohaudochukwu6180]

Speechless!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@Ona-zc3dp]

Wow😳Mind Blowing🤯

[@StudioBinder]

Exactly 😮

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

Superb video

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@heshamellaban]

Thanks for everything If you plz make a how to shoot (john Wick ,the mirror scene) i would be greatful

[@StudioBinder]

We have a video on how to write a fight scene like John Wick! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYi4e6eVmb55hNk

[@S9universe]

master piece

[@akashdefonseka]

It definitely took inspiration from the centrifuge in Kubrick's 2001

[@MajumderRimon]

He took inspirations from 'Paprika'. This anime film is the main reason Inception exists. A lot of people don't know about it

[@akashdefonseka]

@@MajumderRimon Yes but the technique of a rotating set to simulate the illusion of shifting gravity was 100% inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey.

[@MajumderRimon]

@@akashdefonseka i agree

[@ChaosReigns45]

@@MajumderRimon Not only Paprika but eXistenZ (1999) directed by Cronenberg, if you've seen it you'll know what im talking about..

[@lowkeyloki8493]

He said that in the video einstein

[@AduragbemiAS]

This is amazing

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked it!

[@dax8]

I love this.

[@rajeevanmr3278]

Thanks

[@StudioBinder]

👌

[@TURNON111]

👏👏 amazing people.

[@christianschuster4184]

An inception of its own !!

[@StudioBinder]

It's a trip for sure

[@carrieorsel1340]

I have a copy of the shooting script. This made it better. I love thos channel!

[@StudioBinder]

Enjoy!

[@s.l.dsaikumar3885]

Do a video on how to get a look like Manchester by sea , dark knight rises , Black swan and prisoner cinematography with iphone and low budget. And make a video on how to write and shot or create a non stop insense and gripping movie like MOTHER!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Terra.Angelova]

Genius!

[@sridharappu7257]

Vera level Master mind👌👌

[@StudioBinder]

Enjoy!

[@elspoocho4637]

Inception is no exception.. really

[@insightgang470]

The stadium sequence from "The Secret In Their Eyes"

[@rohith5788]

Tesseract scene in interstellar is also one of the iconic scenes.

[@StudioBinder]

That was a trip

[@etgha]

Used to live by the cardington hangaers where these things were filmed, just reaised that

[@tesconstamylo]

Like, just by hearing that voice 😅🥰 Very informative video by the way!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@bobbyjosson4663]

Just some requests...How about covering, the way you did with Aronofsky, William Wyler and Billy Wilder.

[@StudioBinder]

ah directing styles?

[@Hannesg95]

Can you please do a video on the dance-scene in Last Night in Soho? I would really like to see, how they did the 'switches' during the dance.

[@StudioBinder]

Not a bad idea! Definitely could use it as an example

[@manasdas6567]

Please make a video on how they shot trucks in place scene in tenet

[@sv6148]

Do a video on Gaspar noe Camera rotation 💫

[@aashishrupani4948]

it not any major movie but how i met your mother has someamazing use of cloning, timing, writing and editing could y'all cover that?

[@StudioBinder]

We might!

[@itsgus26]

I can’t even think of what to say that hasn’t been said. Have you guys won anyway awards for your channel yet? Becuase u should.

[@StudioBinder]

Not yet haha

[@subrajeetmaharana]

Memories. I want to experience some of this feat myself. That's the best part of film making, you ought to try out various things with experts.

[@StudioBinder]

Happy filming!

[@hussainrahiem2406]

we were already saw it,in 1980's Indian Tamil film ,'My dear kutty saththaan". First Indian 3D film.in to the song, "sellak kuzhainhthaikale''. 1980களில் வெளி வந்த ,மை டியர் குட்டிச் சாத்தான் 3D திரைப்படம், பாடல் செல்லக் குழந்தைகளே.

[@dustyhills8911]

I don't have a specific scene in mind, but would love to see a breakdown of how a dialogue scene between multiple characters is shot in a moving car. Not a chase scene or action sequence, but dialogue between at least 3 characters (so one is in the backseat) with the vehicle moving through traffic.

[@StudioBinder]

You mean, like in War of the Worlds?

[@dustyhills8911]

@@StudioBinder not exactly. I thought the VFX were very noticeable in that movie. Not good. Let me search for a good example and I'll get back to you.

[@BlondeLantern]

A good one would be the sequence in Children of Men, when they have everyone in the vehicle. There is some action at the end of the sequence but it’s interesting to see how they filmed the entire scene so flawlessly.

[@aadeshramaswamy3445]

@@StudioBinder Maybe like the fish conversation in The Irishman?

[@thisissaurav_]

Great ! Do make a video on TENET

[@StudioBinder]

A script or special effects breakdown?

[@thisissaurav_]

@@StudioBinder If you make both it will be awesome for a Nolan fan ❤️

[@jeevanrajan4613]

Very useful bro iam visual communication student in my college like this no one teach like this.... Bro can u explain the making the moive intime sci-fi ❤️

[@StudioBinder]

Happy to help!

[@tarabinsurzo]

Chris is a superhuman director

[@StudioBinder]

We're lucky to have him :)

[@rhwep8615]

Sir Please do a video on dubbing techniques for films

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@mlandvojohnshongwe4072]

Please make a video of Tenet (special effects)

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[@damonjae5333]

Please could you guys do a video on speed ramping

[@StudioBinder]

We break it down along with two other techniques in our Zack Snyder video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXfXnaJvhqypfqs

[@damonjae5333]

@@StudioBinder yes. I watched that video. You guys only explained what it is and not how I as a filmmaker can do it.

[@karthikkrishnan2296]

Nolan❤️❤️❤️

[@StudioBinder]

the best!

[@akashathul5643]

Christopher Nolan 🔥

[@leetaeyang9938]

Please do ANY OF Guy Ritchie’s fight scenes Or Directing Style of Guy Ritchie

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Joy-hk3iv]

Just came through that scene's bts on Instagram

[@StudioBinder]

It's a fun one!

[@yashkulkarni7884]

can you do a breakdown of the fight scene between the two tribes at the start of ‘revenant’ the fight sequence seems almost like a continuous single shot

[@StudioBinder]

We might!

[@yashkulkarni7884]

@@StudioBinder eagerly waiting for it 😊

[@farin153]

I wanna watch this video so badly but I haven’t seen inception yet and I don’t want to spoil it for me, soooo yup, no studiobinder video for me today...

[@StudioBinder]

haha it'll be here when you're ready!

[@VishalRaj_0512]

Christopher Nolan Is The King

[@StudioBinder]

Long live!

[@michigreat216]

Could you do some video(s) about the filmmaking behind "The Lord of the Rings" in the future? That would be amazing, thanks :)

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@lewisgrant6527]

Do an episode on how they shoot long takes that appear to be a single shot. For example how they hide the cuts in 1917 or Birdman

[@StudioBinder]

we did! here's the one on 1917 kzbin.info/www/bejne/babam4ZtmZmhqqM

[@dr_volberg]

Well, obviously you have to do the other iconic hallway fight scene by Nolan from Tenet :)

[@StudioBinder]

Tenet definitely needs a breakdown :)

[@clyde24skywalker]

how long it takes to paint out those wires ? frame by frame !!

[@MajumderRimon]

All thanks to Yasutaka Tsutsui and Satoshi Kon's 'paprika' that inspired Nolan to make Inception and even this hallway scene. Paprika is the whole reason why inception exists.

[@prasmahendra4172]

Yeah, very underated animated movie. Some people said they canceled Paprika Live Action production after the succes of Inception.

[@StudioBinder]

A great film too!

[@oussamanechnache7133]

a video about ENTER THE VOID by Gaspard Noé, please.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@naturalfilms5871]

Please Break down the movie "Vertigo" composition

[@StudioBinder]

We have a video on Vertigo's spiral symbol! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHycqpxna5iGaqc

[@naturalfilms5871]

@@StudioBinder Ah, Thank you @StudioBinder

[@ubsagudots]

Sometimes I thought I don't even deserve this channel...

[@StudioBinder]

Of course you do :)

[@ubsagudots]

@@StudioBinder how can someone work like this, your dedication, efforts and professionalism is beyond limits... studio binder is more than a youtube channel trust me.. it's a miracle

[@mr.niladri5583]

Make a vdo on Nolan creating the 5 dimensional scene in Interstellar plzz🙏🙏❤

[@StudioBinder]

👌