The Alfonso Cuaron One-Shot Sequence

[@joseluisanaya5738]

I worked as talent in “ROMA” and got to see the making of the one-shot long take of the student protest/massacre (the shooting & vandalization of the car & the girl screaming)... I mean WOW! It was so great to witness a masterful work of blocking within a seamless panning of a long take. And yes, they all work in favor of storytelling itself. Watching most of his films, in the one-shot sequences, feels like cinema verité filmmaking. Even Spike Lee himself said he was astonished by “ROMA”’s climatic scene in the beach! (plus, the sound design always helps and Cuarón is a visionary in terms of the evolution of sound systems, the Dolby Atmos experience was so immersive within the framework itself)

[@Joaza998]

Children of Men and Prisoner of Azkaban are two of my favourite films that made me love Cuaron as a director.

[@worrywirt]

It’s so funny bc Prisoner of Azkaban was my favourite HP movie ever since I was a kid, although I didn’t really know why for a long time. Even though it changed a lot from the book, it was the closest out of all the films to the atmosphere I imagined the HP world to have

[@JonnieDarko316]

@@worrywirt Prisoner of Azkaban is also my favorite HP movie

[@lesbiantrump4230]

@@JonnieDarko316 goblet of fire is better

[@paola1086]

ME TOO

[@movielover828]

@@JonnieDarko316Same here💯

[@yashwinning]

It's a crime that Cuaron directs a movie once every 6 years

[@TeteloNhlapo]

Find comfort in the fact that when he does, its a masterpiece.

[@yashwinning]

@@TeteloNhlapo Very true, but it's also like, that means he'll only direct a handful of movies and then he'll be too old and die.

[@TeteloNhlapo]

I have a feeling he'll be directing more frequently now. He seems to be in his element right now.

[@eduardoalvarez6329]

Aquí en mexico tiene fama de perfeccionista, revisa todos los aspectos de las películas, por eso no ha dirigido tantas.

[@antoniot.6594]

I don't mind since I can expect quality when he directs. Christopher Nolan is similar. I've come to really look forward to their work.

[@Waynimations]

I just watched Roma not too long ago and those one shots were incredible

[@steveleeart]

The ocean scene was sooo powerful it had me nervously worried and in tears.

[@CunningCondor]

Cinematography is easily one of the most important aspects of a film. Too bad the Academy doesnt seem to understand this.

[@BlizzyFoxTF]

Refering to the Academy's decision to relegate the Best Cinematography award to part of the commercial programme. They have had a plethora of fuckups this year.

[@CunningCondor]

@@BlizzyFoxTF Eh, award shows have always sucked. They just seem to have stopped trying to pretend they don't this year.

[@romansoto9644]

Got em

[@MrEdwar084]

But they're getting shit from the most important filmmakers, they will reverse that nonsense

[@CunningCondor]

@@MrEdwar084 Eh, the Oscars have always been terrible imo. Dunno why so many filmmakers get so fixated on em.

[@marcguidobolen693]

There was legit a second where I thought I was watching an Every Frame a Painting video. Thats a good thing.

[@papusman]

Just when you thought more could not be said about the one-shot... Great work. Cuaron's one-shots, at least in Children of Men, Gravity, and Roma, do so much to *trap* you in his worlds. They give you no chance to breathe or mentally break yourself from what you're experiencing. The scene on the beach in Roma is truly harrowing.

[@cabreal]

agree....the time of the scene on the beach, was the culmination and realization of an excellent master piece in cinematography, no explosions, no endless killings, no car chases but pure raw humanity

[@DiegoProgressive]

Great video man, camera work has been always Cuarón's signature (obviusly with the help of Lubezki)... but in Roma he proved himself as a great cinematographer. He is one of the all time greats!!

[@j0hn00arthur]

I admire how beautiful Romas shots are, its truly inspiring to anyone who wants to become a filmmaker

[@Frezzzz]

So happy to see modern super talented Mexican artists get this kind of recognition

[@SebastianTinajero]

Oscar yes! so many go unnoticed

[@pablovermerris6616]

that intro text was spectacular

[@PatrickHogan]

You missed the long take in POA where Mr. Weasley explains to Harry about Sirius Black. It’s the best scene in the movie. Edit: Oh, you sorta showed it at the end, good!

[@MrHenryphil]

I agree! My favourite seen in POA

[@sureetsingh3637]

hello? nerdwriter?? you made another channel?

[@PatrickHogan]

Sureet Singh Yep, it’s called Austin McConnell.

[@AllTheArtsy]

Yes, if you're looking for the word, it's essentially: intentionality. Even maybe sincerity or honesty. He employs the long take so that, as a viewer, you know that you see the whole picture-- as close to the truth as you can get. He doesn't cut because you need to know that *this* is how it happens; no doctoring, no editing, no looking away. And because of that, the shots are all at once intimate, intense, suspenseful, brutal, beautiful, laid bare. He doesn't do long takes for the sake of the long take (no matter how much it may seem like that). It always has a narrative, as much as a formalist, function.

[@FlOrHM]

Exactly well said. And also because he wants the audience to be more intuitive and spot details. Cutting off and adding transitions it's like doing the aduience'a job to figure out what is going on and giving meaning to the elements of the frame. The people are in charge of seeing what the need to see.

[@theonlymexicanman4422]

I think a Cuarón long take is when your watching the movie and 3 min into the take you go “Holy shit this is all in one take”

[@krombopulos_michael]

Thanks for the reminder of how visually stunning Children of Men was. Also for getting me more hyped to see Roma.

[@Grim_X98]

Aaw man this kind of videos are the reasons why I visit KZbin every day. Instant suscription.

[@Izta369]

Roma it's not a movie it's an experience like the revenant.

[@jesselox3470]

GCA LM i loved this analogy

[@Izta369]

@@jesselox3470 😊

[@davidfrehner1]

Agreed. Add Birdman and u have the holy trinity of great filmmaking experience.

[@fcukanj]

Revenant was shit mate.

[@noel_savage_dota1436]

Shite then?

[@ANigerianPrince]

I love your channel. Don't ever stop. I felt you were a bit to harsh on 007. The transition from "Person at a party" to "Spy" was effectively communicated through that one-shot. I think if it was cut it would not have been as impactful when you see James walking on the rooftop. Perhaps it wasn't worth the expense and effort to create that scene, but I don't think I'll ever forget that movie because of that one-shot. Thanks again. Great job pushing the boundaries of video essays.

[@JMizzlin]

Fantastic video, thank you! Your point on using long takes for a narrative reason was great food for thought, especially with that Spectre example. Really great stuff.

[@partyrocker10100]

"almost like a Terrence Malick film" Maybe because also a lot of Malick films were shot by Lubezki? Lol

[@oldDNU]

I love the distracted camera technique he employs. By taking the camera off the characters to look at other things of note in their surroundings, it makes the viewer feel more like an active participant rather than an omniscient observer.

[@DrAlfieCurtis]

I hope you're able to dip into some television cinematography soon. I'm sure you've considered this. But I'd recommend Sam Esmail and Mr. Robot. Absolutely beautiful and very effective long takes when necessary. Well done, another awesome video thank you!

[@krombopulos_michael]

I like it when long takes are supposed to sort of be a climactic moment in a film. For example, in Creed there aren't a lot of obvious long takes, but there is one when he does his first fight, and it lends itself to the big moment because it makes you feel like you're in the ring with him, and that you can't afford to miss a second of what's happening.

[@spacejesusadventure]

Long shots are done to create tension or showcase a complex environment or to create a sense of gracefulness.

[@FilMyWatchlist]

Fantastic video! Great summary and analysis of why Cuaron is a modern master. That riot scene in Roma blew my mind.

[@kanita0958]

I've watch Roma 16 too many times 😂😂 I love the sounds. It takes me back to my childhood in southern Mexico ❤🇲🇽

[@jbelmontm]

Great Video! But In my opinion, it should be named "The Lubezki-Cuaron One-Shot Sequence". I believe these great sequences are the result of the talent, the creative and artistic collaboration of both artists.

[@sssdddkkksss]

How do you not see the benefit of the opening to Spectre? It's like you don't watch movies just to enjoy them ever? It puts you in the setting. It allows you to explore It defines the suave tone of the film.

[@alejandropardiniL]

I was looking for a video like this for so long! thank you.

[@jenniferle8294]

Excellent video!! I found his long shots super interesting and yeah it's cool that he can use those shots in such different ways in his films. Roma...is pure art.

[@jacobmacdonagh4070]

What about A Little Princess? A great Cuaron movie no one ever talks about

[@RoberSoul77]

And Solo Con Tu Pareja, his debut. No one ever mentions it.

[@ane-mariedieng2064]

Jake MacDonagh I had no idea that was him. I love him even more now that movie was so great

[@jacobmacdonagh4070]

Ane-Marie Dieng Yeah I only realise a few years ago and I was blown away cus I grew up with it

[@MrPrincebinondo]

I AGREE...I LOVE ITS CINEMATOGRAPHY...IT WAS MY INTRO TO CUARON IN 1995..

[@jacobmacdonagh4070]

Prince G. Binondo Yeah gorgeous visuals from Lubezki as usual

[@projp9057]

HE HAS TO WIN TO BEST PICTURE

[@poposterous236]

No he doesn't. The academy is trash. I respect YOUR opinion more than I respect the Oscars. You seem to have good taste and are well-informed, so I'd rather see YOUR awards show.

[@Albanez39]

Best Picture is the most ambiguous and stupid accolade the Academy has. Not only because it doesn't praise artistic endeavour, but that it's given to the producers... I guess everyone in the film industry deserves a prize for it's work, but the Best Picture accolade should not be awarded by the Academy since it applauds business skills...

[@diegolisandror2]

amazing, but he won

[@lampham5525]

Gravity won 7 oscar.

[@victorgoddamnsullivan7728]

Children of Men is on my top 5 movies of all time. A true MASTERPIECE 💙.

[@ParzivalTheThird]

Children of Men and Roma are two of the greatest films I’ve ever seen. And I only refer to things as films as opposed to movies when they’re real masterpieces. (Or just old)

[@anshysahani1]

I think that's brilliant establishing in Spectre

[@matt3057]

Cuaron is my favorite director. So underrated and unique

[@jamesr6562]

A great long take... close encounters of the third kind. When Roy sees the mountain on TV

[@krombopulos_michael]

I'm surprised that Spielberg wasn't mentioned in this too. Like Cuaron, he is known for his long takes, and was an early pioneer of the technique.

[@laurenbi]

Krombopulos Michael EFAP has such a phenomenal video on that though

[@jamesr6562]

Lauren Bennett do you have a link?

[@skyeslaton3435]

Such a unique director, can't wait to see what he does next

[@BlizzyFoxTF]

Cuaronvs one shots and directorial acumen have been garnering a lot of attention lately. He should be included in the discussion of the greatest 21st century directors, now with two Best Directors in his bag.

[@Dizcou10]

Your "Spectre" analysis is very accurate. Cheers to that!

[@albertrr3769]

ROFS did an essay about arguably the best director working right now and my absolute favourite I'm so happy thank you Andy

[@alexsanders7404]

Great work, man. Just discovered your channel. I really dig it so far. Y Tu Mama Tambien breaks my heart. I love that film. I still need to see Children of Men and Gravity.

[@ZombieNaito]

You made me finally watch Children of Men just to avoid spoilers from this video. It didn't have any. Still, thank you. That one was brilliant.

[@canonogic]

I probably watched PoA 10 times in 2 weeks on DVD release. It blew my mind how beautifully shot and fun that film is. Whilst also having an awesome soundtrack adding to the chaotic timey wimey story And this was all before I even knew anything about film/directing etc.

[@paulmitchum8658]

The long shot at the beginning of Spectre grounds the existence of the festival in the square. Later, the crashing helicopter is threatening the people we were walking with earlier.

[@TheAuteurist]

Great work! I enjoy your essays.

[@humoryogi2284]

Long take creates a beautiful illusion

[@sierra3644]

one of your best videos

[@miguela.6155]

You can spot several cuts in the Great Expectations bit. Every time someone walks in front of the camera or he goes through a dark spot in the street the view becomes completely black.

[@ceeryle]

God I love Cuaron so much

[@BIGxBOSSxx1]

The best filmmaker of the decade.

[@theone0201]

the one shot scenes from prisoner of askaban scenes are my absolute favourite... especially that one where they all are eating candies in dorm room..

[@lachlanstamp4203]

This is a brilliant video essay!

[@grisoli521]

"the background of the story becomes the background of the frame"

[@scordero12]

Thank you for this video!

[@Armando_Lara]

I remember an interview in which he said that he didn't make some long shots just for a "look mama no hands kind of thing".

[@mebamme]

The Cuaroner.

[@apeeatape]

"Happy accident blood splatter on the lens" ) You really do have a way with words ) Thanks for one more great analysis video though )

[@fcukanj]

Fuck i should've watched gravity in the threatres

[@LightBrightSZ]

Pan shots were used frequently in classic films, in Roma very much like Pather Panchali.

[@iamsirpablo]

I almost cried with your video, all from remembering Roma

[@enchilada55]

a long take is never to show off...its always about character and emotion....

[@bolunixan]

Bring out the good fellas's long shot arguments :)

[@poposterous236]

It's not so much an argument as a "that is also a good one-shot". Actually, it was the best for it's time. Hitchcock one-shot tho... or that one where Tony Jaa kicks ass all the way up a palace restaurant. Or Gaspar Noe's stuff... Enter the Void and Irreversible relied on those. They were a key part of the experience.

[@krautgazer]

@@poposterous236 I just saw Climax in the movie theater and Noé is in the top of his game. Lots of spectacular long takes in there too.

[@neilreinecke3243]

Alfonso's movies are very personable to his audience which makes them impactful movies.

[@linengray]

The single shot through the war torn street in Children of Men is brilliant. I cannot wait to see Roma. I don't think enough directors do long takes. I think that actors relish long shots.

[@magimon91834]

An underrated director

[@MaxamillianStudio]

Amazing work!

[@RSousa-ru7xi]

His long takes give us a better sense of space.

[@24hourtourist]

Indeed, long track shots of more than a minute can become boring very quickly because they often come off as being self-congratulatory. Alfonso Cuarón and his brother Carlos use them in their individual styles however, always to further the plot. "Roma" easily was one of the best movies of over twenty I saw at last year's AFI Film Fest and Alfonso deservedly won for best director and cinematography - on top of taking best foreign contribution at the Oscars this year.

[@TommyPlesky]

Brilliant analysis!

[@AgsmaJustAgsma]

I was extremely lucky in watching Roma in a big theater. This Netflix movie does not deserve being seen on television screen. It's really that good.

[@CunningCondor]

STOP MAKING ME JEALOUS I HAD TO WATCH IT ON MY SHITTY LAPTOP

[@armanke13]

we need Cuaron's Masterclass

[@Tradent]

Love this!

[@montdeochoa_]

Increíble, muy orgullosa de él

[@ernestolombardo5811]

I'd argue that SPECTRE's opening shot eloquently lays out the world into which Bond will soon crash back down into, in pursuit of his target, towards the helicopter. That opening shot pays off just a minute or two later.

[@Toughguysdontdance12]

Of course there is another director strongly linked to one shot, long shot sequences, and he is also mexican: Arturo Ripstein, the legend.

[@omglbs7806]

Looks like there's a cut on the phone booths in the "great expectations" example. Oner in spirit though I guess.

[@jeremyp.beasley8253]

“Good Lord, this right is just perfect.” 🙏

[@JohnnyNiteTrain]

Made before 1917 came out, with Mendes and Deakins creating that one shot look....(I think they collaborated on that Bond film too you mentioned) *Btw, I noticed the beginning of A Quiet Place Part II had a nice one shot look at the beginning. Edit: actually Spectre was Mendes & Hoyte van Hoytema, but I think that opening shot is where Mendes got the idea for 1917’s one-shot look.

[@lykovixi5493]

great analysis

[@huncrweo3157]

Not to mention that the Spectre opening shot wasn’t even one take. It was four takes, stitched together.

[@lalofigueredo_]

Great video but it should definitely should be titlled 'The Chivo Lubezki One-Shot Sequence'. All the movies you have mentioned with the exeption of 'HP the prisoner of azkaban' and 'Roma' (where even though Lubezki wasn't the DP through all the entire movie it was present in the pre-production stage of it, and Cuaron himself pointed out that he have planed the movie to be directed by Lubeski) So almost all of those movies where directed (DP) by Lubeski and i think that it's him that should be credited for all of those amazing long shots

[@EntretenimientoConPerspectiva]

Hey the first shot of spectre was over here. So stop it. It was beatiful

[@MrPrincebinondo]

A LITTLE PRINCESS 1995 has an excellent cinematography. This was my introduction to Cuaron.

[@sombiee]

hey just some positive criticism. The yellow in your logo made think your video was an ad and almost not click it. but I'm high and it's late so maybe there's that to consider, too.

[@saulalejandrogv]

Orgullo mexicano!

[@jjsscc462]

Excellent! Thank you so much!

[@MrDonConstantino]

Great essay. I would just add the tremendously important influence of Emmanuel "El Chivo" Lubezki.

[@yushpeaceandlove]

Not sure if I agree with your take on Spectre's opening - a movie such as that - in my opinion requires a grand beginning and that long shot sequence is very well executed - it is immersive and keeps the suspense on what is about to happen on a simmer.

[@carmindi5061]

The scenen was requiered by the Mexican goberment to promote City of Mexico. They paid them to shoot there.

[@yushpeaceandlove]

@@carmindi5061 got you - so thats even better - the movie sequence helped out a city.

[@oldDNU]

It was a gimmick shot, but a gorgeous one. Probably the only good part of the film.

[@78ncg]

Wonderful observation

[@GMeza-cy5xv]

The older you grow. The more impact "y tu mama tambien" has in your life. I think that movie is his best. Life..

[@JaviepalFordring1]

Afonso Cuarón won the Oscars again!! Ese es mi chingón!!!

[@Rezvr3]

12:32 without any mention of the the Spielberg oner

[@Rtomasie]

M. Night has some great non spectacular long takes in his filmography, often used in dialogue scenes where the length of the shot doesn't draw attention to itself. Unlike a lot of the more recently seen long takes.

[@jonathaneby1440]

Lubezki is the man.

[@deanlock2986]

I love Cuaron’s filmography! It’s a shame Rome only got a limited theatrical release yet amazing that he was able to rangle together the resources to much applause for a personal story with no pretense. Although, I thought that Prisoner of Azkaban was kinda boring. Most likely this was purely a gig and I’m just reacting to a Harry Potter movie (that’s the only one I’ve ever seen). I don’t understand why they have to mull over the school stuff instead of just getting to Sirius Black if that was the 3rd movie. Also, why does that movie end with a freeze frame?

[@peraxelhagne1400]

Cuaron has made 3 great movies, Roma, Children of Men and Y Tu Mama Tambien. Paul Thomas Anderson has made masterworks since his career started, i wouldn't call his tracks "flamboyant" or anything like it. He understands that long tracking is a powerful tool bound to the world of the film's character, he uses it the same way Altman or Scorsese did. It's all about the context. Good video

[@oldDNU]

PT Anderson’s early long shots were definitely very show-offy, but they get better and more subtle as his career goes on. There’s one long take in Phantom Thread (Alma watching Woodcock’s staff put together a dress) that’s handled with such a light touch, people will not realize it was a oner.

[@Mechazawa]

If you're interrested in one-shot sequence you need to watch Bi Gan's Long day's journey into night. The movie ends with a 50 minutes shot in 3D (the begining of the movie is not in 3D, you have to put your glasses on during the film). It's beautiful, impressive and not empty of meaning.

[@marshallzane7735]

What about Alejandro G Inuritu? He did an entire movie in “one” shot.

[@marshallzane7735]

Isaac Neri Rodriguez That makes so much sense

[@AgsmaJustAgsma]

Iñarritu used a lot of camera tricks to make Birdman look seamless. It's by no means a one-shot movie, however. Look for Russian Ark, it's 100 uncut minutes of flawless coreography.

[@Sp4wnEffect]

Agsma, Just Agsma i should check that out, would be really interesting.

[@lukasbieri]

@@AgsmaJustAgsma Also the german film "Victoria". Highly recommended!

[@AllTheArtsy]

Innaritu's use of the "one shot" for Bird Man is really more to highlight what theater feels like -- it's live, always dynamic, suspenseful. He made the film like that more to make it like a live theater performance, not so much because that's his overall filmic aesthetic

[@moish965]

Cool, related to this subject you should make an analysis about the supposed film in a single shot of Iñarritu´s Birdman