what are one-shot films?

One-shot films, also known as one-take films, are among the most ambitious and technically challenging in cinema, unfolding in a single continuous take and creating a seamless, immersive experience. Over the years, this technique has evolved from an experimental novelty to a popular storytelling method, used to heighten realism, tension, and emotional impact of the story.

Published by: CinemaWaves Team | Filed Under: Film Blog

A Brief History of
One-Rake Films

The concept of the single-take shot can be traced to the early days of cinema. During the silent film era, many early short films were effectively “one-take” by default, as cameras had limited capabilities for editing. However, as editing techniques advanced, filmmakers began to experiment with longer unbroken takes as a deliberate artistic choice rather than a technical limitation.

One of the first notable experiments was Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope (1948). While Rope was not filmed in a single take, Hitchcock ingeniously disguised his cuts by using long takes (up to 10 minutes per reel) and transitioning between them with hidden edits—such as zooming into a character’s back or a dark object to conceal the splice. This effectively gave the illusion of real-time storytelling.

Over time, filmmakers refined the technique, experimenting with longer and more complex takes. The advent of lightweight cameras, digital filmmaking, and advanced post-production techniques allowed directors to push the boundaries of what was possible with one-shot films.

Early Experiments
and Hidden Cuts

During the mid-20th century, directors like Orson Welles (Touch of Evil, 1958) and Stanley Kubrick (Paths of Glory, 1957) experimented with extended single-take sequences. These moments were not entire films but served as powerful cinematic tools to create immersion and tension. Kubrick’s famous tracking shot through the trenches in Paths of Glory showcased how a long take could enhance realism and intensity. Meanwhile, Touch of Evil opened with a masterful continuous shot that followed a ticking time bomb, setting the stage for suspense.

The Digital Revolution and
True One-Take Films

The rise of digital cameras removed the limitations of film reels, allowing for extended recording times and making true one-shot films possible. Filmmakers no longer had to rely on hidden cuts, leading to the creation of ambitious real-time movies.

One of the first films to genuinely commit to the one-take approach was “Russian Ark” (2002), directed by Alexander Sokurov. Shot entirely in a single 96-minute take using a Steadicam, the film follows a ghostly narrator wandering through 300 years of Russian history inside the Winter Palace. The technical mastery required to pull off this feat—coordinating hundreds of extras and ensuring flawless execution—set a new standard for one-shot films. As technology advanced, filmmakers increasingly embraced the one-take approach, with movies like “Victoria” (2015), a German crime thriller that unfolds over 138 minutes in real-time.

Hybrid One-Shot Films and Mainstream Success

In the past decade, one-shot films have gained mainstream popularity, with filmmakers using both true one-take methods and cleverly hidden edits to simulate a seamless experience. The most famous example is “1917″ (2019), directed by Sam Mendes. While not a true one-take film, 1917 was meticulously designed to appear as one continuous shot, using digital transitions and carefully choreographed camera movements to create the illusion of real-time action.

Another notable example is “Birdman” (2014), directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. While the film is composed of multiple long takes, it was expertly edited to appear as if it unfolds in a single unbroken sequence, enhancing the theatrical, dreamlike quality of the story. These films have demonstrated that the one-shot technique is no longer limited to experimental cinema—it has become a powerful storytelling tool embraced by mainstream filmmakers.

The Challenges and Rewards of One-Shot Filmmaking

Filming a one-shot movie presents immense challenges. Every movement must be precisely choreographed, actors must perform flawlessly for extended periods, and technical factors like lighting, focus, and sound must be perfectly executed. Even a minor mistake can ruin an entire take, requiring a complete restart.

However, when done successfully, one-shot films provide an unparalleled sense of immersion. They draw viewers into the action, heighten tension, and create an intimate connection with the characters. The technique is particularly effective in genres like thrillers, war films, and real-time dramas, where maintaining urgency and realism is crucial.

Famous One-Shot Films

Rope (1948) – Alfred Hitchcock: Although not a true one-shot film, it was designed to appear as one continuous take. Using extended 10-minute shots and hidden cuts, the film builds psychological tension by keeping the audience in real time with the characters. Set entirely in a single apartment, the story follows two men who commit a murder and then host a dinner party, with the victim’s body hidden in the room.

Russian Ark (2002) – Alexander Sokurov: This groundbreaking film was shot in a single, uninterrupted 96-minute take inside St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace. The camera glides through 300 years of Russian history, featuring elaborate period costumes and historical figures. The technical precision required—coordinating thousands of actors and perfect execution—made Russian Ark a landmark in one-shot filmmaking.

Birdman (2014) – Alejandro G. Inarritu: Using expertly hidden cuts, Birdman creates the illusion of one continuous take, following a washed-up actor trying to revive his career on Broadway. The seamless cinematography mirrors the protagonist’s mental unraveling, giving the film a unique theatrical and dreamlike quality.

Victoria (2015) – Sebastian Schipper: Filmed in a continuous 138-minute take, the film follows a young woman who gets caught up in a bank heist over one night in Berlin. Unlike some films that stitch together long takes, Victoria was shot in real-time, making its suspense and naturalistic performances all the more immersive.

1917 (2019) – Sam Mendes: Designed to look like a single unbroken shot, 1917 present two soldiers on a desperate mission during World War I. Though it features hidden cuts, the film’s choreography and long takes create an intense, real-time experience that immerses viewers in the battlefield.

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