Tracking shot

Definition

A tracking shot is a type of camera movement that follows a subject smoothly as it moves through a scene, often utilizing a dolly or a camera mounted on a track. This technique creates a sense of fluidity and can enhance the emotional impact of a scene by immersing the audience in the action. Tracking shots are particularly effective in connecting the viewer with the characters and their surroundings, making them an essential tool in cinematic storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tracking shots can be horizontal, vertical, or even circular, providing versatility in how scenes are framed and experienced.
2. Stanley Kubrick famously used tracking shots in films like 'The Shining' to create suspense and enhance the atmosphere, making viewers feel both engaged and uneasy.
3. Tracking shots can convey a character's journey or development by visually connecting them to their environment and other characters.
4. The technique requires careful planning and choreography to ensure that both the camera and the subjects move smoothly and in sync.
5. Innovative use of tracking shots can elevate a film's narrative by drawing attention to important visual details that might otherwise be missed.

Review Questions

• How do tracking shots enhance emotional engagement in films?
  • Tracking shots enhance emotional engagement by immersing the audience in the characters' journeys and experiences. By smoothly following characters through various environments, these shots create a visceral connection between viewers and on-screen actions. This technique allows audiences to feel as if they are part of the story, increasing empathy for the characters and heightening emotional responses to dramatic moments.
• In what ways did Stanley Kubrick utilize tracking shots to influence the atmosphere of his films?
  • Stanley Kubrick expertly utilized tracking shots to build tension and atmosphere in his films, particularly noted in 'The Shining.' The deliberate pacing and fluidity of the camera following characters, especially Danny riding his tricycle through the Overlook Hotel, instilled a sense of dread and foreboding. Kubrick's ability to manipulate space and perspective through tracking shots contributed significantly to the psychological impact of his narratives.
• Evaluate how tracking shots contribute to narrative techniques in film compared to static shots.
  • Tracking shots contribute significantly to narrative techniques by adding dynamism and fluidity that static shots cannot achieve. While static shots may provide clarity and focus on specific details, tracking shots allow for a continuous exploration of space, time, and character relationships. This movement can reveal changes in mood or tension, guiding audience perceptions and creating a more immersive storytelling experience. The contrast between these two techniques showcases how filmmakers can manipulate viewer engagement through visual movement.

Related terms

Dolly:

A wheeled cart or similar device used to create smooth horizontal camera movements, often utilized in tracking shots.

Crane shot: A type of shot that involves moving the camera up or down in space, allowing for dramatic high or low angles.

Steadicam: A stabilizing mount for cameras that allows for smooth, handheld movement, enabling dynamic tracking shots without the need for tracks.