I’m something of a movie nerd.  Some people love analyzing literature.  I love dissecting films, studying them scene by scene for influences, homages, or just general technical abilities.  One of my favorite shots in film is the tracking shot, in which the camera moves during a scene while shooting, usually on rails, following an actor or journeying through a set to come upon the actor.  YesButNoButYes has compiled their 10 favorite tracking shots.

These are some really good tracking shots, but they left off my favorite.  From Tony Jaa’s classic martial arts movie Tom yum goong, or The Protector, comes one of the longest single-take tracking shots I’ve ever seen that involved people being kicked through doors and thrown down stairs.  It’s STAGGERING.

Really, I cannot do this single scene justice.  By the end of it, everyone on set from the cameraman to Tony Jaa himself is absolutely worn out.  After seeing this, you’ll understand why.

Tags: movies, tracking shots, directors, film, movie styles, Hollywood, memorable scenes, Tony Jaa, The Protector, Tom yum goong, fight scenes, single takes

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