Alfred Hitchcock’s Long Takes - Directing Techniques from 'Rope'
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
- A breakdown of Rope and how Alfred Hitchcock mastered the long take using blocking & staging and even editing.
Hitchcock Movies Ranked ►► bit.ly/dp-rp
StudioBinder Blog ►► bit.ly/sb-bl
─────────────────────
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro to the Hitchcock's Rope
00:51 - How Hitchcock thinks about Perspective
01:43 - Technique 1: Long Takes
04:44 - Technique 2: Blocking & Staging
07:05 - Technique 3: Invisible Editing
09:33 - Takeaways
─────────────────────
Alfred Hitchcock and the Long Take
As a director, Alfred Hitchcock was always pushing his medium forward. When sound was introduced, he was one of the first to capitalize on this new storytelling tool. And, in 1948, with more than 20 years of filmmaking behind him, Hitchcock would make his most experimental film to date.
Rope is a claustrophobic thriller set in a single apartment in real-time. Hitchcock also shot the film using a series of long takes and minimal editing. In this Rope film analysis, we’re going to investigate how Hitchcock was able to keep us engaged and in suspense using long takes, blocking and staging, and editing.
Long Takes
Rope is comprised of 11 shots, ranging from two minutes to ten minutes in length. Perhaps the most obvious way to keep a ten-minute shot engaging is to move and rearrange the camera and characters. Going further, Hitchcock also changes the shot size and framing to keep the image fresh. And the final way Hitchcock keeps long takes engaging is by using off-screen audio to expand the world outside the frame.
Blocking and Staging
Not only does Alfred Hitchcock keep his long takes active and immersive, but he also uses blocking and staging to create suspense. More than just “a photographed play,” Hitchcock uses the camera to give the viewer a more subjective experience. For example, when Philip breaks a glass in a panic, we see this happen but the audience is unaware. Or when Rupert starts to suspect foul play, the camera pushes in on his reactions.
Editing
The popular myth about Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope is that it is meant to look like one long take. But this just isn’t true. As mentioned earlier, there are in fact 11 shots in the film and only half are meant to be unseen. These “invisible” cuts happen when the camera swings behind a character, blacking out the frame. The “visible” cuts, however, are hiding in plain sight. But rather than random moments for these cuts, Hitchcock does choose strategic places for them. For example, when Mrs. Wilson interrupts Rupert’s questioning, the break in suspense helps hide the shift in the shot from one to the next.
All in all, Alfred Hitchcock considered Rope to be a failed experiment but that doesn’t mean there isn’t much to learn from it. A pioneer in the use of long takes in film, Rope stands as the perfect example of how to keep them engaging and suspenseful.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
─────────────────────
♬ SONGS USED:
"The Murder" - Bernard Herrmann
"Boot Sequence" - Jimmy Svensson
"Glass" - Claudio Laucci
"Mouvement Perpetuel, No. 1" - Francis Poulenc
"Assembly Line Dreams" - Ostin Drais
"New World" - Ian Post
"Odd Numbers" - Curtis Cole
"Full Access" - Jimmy Svensson
"To Burn" - Man With Roses
"Normalize" - Stanley Gurvich
"Dark Blood" - Jimmy Svensson
"Oscillating Form" - Charlie Ryan
"Conspiracy Theories" - Jean Pol Cornelis
"Wistful (Instrumental)" - Falls
"Mirrors" - UTAH
Music by Artlist ► utm.io/umJx
Music by Artgrid ► utm.io/umJy
Music by Soundstripe ► bit.ly/2IXwomF
Music by MusicBed ► bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq
─────────────────────
SUBSCRIBE to StudioBinder’s TH-cam channel! ►► bit.ly/2hksYO0
Looking for a production management solution for your film? Try StudioBinder for FREE today: studiobinder.com/pricing
- Join us on Social Media! -
Instagram ►► / studiobinder
Facebook ►► / studiobinderapp
Twitter ►► / studiobinder - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro to the Hitchcock's Rope
00:51 - How Hitchcock thinks about Perspective
01:43 - Technique 1: Long Takes
04:44 - Technique 2: Blocking & Staging
07:05 - Technique 3: Invisible Editing
09:33 - Takeaways
Interesting fact about rope: for the moment where you hear the siren and crowd outside the apartment, Hitchcock grabbed a mic and was hanging out the window of a studio backlot recording whilst a large group of people and a siren made noise. He really takes care of the details and ensured the audio was realistic rather than using a sfx from the studio’s collection
Alfred Hitchcock is one of my favorite filmmakers. Rope is one of those films that is seldom talked about so I’m really glad to see it getting some love here.
It's well worth studying
It's safe to say that he was way ahead of his time. A legend indeed!
Set the groundwork for a lot of great films today 💯
And made many great films himself!
he set the ground for blockbuster movies
To me the visible cuts are more "invisible" than the invisible cuts. It didnt even occur to me there were visible edits to reactions untill you pointed it out. It was so natural I assumed the whole film was going for the one-shot.
Hitchcock was going for the feel of a one shot but wasn't as obsessed with "hiding" every cut
I can tell from the title alone that this will be one of the best Studio Binder videos.
I never see bad content from them so far
Still waiting for StudioBinder to do a TH-cam video about how to Title a Great TH-cam Video!.
@@hoseinbagheri7219 Exactly.
Let us know what you think!
Incredible! I can't believe this was pulled in 1948. Continuous shots are a nightmare to get right, today, let alone 75 years ago..I guess that's why Hitchcock is Hitchcock..Amazing content as always StudioBinder! Forever in your debt, for the amount of knoweldge that you happily share with us, for free. Keep it up!
Happy filming!
Now, that's a serious director!! One of the true all-time Masters of cinema.
Rope is such a perfect example of Hitchcock's theory and philosophy about cinema-- "Two people are riding in a car placidly. Now, imagine there's a time bomb under that car... and the clock is ticking." Just a brilliant way to represent tension!!❤🔥💥🎥
Took his principles and showed it literally on screen haha
I love long shots in movies. It's another level of scene choreography, fascinating
When done right, it's something to behold
Wow! This is getting personal with every video! I made a project about filming and cameras in school and I particularly explained about Rope 1948. This is amazing!
Good work!
Since there aren't any cuts, a long take smoothly draws us into the space via continuous look at the setting and moving parts.
👌👍
This is the first film I recall utterly absorbing me as a child in the 1970's, in some ways it was responsible for my fascination and obsession with filmmaking to this day, 40+ years later.
Fantastic!
So underrated movie! Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!
After watching this video, I love 'Rope' even more. Thanks a lot Studiobinder. Expecting more video lectures on my fav Mr Hitchcock.
More on the way ;)
Can't ever get enough of Hitchcock and his techniques. Absolutely masterful how much planning goes into his films even before the script's ever assembled.
Thank you Studiobinder for keeping these iconic names fresh in the audience's minds.
This analysis is a work of art in itself!
Appreciate that!
I recently watched this movie and I can say your content was really helpful.TY🙏
Happy to help!
How many times I have tell you guy are amazing!!! Truly an educational TH-cam channel. You deserve more subscribers! Keep it going!!!
Will keep on going!
I started working in Television at the local level in 1979. The second station that I worked for, from '82 to '87 (WAWS; now WFOX), bought every movie package it could get its hands on (most aired from 16mm prints). I explained to one of the other Operations Engineers what the reason was behind the Cue Mark, or Switchover Cue (yes, 16mm TV prints had them too, although we didn't use them). She hadn't known, and was surprised that I did. I knew because I got to know the editors in the Film Department.
~3.20, and 6.12: Use of metronome and accelerated at 6.07. ...Love a metronome. :P
An interestingly cinematic device
Please make a video on THE DEPARTED because there are many story telling techniques used and mainly the ICONIC opening scene a long take!
Thanks for the suggestion!
The first time I watched this film, I fell in love with it. I was so gripped by the storyline and the suspense, yet amazed that it was all taking place in one setting. I think it's truly a masterpiece of 'simple' filmmaking - a great story, great acting, and great directing, without the need for special effects and expansive locations.
Hitchcock was so AMAZING 👏
He's still teaching us 🎥
.. Great video as usual guys
The guy was a walking masterclass 💯
There's only two voices in StudioBinder ... John P. Hess and whoever ^^^this guy^^^ is with his warm, deep, grandfatherly-explaining tone telling you everything your parents wouldn't tell you when you were young. :)
we're the film parents you never had
@@StudioBinder Perfect response! Love it.
8:24 - Looking at the waveform of the movie’s audio, it’s evident that the actors were given an extra second of runtime after their last or before their first line. My guess is that this allows for a sloppy changeover by a projectionist, while still providing a smooth edit for the audience. Thanks to Studio Binder for a great reminder of this movie’s ingenuity.
Hitchcock thought of everything
each hitchcock's film made me love cinema it develops my taste as a cinephile.
Exactly👌👌👌
You're not alone!
@@StudioBinder true
Please Make 2 Part Videos -- Lighting Scenes 1 for Wide Shot /Stedycam Shot for Moving Actors, and Lighting Scenes 2 for Medium/Close Up Shots for Stationary Actors.
Thanks for the suggestion!
My favorite Director, hands down! Brilliant, ahead of his time, and supremely skillful in exploiting available resources.
I just watched Rope for the first time two days ago. Rewatched the "something something" scene so many times. I couldn't believe that it was just going on and on.
I loved it! I've been looking so long for videos like this!!! Thank u very much!!!!
Another superb StudioBinder video.
Cheers!
My absolute favorite Hitchcock film. Every scene and every line of dialogue is masterfully crafted.
A taut thriller 👌
I don't ever remember any studio binder movies about hitcock. I'm really glad you made this though. I'll have to watch Rope, anyway keeping making videos about Hitcock.
we have one on Vertigo! th-cam.com/video/6K9yi163S4E/w-d-xo.html
You guys are simply the best. I am always excited to see a new video from you
New vid every monday!
Rope is one of my favorite Hitchcock films. The long takes plus the suspense were amazing. The oner is part of my style. No one does it better than Spielberg.
My favourite movie of all time with James Stewart being my favourite actor.
Hitchcock the master of suspense, visual storytelling and cinema.
he's the best!
Great video! I need to watch Rope now. Thanks again for all hard work
Thanks for watching!
Rope (and rear window) are two my favorite movies.
Great choices
My only quibble about Rope is that it is basically a filmed stage play. The acting was also over-theatrical for my taste. As an examination of Hitchcock's technique, it's illuminating.
"Rope" is my most favorite of Hitchcock. Rear Window, Birds and Dail M for Murder are other favs
Better than Maltese Falcon thats for sure.
Happy 4th of July everyone! Thanks for the new video StudioBinder
Happy 4th!
watching from Nepal. Thanks for supporting video.
Enjoy!
_- "That's all for this evening. I think we shall be back another time with another story. Until then, good night."_
I always love The Rope. Another great video.
this is fantastic. Another film I love with long takes is called The Cure. It isnt quite as striking as this, but most scenes are one long take.
Nice!
@@StudioBinder in retrospect it makes sense because it is a horror film about hypnotism. Long takes draw you in like hypnosis.
More Hitchcock Please !!
We're not done with him yet ;)
That is one of my all time favorites!
This video is full of suspense
haha we try
Paul Gregory's voice makes this particular video even more compelling.
Fantastic video. Rooe is my favourite movieand youts is easily one of tge best videos I have seen on it
You guys are amazing 🙂
"Do the right thing" Spike Lee used a lot of these techniques when framing/composing, and he added the time of day, heat/color and music to change what is all shot on one city block, through lots and lots of panning shots alternating between the subjective and objective framing.
Not really.
@@JunebugPresents So, talk to Spike - he is the one who said it, not me
@@AlleyKatPr0 Ah. It wasn't something you saw, it is what you heard. It makes all the sense in the world to share that bit of info.
@@JunebugPresents It's known as "paraphrasing"
@@AlleyKatPr0 I hear you. But I saw both films many times and don't see the connection. But if Lee says so, whatever.
This is gonna be one of your best videos🔥
We hope!
Great video! Do you think you can make one on writing dystopian stories (for film, of course) next?
Hitchcock is the father of the cinematic creativity
One of the founding fathers haha
In this way increased the suspense!
Exactly!
Would love to see a video on M. Night Shyamalans long takes
We have a directing styles breakdown on him here! th-cam.com/video/6sLMF23PNck/w-d-xo.html
9:10 - “Criss-cross; we’ll switch edits! It’s perfect!”
🔥👍
I love, love, love this movie.
Master of suspense!
The GOAT
Awesome & Thanks :)
Thanks for watching!
You are very wise, sir, this video should be presented in film schools 🙏
Sometimes they are :)
true masterpiece
Thank you❤🌹🙏
Hitchcock was a masterpiece
his whole filmography!
Brilliant
Cheers!
maaan, i loved this movie.
Us too :)
You should make a video about the unquantifiable aspects of a film that make it great 😮consider it a challenge!
Hitchcock
The legend.
StudioBinder, I want a episode on legendary techniques of "Satyajit Roy"
If your ever doing long takes again please do the film “Boiling Point”. It was shot in one 90 minute take and it’s a wonderful film
brother can u please make a editing breakdown of tenet, please?
Could you do a video about the form and the function of news report.
Is that a movie?
@@StudioBinder no it's not. It's just the normal tv news.
For the next video where you analize long takes I suggest The Northman of Robert Eggers!
We just might!
Yes, it has such cool sequences. I don't know if the style of that movie is just for the sake of the aesthetics or it has an actual purpose. I think it just makes you immerse yourself in the past, viewing the rawness of that contest. Rawness is one the big theme of the movie, I mean.
Studio binder I have a suggestion for you , there is a film industry called malayalam film industry in the state of kerala . There were somany longtakes in Malayalam movies . Director lijo Jose pellisheri is famous for his works . If you have seen a long scene of Malik movie you will be stunned . I wish you will suddenly move your face to Malayalam movies .
Thanks for the suggestion!
An interesting extrapolation from this would be plays-movie (if you havent already done so)
Examples
Rope.
Carnage.
Deathtrap.
Nice 👍🙂
Cheers!
Rope is one of the best films of all time
It's a fun watch for sure
Best technician and master of fear
Creating screams to this day
Please make video's on screenwriting
Any topic in particular?
i better watch the movie before your video ahaha, i will come back later
It'll be here when you're ready :)
im back! great video !!!
For some unknown reason the movie gave me nightmares, I felt claustrophobic and anxious afterwards
Do a video on opening of "La La Land"
Thanks for the suggestion!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES
Glad you liked it!
genius
You should study (at least read) the book "Hitchcock Truffaut" and specially what "Hitch" said to François Truffaut about the problem of The Rope : a self-criticism that reasons like a strangulation... ;-)
Never take what Hitchcock said at face value. He was notoriously deceptive in interviews (except for Truffaut’s). The only reason Hitchcock really thought Rope was a failure is because it didn’t make money (he liked his creature comforts).
Rope is now recognized as one of his greats, and I would argue the first film that includes all the hallmarks of his best period. (He would perfect his formula with Rear Window 6 years later.)
How have I never seen this film?
Time to watch
@@StudioBinder Indubitably! :)
I wish my “failures” were as good as Rope.
I hate to disagree with Hitchcock, but 'Rope' was NOT a failed experiment. It's genius.
Definitely a fun watch
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
🙏🙏
Ming-liang Tsai❤️
thanks for watching!
Yet another good dive
Cheers!
why is closed captioning always on automatically? is this a problem on my end or is this a thing that is coming from the uploader?
It's an automatic function!
@@StudioBinder OK cool. good to know that it is an intentional thing. Also, I love your channel. I watch every single episode!
I showed this movie to my friend Mario, all he noticed is that movie is in black and white
damn
😮
I wish we had more "failed experiments" like these nowadays...........
Hitchcock's failures still make interesting viewings
Seriously, not going to mention in this how Hitchcock actually felt about Rope? He thought this approach didn't work.
He did mention it. 9:36
Hello
Hi
@@StudioBinder I love your work it's helped me a lot in my dream of writing scripts
Make a video on rrr movie it's a masterpiece
Thanks for the suggestion!