12 Angry Men - Wow

Jeremy Ordan

Jeremy Ordan

Major Contributor
I'm talking about the original Henry Fonda version... The openning dolly shot is incredible, but after the titles role and they are in the chamber, that single shot goes on for 10 minutes. The camera is dollying throughout the chamber, you are introduced to all the characters, and it is perfect. Not a single cut.

In my opinion, I have never seen a better shot in my entire life.
 
This is about the members of the jury arguing, correct?

I watched this a few years ago...I don't recall that shot though...I may have to watch it again!
 
TheYankee said:
In my opinion, I have never seen a better shot in my entire life.
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I agree - or, if I have, then I don't remember it...

That whole film is a pure genius, IMO.
 
TheYankee said:
In my opinion, I have never seen a better shot in my entire life.
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Another you might like (maybe even better) is the opening of "In the Heat of the Night".

fn

DUH> Not in the Heat- it was Touch of Evil...sorry.
 
That's got a great shot also, but there is nothing better than 12 Angry Men.

The whole idea of being able to plan and execute one long take... 10 minutes, one roll of film. I can't believe it. I must have watched that scene 100 times and still cannot figure it out.

If there was a way I could rip that scene and post it for ya'll I would.
 
One for the rental list....I remember seeing this a million times or more in middle and high school English classes, and not thinking much of them (besides a great story)....funny how film begins to look completely different once you gain a true appreciation for the medium!
 
That's an interesting point. At this point I feel like I have to watch a movie three times at least in order to appreciate it. The first time I watch just for the movie itself, entertainment value. The second time all I'm paying attention to are the shots, camera movement, and angles. The third time, I'm looking at the cutting.

It's amazing how the more you learn the more time you need to break things down.
 
i always start out watching the cutting and the composition. then if i stop noticing that stuff and get sucked into the story, i know its a good movie.

if you haven't already, check out sidney lumet's book Making Movies. Interesting stories and a lot of learnin.
 
The first scene of the film "The Player" from Altam is also a unique long take that's worth to see. I think it's an homage to Hitchcock's "Rope" that I haven't seen. As the scene goes, the actors talk about this Hitchcock's scene saying that it is crazy to shoot such a long take without any cut.
 
now can you guys give credit to the actors without good acting there will be cuts. it takes every body to make a good film
 
kimko said:
now can you guys give credit to the actors without good acting there will be cuts. it takes every body to make a good film
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I'm with Kimko, the movie is very cool from a technical stand point, but, the acting, OMG, it blows me away. What a cast.
 
VizPictures said:
The first scene of the film "The Player" from Altam is also a unique long take that's worth to see. I think it's an homage to Hitchcock's "Rope" that I haven't seen. As the scene goes, the actors talk about this Hitchcock's scene saying that it is crazy to shoot such a long take without any cut.
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From my understanding the opening shot of "The Player" is an homage to Welles' "Touch of Evil".

Hitchcock's "Rope" is incredible because he shot everything is I believe 9 sections (1 section per canister of film). When you watch the movie it appears as if it is one solid shot. His technical masterpiece has never been better demonstrated.

And it's true, without the great actors, this would not have been possible. Then again, without the vision of a great director / filmmaker, it also would not have been possible. It's been said before, it will be said again, filmmaking is a collaborative effort.
 
David Jimerson said:
I was in a stage version of "Twelve Angry Men." I think the original play is better than the movie.
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I've seen it on stage, but never down here... How long ago was that David?
 
It wasn't in Charlotte. It was in Ohio, and it was 15 years ago. I'm not an actor, but I can do a flawless non-descript European accent which would put Armin Mueller-Stahl to shame, so I was coaxed into doing Juror #11. I liked it.
 
Fake Name said:
Another you might like (maybe even better) is the opening of "In the Heat of the Night".

fn

DUH> Not in the Heat- it was Touch of Evil...sorry.
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in the heat of the nite was great
 
TheYankee said:
The camera is dollying throughout the chamber, you are introduced to all the characters, and it is perfect. Not a single cut.

In my opinion, I have never seen a better shot in my entire life.
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What? You didn't appreciate the episode of Mad About You that was shot in one continuous take? :cry:
 
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