What is a Long Take?
A long take is a filmmaking technique where a scene is shot with a continuous shot - without any editing. This can be challenging, especially as filmmakers need to coordinate movements for the camera and those who are on set.
In Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) production, this technique has become popular - giving viewers a chance to experience the story more intently and have a greater appreciation for the action sequences and drama, all captured with one shot, making them some of the most unforgettable moments across these Marvel Cinematic Universe productions.
What Makes the Daredevil Hallway Fight Iconic?
Netflix's Daredevil series brought in those action sequences involving Matt Murdock, and even when he appeared as a "cameo" - as a guest star in other MCU projects, he often utilized those moves - specifically, those that are hallmark of Daredevil, a Charlie Cox, who took on the title character.
Fans of Daredevil will likely be attracted to one of the most beloved long takes - the hallway fight (seen in Season 1, Episode 2). It was set in a small, confined, space - a hallway that was located within a Russian mob's restaurant and that fight set the tone for this series. Fans can look forward to see if Charlie Cox brings those same moves in those later iterations of the Daredevil storyline, which include Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+.
Which MCU Movie Features The Best Long Take Scene?
The MCU has brought audiences some spectacular long takes over the years. Several productions feature some remarkable achievements - with several that have been cited for their action, drama and their capacity to truly bring those moments into view - as if viewers were living those scenes - capturing all those aspects and complexities. It includes "Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3" and "Hawkeye", to name a few. It's even worthwhile mentioning "Black Panther" and "Loki."
Fans may be interested in "Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3", which features a well-orchestrated and cinematic fight - an intense sequence between the Guardians of the Galaxy, as they are taking on The High Evolutionary - those who have joined in on that battle, (all of the members) get a chance to show off their skills - which would be difficult to do if there were cuts in this scene - which could make it much more compelling for those watching.
Why Are Long Takes Such An Important Part of Filmmaking?
It seems as if those long takes (or a long shot in filmmaking terms), have long been considered a challenge and often are regarded as one of the greatest feats - an ambitious technique for directors. The filmmakers' desire is often to create a greater sense of realism and have viewers feel that they are truly inside the movie.
It's often about giving audiences a greater understanding of the moment and the setting of the events that are happening in the scene, by providing more of an understanding as viewers immerse themselves within the scene. Many might notice this as it gives them the ability to take in more details from the surrounding set and, as the MCU often tries to achieve with its special effects - it might serve to further increase the realism and create an almost fantastical experience.
Why is The Daredevil Prison Breakout a Significant Scene?
Many MCU fans can recall those iconic scenes. They included the scene featuring Daredevil, as he faces a major adversary - a gang led by those working under Kingpin - where they were trying to prevent the titular character, Matt Murdock, from making his escape.
The fight was also notable in how the Daredevil series showed the use of violence - the action scenes are designed to be brutal - where the violence was more realistic - this also gives fans a better glimpse at how Matt Murdock's abilities are utilized.
How Many Other Long Take Scenes are In The MCU?
As mentioned, there have been long takes used across the MCU - making these scenes iconic moments.
Some notable long takes, especially those that often have a greater sense of intensity and complexity, include those that take place with Black Panther - a story set in Wakanda where viewers are treated to a battle between those working for King T'Challa, who often leads his country, alongside his "elite warriors", against those trying to overcome and destroy Wakanda, showcasing those events in an intricate setting with long takes. Other scenes worthy of mentioning include: "Hawkeye," which included a high-octane car chase. There's even "Werewolf By Night," showcasing those scenes with the title character (who has become the subject of many online conversations) - with his journey to accept his dark nature, in addition to battling those enemies who want to stop him. This character may be even more compelling because of those visuals and that character arc. There’s also the opening scene for "Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3". These scenes showcase how directors continue to highlight their characters. These events also continue to serve as an exciting element of film production as it moves towards greater ambition - which is often designed to further connect those who watch these Movies and those Marvel Cinematic Universe lovers - and in doing so, create a unique set of experiences for each production.
Will Long Takes Be Used More Frequently In The MCU?
Long Takes (one of the most popular elements of Marvel's productions - a filmmaking technique that was introduced early in this franchise - has helped showcase those dramatic elements that often captivate fans), it has already become one of those staple techniques.
As those lovers of the MCU continue to enjoy a vast catalog of Movies and series. Long takes will remain a central, exciting component for productions. A scene with Clint Barton, Jeremy Renner's character in Hawkeye, in addition to the scene that involves Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld's character), have set a high standard - those looking for that blend of action, comedy and dramatic tension, which often come to be defined in how these long takes can really make an impression - giving viewers a more engaging experience.