Chase Scene

A chase scene is a dynamic event that requires a lot of motion shots to capture the action. In this example I'll be outlining two aesthetics that create both tension and panic from the audience.

THE SCENE                                                                    

A woman runs frantically down a narrow corridor. As she reaches a cell door she looks back to see her assailant advancing toward her. She fumbles at the lock in a state of panic as the he pulls his gun and fires upon her!

EXECUTION - SET-UP 1   

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The camera is handheld throughout set-up 1. The DOP begins facing the victim's back as she prepares to run. On action both the camera operator and the woman race up the corridor. The handheld motion causes the camera to shake up and down, imitating the frantic movement of the woman. 

EXECUTION - SET-UP 2 

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The dolly is positioned on a track down the center of the corridor, the camera facing the actor head on. On action both the gunman and the dolly begin to run down the corridor - the dolly begins tracking with him slowly but forcefully. As he nears the cell door he opens fire with his gun.

SHOT 1A: HANDHELD

The handheld shot is wild and frenetic, arousing a flustered response from the audience. It is as though they are caught up in the panic of the protagonist as she races up the corridor. 

SHOT 2A: TRACKING SHOT

The tracking shot, on the other hand, is strong and steady - its controlled speed makes the gunman seem single minded and intensely focused. This makes his pursuit seem all the more relentless and menacing. 



SHOT 1B: HANDHELD

The woman reaches the door and tries to open it. Being handheld, the camera is still buoyant and unsteady adding a restlessness to the scene. It's as though we are willing her to "hurry up!"  

SHOT 2B: TRACKING SHOT

As the dolly slows on the track, the gunman closes in on the camera. It feels as if he is speeding up toward us and the heroine. This dramatic surge ramps up the tension of the scene.

SHOT 3A: HANDHELD
Just in time we see the woman swing the door open and dive through as the gunman comes into the shot and lurches at her! She snaps the key in the door and makes her escape.
SHOT 3B: TRACKING SHOT
The gunman fires his gun but it ricochets off the bullet proof glass on the cell door. End scene. 

Additional motion effect

The juxtaposition of two forces moving in the same direction creates a sense of urgency and intensifies the action. It is as though two forces are on a trajectory for a head on collision! This is a very powerful tool to use when you want the chase scene to provoke feelings of stress and panic.
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Thanks for reading.