Sam Mendes made a strong impression in 2020 with 1917, a war film that gives the illusion of a single continuous shot. This bold choice immerses the viewer directly into the intensity of a mission during the First World War, featuring two British soldiers in a race against time. This immersive staging is not by chance: it is based on sophisticated filmmaking technology, prepared in advance to offer near-seamless continuity. We reveal how this powerful narrative illusion was constructed, its advantages, and the limitations of such a feat.

The film promises an immersive experience where every step and every breath of the protagonists is felt. After exploring this initial impression, discover the secret behind the meticulous editing, the mastery of natural lighting by Roger Deakins, the iconic cinematographer, and the heavy preparation required for such a challenge. Finally, more traditional alternatives to this cinematic style explain why the “fake continuous shot” is both an achievement and a puzzle.

In brief: mastering the fake continuous shot of 1917

• Meticulous direction: Each scene was rehearsed dozens of times to never interrupt the action.
• Assembly of long takes: Not a true continuous shot, but several “mini-shots” linked together to maintain continuity.
• Adapted technology: Use of the Arri Alexa Mini LF camera and stabilizing systems for smooth movements.
• Natural lighting: A risky bet to enhance realism despite weather constraints.
• Increased immersion: The viewer feels the rhythm and danger in real-time, benefiting from the close point of view.

How 1917 plays with editing to simulate a continuous shot

Contrary to what its impressive direction suggests, 1917 was not shot in a single take. Director Sam Mendes crafted a film from long sequences cleverly assembled. Each “mini-film” is a sequence shot in one go, sometimes up to 9 minutes long, which the team assembles with clinical precision in post-production.

• Refined preparation: The screenplay presents two versions, one detailing precisely the movements and camera movements.
• Natural transitions: The transition between shots is masked by actions—passing through a door, slipping behind a curtain, etc.
• Long rehearsals: Up to 60 takes are sometimes needed to achieve the flawless scene.
• Invisible editing: The main challenge: to create the impression of a continuous shot without breaks.

This approach offers the audience an experience set in a nearly real-time, where tension mounts uninterrupted, creating the illusion of being immersed in every moment of this world war. To better understand the scope of this filmmaking technology, it can be compared to immersive opening scenes like that of La La Land, which also captivate without warning.

Natural lighting, a bold technical choice

Cinematographer Roger Deakins, accustomed to the demands of blockbusters like Blade Runner 2049, chose to rely on natural light to enhance authenticity. The near-total absence of artificial lighting allows following day variations and weather conditions, unpredictable yet realistic elements.

• Consequence: Some takes lasted exactly as long as effective natural lighting, for example when characters light flares.
• Adaptation: Filming adhered to a constantly overcast sky and sequences were shot in chronological order.
• Timing: Rigorous coordination with the weather and the use of special equipment to maintain visual consistency.

This choice of staging gives a sober tone to the images, accentuating the ongoing tension of the narrative while highlighting the historical dimension of the conflict.

How to achieve an unprecedented immersion in 5 steps

1. Writing designed for the challenge: Compose the screenplay for a precise path, including the chronology of movements.
2. Intensive rehearsal: Perfectly reproduce every movement of the actors and camera.
3. Adapted camera technology: Use lightweight and stabilized cameras (Arri Alexa Mini LF, Steadicam, Trinity).
4. Set management: Work on giant sets to rebuild each scene with detail and continuity.
5. Subtle post-production: Mask cuts in editing with the natural actions of the characters.

Alternatives and limits: why not always charge ahead

Although spectacular, the fake continuous shot imposes significant constraints:

• Heavy preparation: Up to 6 months of rehearsals and very thorough coordination are required.
• Extended shooting time: Multiple takes can delay production.
• Artistic limits: Less flexibility to insert narrative effects or change the tempo.
• Risky technique: Every mistake forces a retake of the entire sequence, increasing stress.

In some cases, a more traditional editing approach is advisable to ensure fluidity and to refine narrative pacing. However, 1917 proves that, when mastered, the fake continuous shot creates a strong emotional connection with the viewer and revolutionizes our perspective on this dark period of history.