Episode 5 - Sidney Lumet's Real-Time Storytelling in One-Location Movies

One-location Movie's Podcast

Sidney Lumet, with a background in theatre, directed over 40 movies. His debut, the breakthrough films "12 Angry Men," set a benchmark for one-location movies. This cinematic achievement involves real-time storytelling and unfolding a narrative within a single room. It gives the camera a purpose, conveying the passage of continuous time without openly drawing attention.

"12 Angry Men" was filmed using a series of continuous takes. Each sequence of events unfolds in a single continuous shot before transitioning to the next. The story progresses by moving the camera into different types of framing. This seamlessness is due to our eyes naturally following what is being emphasised. Consequently, we don't consciously register that what we're watching is all captured in a single shot; it feels more expansive. The magic of this visual storytelling technique ensures that we witness reactions as they happen without the need for cutaways. This fluidity in visual storytelling is achieved through the movement of actors and the continuous running of the dynamic camera, creating an immersive experience.

Sidney Lumet carried this directorial style into "Deathtrap," another one-location movie. Deathtrap's story happens mainly in a house along with a few scenes of theatre, a taxi and a train station.

Avoiding extensive set changes, he gradually reveals the house's layout, using variations in decor to reflect changes in the story and characters' actions, infusing a theatrical vibe, and calculated staging. His choice of shots creates more space around the characters and lets the audience and the characters have room to breathe. The overall effect is a theatrical atmosphere where mobile staging becomes a tool for character revelation. Deathtrap looks stunning. Sidney Lumet's commitment to prioritising story over decorative style or over-imposing his skills onto the screen is respectable, and this dedication also shines through in "12 Angry Men." And became one of the most highly-rated films of all time. This film goes beyond mere entertainment; it transcends the medium of cinema. Lumet's vision was not confined to the screen; it became a timeless exploration of the importance of asking questions, engaging in arguments for reasoned decisions, critiquing the justice system, and addressing human biases and prejudices.

For all aspiring writers out there, he re's a nugget of inspiration: "12 Angry Men" was Reginald Rose's second teleplay, inspired by a trial he experienced. It reminds us all that opportunities lie in unexpected places. So keep your curiosity sharp, hone your skills, and let your passion and ambition guide you. There's always a story waiting for your unique perspective in every room you step into.
This is the one-location movie podcast, where every location tells a story!