According to Martin Scorsese, camera movement should never be used for its own sake. It should always be motivated by the story or the characters. For example, in the film "Taxi Driver," Scorsese uses long, tracking shots to follow Travis Bickle as he drives through the city. This helps to create a sense of claustrophobia and isolation, and it also reflects Travis's own mental state.
2. Camera Movement Can Help to Create Mood and Atmosphere
The way that a camera moves can also help to create a certain mood or atmosphere. For example, in the film "Goodfellas," Scorsese uses fast, jerky camera movements to create a sense of urgency and excitement. This helps to convey the feeling of being caught up in a whirlwind of violence and crime.
3. Camera Movement Can Help to Emphasize Certain Elements of the Frame
Camera movement can also be used to emphasize certain elements of the frame. For example, in the film "Raging Bull," Scorsese uses a dolly zoom to draw attention to Jake LaMotta's face as he is being pummeled in the ring. This helps to create a sense of intimacy and claustrophobia, and it also conveys the intensity of the fight.
4. Camera Movement Can Help to Tell the Story
Finally, camera movement can also be used to tell the story. For example, in the film "The Departed," Scorsese uses a long, unbroken tracking shot to follow Colin Sullivan as he walks through a crowd of people. This shot helps to establish Sullivan's character and motivations, and it also foreshadows the events that will unfold later in the film.
Conclusion
Martin Scorsese is a master of motivated camera movement. He uses camera movement to create mood, atmosphere, and suspense, and he also uses it to tell the story. By studying Scorsese's use of camera movement, filmmakers can learn how to use this powerful tool to their own advantage.