Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Takes and double takes

Take. The filming of a scene without interruption.
















In filmmaking, a ‘take’ is a scene shot without interruption.

On the other hand, a double take is a delayed reaction to an unusual remark or circumstance. For example, if you walk down the road dressed as Darth Vader, a passerby might glance at you, continue on their way, and then a second later, stop and turn around in surprise.

Double takes are used as a comic device in the cinema. In the clip above from Dinner at Eight, when Jean Harlow mentions she's reading a book about the future, Marie Dressler does a fabulous double take.

An interesting variation on this is a spit take, in which the double take causes the character to spit out whatever they are drinking, like this talk show host.

2 comments:

  1. And the list might still grow, isn't it? I guess it TAKES time to think a catchy article on this. I challenge you: Take (II) ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Giulia De Dominicis16 May, 2011 18:06

    Hi!
    Your blog has been nominated for our Top 100 Language Lovers 2011 competition.
    Read more here: http://www.lexiophiles.com/featured-articles/top-100-language-lovers-2011-competition-starts-today-%E2%80%93-nominate-your-favorite

    Good luck!

    Giulia - On behalf of the bab.la and Lexiophiles team

    ReplyDelete