Jun 18 2022

Selects: How Steadicams Work

Selects 36 min 8 movies discussed
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There have been many inventions that have advanced filmmaking, but maybe none as important as the steadicam. Invented in the mid-70s, it literally changed the way movie making happened, and made the impossible possible. Learn about the fascinating history behind this amazing technology, in this classic episode.

AI Summary

In this episode, Josh and Chuck explore the fascinating history and mechanics of the steadicam, the revolutionary camera stabilization device that changed filmmaking forever. They dive into how inventor Garrett Brown created this ingenious contraption in the 1970s to capture previously impossible shots—like smooth movements up staircases and through complex terrain—and how it immediately transformed major films like Rocky, The Shining, and Goodfellas. The guys break down the surprisingly elegant physics behind how steadicams work, from the spring-loaded arm and specially balanced sled to the gimbal technology, plus they highlight some of the most iconic steadicam shots in cinema history and discuss how the technology has evolved for modern filmmakers and content creators.


Movies Discussed

Bound for Glory
Bound for Glory
1976 2h 27m
★ 6.9
"What was the one about Woody Guthrie? Bound for Glory? — One of the first three major motion pictures to hire Garrett Brown and his steadicam technology in 1976." — Josh
GoodFellas
GoodFellas
1990 2h 25m
★ 8.5
"Goodfellas is another classic example, where Ray Liotta and Lorraine Broccoli go through the back stairs into the kitchen. — Famous for the uninterrupted five-minute steadicam shot following characters through the Copacabana." — Chuck
Marathon Man
Marathon Man
1976 2h 5m
★ 7.2
"And then the other one was Marathon Man. Another great movie. — One of the first three major motion pictures to use Garrett Brown's steadicam technology in 1976." — Josh
Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi
1983 2h 12m
★ 7.9
"The famous speeder bike chase scene on the indoor yeah. California's Redwood National Park doubled as indoor. — Featured an iconic steadicam shot of Garrett Brown walking slowly while the film was sped up." — Chuck
Rocky
Rocky
1976 2h 0m
★ 7.8
"I'm going to use it in this little film I'm directing called Rocky. — Rocky featured one of the first iconic steadicam shots - the famous steps scene at the Philadelphia Museum of Art."
The Departed
The Departed
2006 2h 31m
★ 8.2
"Now, he's made movies since then, like Wolf of Wall Street. Gangster movie. Yeah. Which I thought was great. — Noted as Scorsese's last gangster film before his new one in development." — Chuck
The Shining
The Shining
1980 2h 24m
★ 8.2
"The Shining is the first one that pops into most people's minds because Kubrick was a big fan of this invention. — Stanley Kubrick famously used steadicam for iconic shots including the tricycle scenes and maze chase." — Chuck
The Wolf of Wall Street
The Wolf of Wall Street
2013 3h 0m
★ 8.0
"Which I thought was great. I know you didn't love it. I just didn't. I thought it was awesome. — Mentioned as a gangster movie Scorsese made since The Departed." — Josh

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