“Utøya: July 22” 72 minutes, the result of a shocking one-shot shoot

Depicting the incident from its outbreak to its conclusion in real time

On the other hand, "Utøya: July 22," which was made seven years after the incident, has been highly praised for the extensive and thorough research that was carried out, the unexpected filming methods used, and the way the film was put together.

Let me start with the conclusion. The entire film is 97 minutes long, but the majority of it, 72 minutes, is shot in a single, astonishingly long take. In fact, the time from the first shooting on Utoya Island to the arrest of the perpetrator is almost the same 72 minutes. In other words, this film is trying to depict the incident from its outbreak to its resolution in real time, without interruption.

At the beginning of the film, a summer camp for young people is shown in chaos. After receiving the news of the recent bombing, everyone is in contact with their relatives on the mainland. Some people start discussing possible suspects and the future of the world. In an attempt to ease their anxiety, some people go swimming in the sea, some people fill their stomachs with a barbecue, and some people even go to sleep in their tents, unaware of what is happening.

“Utøya: July 22” Copyright (c) 2018 Paradox

Then something strange happens. Suddenly, gunshots ring out, and many young people rush in like an avalanche, calling for help. The gunshots continue. In fact, the sound gradually gets louder, and it becomes clear that someone is approaching. Meanwhile, the protagonist, a young girl, hides with her friends and continues to search for her younger sister, who joined them at the camp...

This film does not deal with the incident from a bird's-eye view. Like the protagonist, the audience is only given very little information. The perpetrator is hardly ever clearly shown, and the film shows young people being shot and losing their lives here and there. Because the viewpoint is limited, the impact conveyed by the screen is immeasurable, and I found myself short of breath many times while watching the film, and my legs shook helplessly.

In addition, this film has been rated "G (for general audiences)" by the Eirin, which suggests that the film has deliberately avoided depictions of cruelty. However, the reason why the film is still filled with such fear and despair is probably due to the tension and suspense created by the long takes, which once started, cannot be stopped.

What does the long take method bring?