Scorsese's Over the Shoulder/ Steadicam Shot

In preparation for our thriller I have been looking at many different directors and there unique techniques of filming. Martin Scorsese who is one of my favourite directors uses the over the shoulder shot to immense effect in various different movie of his.

The earliest Scorsese movie I could trace this use of camera angle to was his 1973 classic 'Mean Streets.' It is used in the scene following the opening credits when Charlie (Kietel) is shown entering a bar whilst 'Tell Me' by the Rolling Stones plays in the background. The camera follows Charlie over the shoulder whilst frequently switching to shots all around the bar. This scene is very effective as an opening scene as it creates a slick and cool atmosphere which remains present throughout the movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srphI34omF4

The next movie I could find in which Scorsese uses this shot is was in 1990's classic 'Goodfellas.' It is used in the scene where Henry (Liotta) takes Karen (Bracco) on their first one on one date to the Copacabana night club. This scene is one of the greatest in Goodfellas as it is a perfect showcase of the kind of life the gangsters were living and the luxuries they had. Henry walks Karen through the back of the club through the restaurant where he is recognised by everyone. As a scene it is superior the the 'steadicam' used in Mean Streets. It is longer and more detailed as a scene and is filmed in much better light then the lighting used within Mean Streets.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sr-vxVaY_M