10 Incredible TV Scenes Shot In A Single Take

10. The Hurt Man - Monsters (S2E5)

The second season of Monsters focuses on Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were arrested for brutally murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty. Even though Jose and Kitty were deeply respected by the community, the Menendez brothers claimed their mother and father harboured a malevolent side, leaving Lyle and Erik with no choice but to execute them.

The fifth episode, The Hurt Man, focuses entirely on Erik speaking to his defence attorney about every detail surrounding the abuse his parents put him through. Though there’s nothing impressive about the shot on a technical level, the way the camera subtly zooms in on Erik over 36 minutes allows the audience to gradually feel like they’re being let into the character’s world, allowing them to understand him more intimately. The camera never deviates from Erik, so we bear witness to every word, gesture, and micro-expression.

After watching the season in its entirety, The Hurt Man alone is worth revisiting. Upon a first viewing, it appears Erik is sincere throughout this interview. But after it comes to light how much of the Menendez's story is true, you'll be incentivised to give this episode another go, now it's apparent how much of Erik's behaviour and dialogue here is a well-crafted performance.