When shooting a scene, there's nothing more constraining than two people in the back of a car. It's small, it's cramped, and everybody faces the same direction. However, the TV show Succession managed to creatively use cinematic techniques in three scenes that feature two characters, Shiv Roy and Tom Wamsgans, doing nothing but talking in the back of a car.
In the first car scene of Season 1, Episode 9, Tom and Shiv drive to their wedding venue in rural England. The scene begins with a plain medium shot, with lighting, costume design, and color grading that all remind the viewer of the dreariness of the UK. Initially, the dialogue seems innocuous, but as Shiv starts to probe Tom about a sensitive issue, the camera work starts reflecting the newfound tension. The camera dynamically shifts power between the two characters with clever pans that mirror their verbal confrontation, ultimately showing a standoff that lacks resolution.
The second scene takes a comedic turn. In Season 2, Episode 4, Tom and Shiv head to the Waystar Royco headquarters in New York City. The handheld, more casual filming, combined with the wide lens, creates a humorous effect. The movements and gestures are exaggerated, and the scene is set up perfectly for comedy with its light-hearted dialogue.
The most iconic scene comes at the series' end, using a single static shot as Tom and Shiv drive away from Waystar Royco. Despite the simplicity, the profound distances between the two are highlighted through lighting and framing, illustrating their complex relationship without a single line of dialogue.
Succession captivates audiences not just with words but through the expert use of camera techniques that enhance the emotional depth and dynamic of the narratives. Whether dramatic, funny, or tragic, the back seat of a car becomes a stage where stories unfold uniquely and powerfully.