Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic Sinners has become the talk of the town after its successful opening weekend. With its controversial ending, striking villain design, and an unforgettable juke joint dance scene, the film has captured audiences’ attention. This particular scene has sparked discussions in theaters, and Entertainment Weekly recently explored its production process.
Today, we’ll take a closer look at how that unforgettable sequence was filmed. Please note that there are some spoilers ahead, so if you haven’t seen the movie yet, make sure to catch it in theaters before reading on.
The Juke Joint Dance Scene
The juke joint scene in Sinners is one of the film’s most memorable moments. The character Sammie, played by Miles Caton, strums his guitar, setting the stage for a surreal, time-bending musical experience. His blues song serves as a portal, blending generations of music and dance—from rock and roll and rap to geisha performances, DJ mixes, and tribal rhythms. It’s an eclectic, lively sequence that stands out and adds a unique dimension to the film.
Filming the Sequence
To capture this energetic and fast-paced scene, the filmmakers used IMAX cameras. Filming in one continuous take would have been impossible, but the scene was designed to appear as though it was filmed in a single shot. Ryan Coogler explained that IMAX film rolls only last about a minute and a half due to the high speed at which the film moves through the camera. Because of this, the scene had to be divided into several segments, each shot for the maximum duration allowed.
The production crew prepared extensively for this challenge. Coogler revealed that the team rehearsed numerous times and expanded the crew to include extras, dancers, and additional materials to bring the scene to life. In particular, Ludwig Göransson, the film’s composer, played a key role in coordinating the scene’s rhythm. As the on-set DJ, Göransson made sure everyone was in sync with the music, creating the perfect atmosphere for the dancers and performers.
Planning the Shot
Before filming, Coogler, Göransson, and cinematographer Autumn Durald meticulously mapped out the camera movements. They created a detailed video of how the camera would move, the placement of musicians, and how dancers would interact with the shot. Göransson also composed a new piece of music to accompany the choreography, ensuring that the rhythm and visuals complemented each other perfectly.
Once everything was planned, the crew rehearsed on a soundstage in New Orleans. This allowed them to test the camera movements, position the dancers correctly, and ensure the performers were ready. In the final scene, Miles Caton continuously sang while playing the guitar, helping to create an immersive and lively atmosphere.
Shooting the Scene
Filming the juke joint scene took about half a day for each of its three parts. The IMAX camera was constantly in motion, so careful choreography was necessary to keep the shot fluid. Performers had to time their movements precisely to avoid blocking the camera, while ensuring the energy of the scene remained high. Even Michael B. Jordan, who had a twin in the film, had to be strategically placed in front of the camera at the right moments.
Despite the challenges, the final result is visually stunning and emotionally engaging. The film’s seamless integration of music, movement, and camera work delivers a truly spectacular sequence that is likely to remain a standout moment in Sinners.
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