Why Michael Bay’s 360 Hero Circling Shot Is The Ultimate Signature Filmmaker Move

Michael Bay is my favorite director and his film commentary track on the first Bad Boys should be taught in film school. Without a big budget, he was forced to invent new filming techniques and one became his most recognizable trademark- the circling hero shot—a 360-degree orbit around rising characters, often paired with swelling music, slow motion, and dramatic lighting. It doesn’t just capture tension; it manufactures epic.

Bad Boys (1995)- It started with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence rising into frame with Miami's Art Deco buildings and palm trees in the background.

The Rock (1996)- After Nicolas Cage crashes the yellow Ferrari, Bay spins around Cage as chaos smolders around him.

Armageddon (1998)- Bruce Willis turns to see Ben Affleck has returned from the dead with the much-needed Armadillo.

Pearl Harbor (2001)- Kate Beckinsale surveys the destruction after the Japanese attacked the hospital.

Bad Boys 2 (2003)- Will Smith and Martin Lawrence just find out on the phone Gabrielle Union has been kidnapped.

The Island (2005)- The bad guys search for Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson in the futuristic train station.

Transformers (2007)- Bernie Mac spins in a circle after Bumblebee destroys all the cars in his car lot.

Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen (2009)- Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox are basking in sunlight as they kiss.

Transformers 3: Dark Side Of The Moon (2011)- Bumblebee is about to be executed by the Decepticons.

Pain And Gain (2013)- Dwayne Johnson rises before a fight in the prison yard.

Transformers 4: Age Of Extinction (2014)- After reuniting with his Autobots, Optimus Prime transforms back into his human form.

13 Hours (2016)- No hero shot but a lot of cinematic sun-kissed shots of John Krasinski.

Transformers 5: The Last Knight (2017)- Mark Wahlberg saves Optimus Prime from the Knight Transformers.

6 Underground (2019)- No hero shot but Ryan Reynold's hero car itself spins 360 avoiding people.

Ambulance (2022)- Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II discuss robbing banks.

Unlike his peers, Bay weaponizes the camera to glorify—not just show—his characters. Where Kubrick analyzes, Spielberg empathizes, and Cameron immerses—Bay deifies.

The circling shot is more than style—it’s a cinematic flex, instantly recognizable, endlessly imitated, and unmistakably Michael Bay.

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Source: Dan Lalonde

Photo Credit: Sony