Shaky Cam: Discussion and debate

[Gamma_Winstead]

We've all seen it. The question is... What do you think of it? Be honest.

[Septimus Prime]

I hate it. I get motion sickness rather easily, and the shaky cam doesn't help with that at all. I also hate not being able to see whatever is happening onscreen, although I realize that that's the intent sometimes.

[P@t_Mtl]

Originally Posted by Septimus Prime

I hate it. I get motion sickness rather easily, and the shaky cam doesn't help with that at all. I also hate not being able to see whatever is happening onscreen, although I realize that that's the intent sometimes.

They have to hide that most actors can't have fight scenes like they do in Asia cause they suck

[42041]

For the most part I don't have anything against it. Like all cinematic techniques, it can be misused. Quantum of Solace was an example of terribly directed action scenes.. like they thought shaking the camera and cutting several times a second was all you need to make a scene intense

[jeffrow]

Not when its over done. But for the most part not too much.

[Q?]

Originally Posted by 42041

For the most part I don't have anything against it. Like all cinematic techniques, it can be misused. Quantum of Solace was an example of terribly directed action scenes.. like they thought shaking the camera and cutting several times a second was all you need to make a scene intense

In my opinion the worst editing in the history of cinema, alright... pretty bold statement but whatever

[CZAR]

Well I dont like it either. Its only worked for me once and that was Diary of the Dead as it wasnt so shaky. Cloverfield was terrible by the way and that shaky cam tore up the movie as far as Im concerned. Got Em!!

[Lord_Stewie]

Its okay for me. It mostly depend on the type of movie they are using the shaky cam for. Cloverfield for example was perfect.

[Septimus Prime]

I remember one of the Bourne movies had it so bad that even close up shots of the actors just talking were shaky. That was ridiculous.

[scratchy]

I like it, loved REC and 28 Days Later for instance, but I would absolutely not want it in every movie.

[zahinn]

I loved the way its in Children of Men.

[wallendo]

Shaky cam, like most camera effects should be subtle. Unfortunately, far too often the picture looks like the cameraman is having a grand mal seizure.

[SonOfArathorn]

Depends on how it's used, Children of Men, Bourne 2 and 3, Quantum of Solace all had shaky cam and it didn't bother me. Can't think of any times it did bother me now I think about it...

[drobswim13]

Originally Posted by zahinn

I loved the way its in Children of Men.

Yes, I definitely enjoyed the camerawork in that movie. It was a shaky camera, but that deliberate choice added a "documentary" type feel to it, in which the scenes of intense action looked as though it was being seen through your eyes.

However, I think it can be easily misused. The Bourne movies and Quantum of Solace are good examples. Daniel Craig is a pretty good actor when it comes to action scenes. Having shaky cam/quick cut sequences in the movie is not necessary during action sequences in QoS because it only takes away from his ability as an action star.

And P@t Mtl is right, they can't do stunts and fight choreo like they do in Asia, it just doesn't happen

[Gamma_Winstead]

Yeah, I thought it was fine in cloverfield.

Bourne 3 pissed me off. It was shaking during a scene when the characters had dinner. WTF?

[OrlandoEastwood]

Bourne Ultimatum is the reason why I gave up on all films made by Paul Greengrass. I didn't see Green Zone because the trailer was shaky as hell on it too.

My movie, Traumatic Possession, was written from the point of view of the camera after a re-write on it. I realized that we could film it faster that way, but it also demanded that lines REALLY and I mean REALLY needed to memorized. We tried to keep it as still as possible at all times when we filming it.

[Diesel]

I despise when the camera is being shaken and moved around when it should be completely still.


Example that made me make this post:

Pike and Kirk's talk at the bar in Star Trek. Great scene....TERRIBLE camera work. Abrams was moving that camera all over when it should have been a still camera shot of each man's face during the conversation.

[Sussudio]

One of the most over-used "styles" in Hollywood....I think very few directors know how to actually make it work for their films....

[Canada]

I like it in war movies especially but I find in a lot of cases it's over done.

[GreenScar]

Another terrible use was the entirety of Hancock.

It can work for moments; Children of Men used it briefly.

Most movies do not. It should never be used for scenes of Dialog (good example was the one Diesel just gave). Sure, if they're on a boat or something I expect it, but...well, you get the gist.