View Full Version : Shaky Camera Syndrome
fingers
12-09-2010, 04:41 PM
Be honest!!
Can you really be bothered to watch these films in the current hysterical vogue for hand-held shaking camera movies.
Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn (they can make 'em but I don't have to watch 'em!) :devil:
Shaun
12-09-2010, 04:45 PM
I only know of Cloverfield...and I liked that.
fingers
12-09-2010, 04:47 PM
I only know of Cloverfield...and I liked that.
Nah there are many more, you probably haven't noticed this creeping director's ploy to save money on Steadicams!
Angus
12-09-2010, 05:40 PM
REC is absolutely amazing (the original Spanish version not the watered down American one), and the hand held camera thing worked fantastically because it was used in context and was totally believable. The last five minutes are truly terrifying!
Tom4784
12-09-2010, 05:44 PM
I wasn't a fan of Blair Witch but REC & Cloverfield pulled it off well.
fingers
12-09-2010, 06:03 PM
REC is absolutely amazing (the original Spanish version not the watered down American one), and the hand held camera thing worked fantastically because it was used in context and was totally believable. The last five minutes are truly terrifying!
Don't know REC, must have a look!
fingers
12-09-2010, 06:06 PM
Is this a TV series? or what is the date of it if it's a film? (REC)
IMDB has multi entries, can you supply a link?
Angus
12-09-2010, 06:11 PM
Try http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1038988/
fingers
12-09-2010, 06:12 PM
Try http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1038988/
Thnx, going to have a look!
fingers
12-09-2010, 06:20 PM
Have ordered from LOVEFILM, is it subtitled, or does it have an additional English soundtrack?
Angus
12-09-2010, 06:26 PM
Have ordered from LOVEFILM, is it subtitled, or does it have an additional English soundtrack?
Not sure, the copy I've got has subtitles, which I actually prefer because sometimes when they speak in English it's out of synch and puts me off my concentration! Meant to say there is also an American version with that woman from Dexter who plays his sister in the lead role, but having watched the original Spanish version there's no comparison. A bit like The Grudge and The Ring, the original Japanese versions being amazing, whilst the American remakes were utter rubbish.
fingers
12-09-2010, 06:33 PM
Not sure, the copy I've got has subtitles, which I actually prefer because sometimes when they speak in English it's out of synch and puts me off my concentration! Meant to say there is also an American version with that woman from Dexter who plays his sister in the lead role, but having watched the original Spanish version there's no comparison. A bit like The Grudge and The Ring, the original Japanese versions being amazing, whilst the American remakes were utter rubbish.
Subtitles will be OK (doesn't say if this copy will have them!) I agree that dubbing can be crappy - either out of sync or a totally incongruous accent!
Niamh.
12-09-2010, 06:37 PM
I refused to watch Cloverfield for that reason. I got a headache watching Blair Witch and it was sh1te too
BB_Eye
12-09-2010, 06:39 PM
I hate it when they use it in action movies like Gladiator, Troy and the Bourne Identity. It totally robs the action set pieces of any sense of flow or excitement. A very bad trend.
fingers
12-09-2010, 06:40 PM
I refused to watch Cloverfield for that reason. I got a headache watching Blair Witch and it was sh1te too
I agree, that's why I don't watch them, but I'm intrigued by this Rec one! lol
Angus
12-09-2010, 06:41 PM
Subtitles will be OK (doesn't say if this copy will have them!) I agree that dubbing can be crappy - either out of sync or a totally incongruous accent!
I think the European ones all have English subtitles - Lol, I know what you mean about the incongruous accents, they can really ruin a good film! Hope you enjoy this one though.
Angus
12-09-2010, 06:42 PM
I hate it when they use it in action movies like Gladiator, Troy and the Bourne Identity. It totally robs the action set pieces of any sense of flow or excitement. A very bad trend.
I agree - I assume it's supposed to add to the "realism" but if it's used gratuitously it just detracts from the action.
fingers
12-09-2010, 06:44 PM
I hate it when they use it in action movies like Gladiator, Troy and the Bourne Identity. It totally robs the action set pieces of any sense of flow or excitement. A very bad trend.
Can't see why they even developed Steadicams, when the present crop of asshole Directors won't use them.:conf:
_Seth
12-09-2010, 06:55 PM
I hate them so much.
Quantum Of Solace. That's the first time I heard of it.
setanta
13-09-2010, 05:05 PM
If it's used properly it can be very effective, especially on tv at home. Never took to it in the cinema though because it's hard for the eyes and brain to accept it on such a large scale. Bourne and Blair are brilliant on the small screen but headwrecking ona big canvas. Just too much to take in.
fingers
13-09-2010, 06:21 PM
The Green Zone uses it too, can't comment because I haven't watched it (probably won't, either)
fingers
13-09-2010, 06:24 PM
If it's used properly it can be very effective, especially on tv at home. Never took to it in the cinema though because it's hard for the eyes and brain to accept it on such a large scale. Bourne and Blair are brilliant on the small screen but headwrecking ona big canvas. Just too much to take in.
If it is worked into the film so that you don't realize that it's being used, then fine, but when they use it "for realism" forget it!
Jayson
13-09-2010, 06:30 PM
So you've gone from disliking handheld films to ordering one from ILF?
Angus
13-09-2010, 06:46 PM
So you've gone from disliking handheld films to ordering one from ILF?
Ah, but it won't be a disappointment - REC is a fantastic movie.
fingers
13-09-2010, 06:47 PM
Ah, but it won't be a disappointment - REC is a fantastic movie.
It was recommended, I don't have a closed mind!
This is actually a response to the PREVIOUS post! lol
brian3
13-09-2010, 09:52 PM
It all started with Cannibal Holocaust from 1979. A film crew go missing in the jungle making a documentary about cannibals. The first half of the movie is a guy going in to find the footage. The second half is them watching the footage.
fingers
13-09-2010, 09:55 PM
It all started with Cannibal Holocaust from 1979. A film crew go missing in the jungle making a documentary about cannibals. The first half of the movie is a guy going in to find the footage. The second half is them watching the footage.
OMG, shades of Blair Witch!:hugesmile:
Mystic Mock
13-09-2010, 11:08 PM
I only know of Cloverfield...and I liked that.
apprently rec is meant to be good aswell,but i aint seen it.
fingers
13-09-2010, 11:29 PM
apprently rec is meant to be good aswell,but i aint seen it.
I'll let you know!
IheartBB
14-09-2010, 01:01 PM
Ah, Blair Witch. The original and still the best.
Scarlett.
14-09-2010, 01:08 PM
It's good when its used properly (like to indicate someone watching, or like when something secretive is happening) but when it's just used willy nilly it's dumb
IheartBB
14-09-2010, 03:56 PM
It all started with Cannibal Holocaust from 1979. A film crew go missing in the jungle making a documentary about cannibals. The first half of the movie is a guy going in to find the footage. The second half is them watching the footage.
Oh damn I forgot about Cannibal Holocaust. Man, that film was waaay before its time. Still the most shocking film I've seen even to this day - which speaks volumes considering its 30 years old.
Photon
15-09-2010, 06:20 PM
It can be used incredibly well in certain situations, but very poorly in others. I find that the latter is mostly a case where shaky camera movements were entirely unnecessary.
A good example is the Battlestar Galactica episode "The Captain's Hand." The episode is very tense, stressful, and filled with action that is not in the good guys favor. The Battlestar is being pounded by tactical nukes from multiple enemy warships over and over. Shaky cam makes sense and benefits the overall intensity of the situation incredibly well.
However, it took them a while to really nail the use of this technique. For much of the series prior to this episode, shaky cam had been employed in scenes where it just became excessively frustrating, primarily because it made no sense.
fingers
15-09-2010, 09:09 PM
It can be used incredibly well in certain situations, but very poorly in others. I find that the latter is mostly a case where shaky camera movements were entirely unnecessary.
A good example is the Battlestar Galactica episode "The Captain's Hand." The episode is very tense, stressful, and filled with action that is not in the good guys favor. The Battlestar is being pounded by tactical nukes from multiple enemy warships over and over. Shaky cam makes sense and benefits the overall intensity of the situation incredibly well.
However, it took them a while to really nail the use of this technique. For much of the series prior to this episode, shaky cam had been employed in scenes where it just became excessively frustrating, primarily because it made no sense.
Well put!!:wavey:
Watched The Bourne Ultimatum last night. It's full of shakey cam. Very effective with car crashes/chases, but not so good with fighting.
fingers
15-09-2010, 09:25 PM
Watched The Bourne Ultimatum last night. It's full of shakey cam. Very effective with car crashes/chases, but not so good with fighting.
My point, entirely, It works with some scenes but to just use it for the whole film is pointless, lazy and stupid.
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.