Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

I wonder if there's any filmmakers who speak out against it?

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

I forgot about this thread that I started. I just tried to watch Outlaw and turned it off.

Added...

District 9
Serenity
Outlaw
Firefly (TV)

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

I like handheld shooting when it makes sense.

The Blind Side could've benefited from it.

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

Added Rachel Getting Married

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

There definitely is, I wish I can remember who. I know I've heard in at least a couple of commentaries, directors complain about the overuse of shaky camera and quick cutting.

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

I've seen some directors speak out against fast cutting.

I recently read an interview with Matthew Vaughn. He's the only one I've seen speak out against shaky cam, so far.

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

I don't mind the shaky cam. It's the fast cutting that really annoys me. The latest movie I watched that was really bad in my opinion for fast cuts was the Clash of the Titans remake. It got the point that during the battle scenes I couldn't even follow what was happening because I was focussing so much on the fast cuts.

I like action movies as much as the next guy, but God I hate the fast cut stuff that seems to be the norm nowadays.

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

I also hate that fast motion stuff during action scenes. I think it's called the shutter effect or something.

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

The Last Exorcism had a decent dose of shaky cam as well.

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

In the audio commentary for Kick-Ass, Matthew Vaughn mentions that he had to be very emphatic with his DP that he did not want shaky cam used in a key scene. Then he goes on to mention that DP's tend to have a hard time understanding that action sequences are more effective when you can actually see what's happening.

I had no issues with the editing speed of Clash of the Titans (2010). For me, two terrible examples of machinegun edits are The Expendables and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. The latter also suffers from shaky cam and overly tight framing.

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

Man, I hope you aren't avoiding TV shows because they use shaky cam. Quite a few of the shows in your list are among the best shows on TV.

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

Wow..this would explain why all his movies are very watchable. I am even a bigger fan now.

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

This is why I hate shaky cam. There are a number of shows I'm sure I'd enjoy if I could get past the camera technique (i.e. Friday Night Lights, Arrested Development). But all the bobbing & weaving, panning, and zooming in & out of focus, etc just takes me right out of it & makes it impossible for me to enjoy.

I can actually handle movies where the whole premise is that it's shot with a handheld camera. It makes sense & is organic to the plot. But it seems to be used most often as a lazy shortcut to generate immediacy or excitement. When that should be provided by the script, directing, and performances.

I will be glad when this overused, tired techique dies it's deserved death.

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

I doubt that will happen since lots of people actually like it.

This seems, once again, to be something only the "net minority" complains about.

Re: Shaky cam movie thread
 

I don't mind the shaky cam aesthetic as long as it's competently edited. When used correctly, it can add a lot to a scene. What I don't like are the first person films like Blair Witch, Rec, Cloverfield, etc. I can't wait until that trend goes away.