So far, I'm giving JJ and Cloverfield the benefit of the doubt. I hope I am proven wrong. Just as a note, assuming something sucks before I experience it is mostly my default position when it comes to media, especially when I know very little about it.
As far as the hand-held or shaky-cam, you noted examples of movies where they use the technique. I agree that Bourne and Private Ryan are good movies, but even here I'm annoyed at the use of this technique.
I think, perhaps, Ryan uses it best since the point of the movie is to portray the war and not necessarily the individual actions or martial arts abilities of the soldiers. Plus, it is used sparingly, so I think it has more of an effect when done like this.
However, in Bourne I find it annoying if only because I want to see the detail of Bourne operating. He is supposed to be a martial arts expert, yet with the cinematography it becomes hard to follow the action in fast paced scenes.
Compare this to something like the Matrix where they went to excruciating detail to highlight the fights in a clear manner (think: slow-mo scenes where Neo dodges the bullet).
I suppose it is just a matter of style and taste.
Also, I wasn't aware of the resume of the writer for Cloverfield. Finding that out does make me more confident, but I am still holding to my original prediction until I see the movie :-)
As far as the hand-held or shaky-cam, you noted examples of movies where they use the technique. I agree that Bourne and Private Ryan are good movies, but even here I'm annoyed at the use of this technique.
I think, perhaps, Ryan uses it best since the point of the movie is to portray the war and not necessarily the individual actions or martial arts abilities of the soldiers. Plus, it is used sparingly, so I think it has more of an effect when done like this.
However, in Bourne I find it annoying if only because I want to see the detail of Bourne operating. He is supposed to be a martial arts expert, yet with the cinematography it becomes hard to follow the action in fast paced scenes.
Compare this to something like the Matrix where they went to excruciating detail to highlight the fights in a clear manner (think: slow-mo scenes where Neo dodges the bullet).
I suppose it is just a matter of style and taste.
Also, I wasn't aware of the resume of the writer for Cloverfield. Finding that out does make me more confident, but I am still holding to my original prediction until I see the movie :-)
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