Dear Hollywood Director
Please, please, please use part of your multi-million dollar budget to buy a Steadicam!
Recently I watched The Bourne Ultimatum and The Kingdom, which have left me feeling a little nauseous due to the fact that the cameraman has shaky hands. It is undeniable that this pseudo docu-drama style applied to the action genre gives a realistic edgier grittier style, and I do agree that the action sequences in these films are greatly enhanced (it’s even led to the reinvention of the Bond franchise), but when two people are sitting down having a chat, all my brain wants to do is let my eyes focus on faces and take in what is being said.
So, come on, the steadicam has been popular ever since the kid in The Shining rode his three wheeler round the hotel, and it’s even used by camera guys on the touchline in football matches, so please consider using it (or buying a tripod) the next time you make a movie. Paul Greengrass – even though you are probably the best director to come out of the UK for several years, you have a lot to answer for.
Yours faithfully
The Beagle
