see Blair Witch Project

Yes, but there was reason for it being all slippy-slidey in 'Blair Witch'. In other stuff it's pointless.

Agreed - this is really beginning to get on my tits now. It's supposed to be ultra realist - but in 'This Life' and its bastard offspring 'Attachments' it just looks as if the whole things being filmed on a cross channel ferry on bad seas. Which is odd because 'Triangle', which really was based on a cross channel ferry on bad seas, didn't.

BTW - Spin City did a very funny parody of the NYPD Blue camera style - anyone see it?

yes Spin City
see Annakareninka thingy channel 4 wotsit

I agree. Parkinson's camerawork has become TV shorthand for "realism". Of course, it has had the effect of making everyone's old home videos look remarkably trendy:

"Dad, you couldn't even hold the camera still."

"Ah, I was ahead of me time."

Etc.

The best NYPD pisstake is the beginning of 'Father Ted' episode 'Kicking Bishop Brennan Up the Arse', even up to the drum roll.

I've always found good use of static cameras more realistic e.g. when Carlin hits Striper with the snooker balls in 'Scum', the impact is far more shocking as a static medium shot.

In attachments it used to hide the ridiculous plotline - "no, no, this is very realistic, look at the camera angles and movements..."

Sheesh, can anyone recall C4's excuses when they used that style of camerawork on R2R last year? I think they said that it was an attempt to make the comment and review show look cool, or edgy, one of those kind of pithy excuses they peddle out these days.