I love the movies, but they're making me literally sick.
Has anyone else noticed that hand-held cameras (or a technique that simulates the effect of hand-held cameras) are being used more and more often for films? Apparently, it's consider "edgy" or artistic in some way, as I am coming across this technique more and more often, and not just in the low budget independent films. Unfortunately this kind of camera work makes me, to borrow someone else's words, "sicker than a parrot in a tumble-drier." I am not particularly susceptible to motion sickness in general, so I can imagine the effects are ten times worse for those who routinely experience car-sickness and the like. As it is, I have had to leave films halfway through or sit through significant portions with my eyes closed an increasing number of times over the past year. "Pieces of April," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," and to some extent, "Lost in Translation" all left me with a royal headache and, to put it delicately, a major loss of appetite.
I am an independent and foreign film fan, and every week I get an e-mail newsletter from Landmark Cinemas, our local "art house" chain, telling me what's on for the coming week. Along with the plot summaries, the number of minutes, and the rating, I have asked them if they could also include a warning about use of hand-held cameras, where applicable. That way I could at least avoid wasting my money (not to mention the rest of my day, as I usually don't feel normal again until after I've had a good night's sleep). If it catches on, maybe it could become a regular feature of movie listings, along side the ratings for violence, bad language, drugs, and sex. Call it the barf factor. Anyone else want to join me in this campaign?
Posted by ldfs at April 8, 2004 12:57 PM | TrackBackOh yes, I agree with you on this one. I've noticed a lot of films doing this; I do get car sickness, but it doesn't make me queasy so much as give me a nasty headache. It's especially bad if I'm sat near the front of the cinema.
Hooray! My first comment! Well, not counting the one from my husband . . .
Anyway, I actually e-mailed the guy who sends out a weekly newsletter from the local cinema chain that specializes in independent and "art house" films and asked him if he could include warnings in the synopses that appear in the newsletter. He sympathized, but didn't think it was really feasible, since in his experience it was difficult to predict which films would actually cause problems for people. He assured me that I could get a pass or a refund if I experienced any problems in the future however, which I guess is a start.
Finally ! others who feel the same about this!.. i can't sit through some movies and not get sick, the most recent was " Bourne supremacy" ... good movie ~! ( from what i heard while staring into my lap cuz i couldn't watch the movie.. grr...) I strongly agree with including ratings on such movies. If anything gets started , please, please email me...!
Posted by: Bori Um at July 26, 2004 4:29 PMYeah, Bourne Supremacy was the worst mainstream movie (for motion sickness) since the Blair Witch.
I think there should be a rating for motion sickness, but until there is I suggest leaving early and asking for a refund. Most theatres will give you a free ticket for another movie.
Posted by: Julian Abelar at August 18, 2004 6:30 AMYikes!
Thanks for posts.
Listened to Bourne Suprm. this weekend.
Thought I was the only one in the world that this happened to.
Left after the opening, angering theatre workers as I messed their toileT!
They made snide comments about women my age 40+ over indulgin before movies.
What to do???
Would a patch work?
Thank goodness someone warned me ahead of time about the Bourne Supremacy. My husband and I enjoyed the Bourne Identity, so we were planning on seeing the sequel, but I told him go see it with a friend instead.
I've never thought of trying a motion sickness patch. It would be great, if it works. Let me know if you decide to try it.
Posted by: ldfs at September 9, 2004 12:35 PMi got the same with friday night lights and constant gardener (and borne supremacy).
good idea, next time , will ask for refund.
I have finally found others who feel the same way.
I have no problem with car or aircraft journeys, and boats are only a problem in rough weather. However hand held cameras are the worst. I have just walked out of a friend's showing of Dogville and now feel dreadful, luckily this one didn't cost me anything.
The worst thing is that it seems to have become trendy to use this technique on many TV programs, even cooking programs - Jamie Olivers programs are now completely unwatchable for me due to the wild camera angles and constantly moving images. Also history and dramatised documentary programs now use wildly swinging and out of focus shots (with added grain...) to simulate fight or battle scenes, or a hand cameraman runs with a wildly swaying camera to simulate someone being chased.
If anyone from the TV or movie making world reads this, please STOP!!!
Posted by: Lisa at March 1, 2006 2:10 PM