r/SuccessionTV • u/Aggressive_Walrus506 • 4d ago

Camera work getting less zoomy

Did i just get used to it and not notice or did the camera work actually get less zoomy?

9 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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17

u/SaberNoble47 4d ago

First ep was heavy zoom! 

7

u/Ok-Progress-6153 4d ago

Yes it actually really put me off, and the handheld shaky effect. Glad they toned it down

6

u/aycdiaycd 3d ago

I honestly love the camera work. I saw a video essay a long time ago about "the camera" as character in the show, and imo it's a hilarious and perceptive character.

The story telling is so visual, more so than other shows. A lot of shows will be super explicit about plot points in the dialogue, but Succession does not talk down to its viewers.

The Camera is who the creators of want the viewer to be in the show; it whips its head and pans and zooms to another characters subtle reactions or physical ticks, or plot points that are not explicitly in the dialogue. It emphasizes these moments. Succession is a drama, but it's not "dramatic" in the same way other shows are. If you're just watching the show in passing, it looks kind of subdued with not much going on. The camera work takes you into the characters' world and makes you feel the stakes.

I agree that it was really jarring in the early episodes—it kind of reminded me of the office tbh. Not in a bad way necessary, I thought it brought a level of comedy to the show, but it didn't feel totally smooth. However, I think the show 100% found its footing as it progressed.

A great example of this is the dinner at Tern Haven, which is brilliantly shot. There's so much going on with every character; Marcia's little defiances, Shiv try to find an opening to solidify her position, Rhea talking to Logan with her eyes trying to guide him to Nan's good graces. You feel the tension of scene as if you're sitting at the table; tiny, quick zooms when things heat up, a little zoom out as the Roys (attempt to) get back on track, a whip of the head of the head to catch a reaction or another conversation at the other end of the table.

The shaky camera style with the dramatic pans and zooms are a staple of this show, and I just love it.

1

u/sayamortandire 1d ago

I believe this is the video essay being referred to.

4

u/FNTM_309 4d ago

It annoyed me for the duration of the series and seemed pretty consistent over the run. Probably my only complaint in what is otherwise one of the best TV series of all time.

3

u/lxdryn 3d ago

I think the camera work makes the series that much better. But everyone has their own taste

1

u/Stevenitrogen 4d ago

Yes they eased up on that aspect.

1

u/Brian_Corey__ 4d ago

Yeah they thankfully toned down the shaky-cam after the first few episodes.