filmguy123
Veteran
Narrative I think its for use only intentionally. Corporate/b-roll/docu/music video I think primarily because it looks good and changes perspective (more on that in a second).
Though I think visually humans are drawn to what looks like what we aren't used to seeing. This is why drone footage looks so appealing instantly. It's a new perspective. Same with shallow DoF. And, same with slow motion. All of these can be and tend to get grossly overused as such. However, it shows us something new and that is often captivating, because it's "surreal". Even the motion cadence of 24p. When it's subtle slow motion, I don't even know if it could be considered a gag as much as a lens choice, really. Maybe I'm crazy?
I think slow motion VS subtle slomo are almost two distinct categories. IMO. When I see a video shot all in 120fps slow motion its a gag. When I see a video that uses a lot of subtle slow motion, it sort of fades into the film and gives it a look and feel of its own.
Full circle to the reason to use in corporate/docu etc. - I do think it slows the viewer down. Real life happens so fast. It's a tool to focus someone on something. Often times talking heads are discussing something. Say a whiteboard and marker. Or a customer interaction. Or the construction of a water well. A little subtle slow motion focuses the viewer more on the words because it gives them a little time to take in the action. It makes the moment seem illustrative rather than "reality lens". Same way shallow DoF or lighting does. It draws attention. I dunno, I like the feel of it.
Not for everything, but I suppose I am questioning if used well, even if extensively, if it's really a gag? And if it is, why isn't standard DoF use, lighting, 24p 180 shutter motion blur, or other such standard techniques also a gag?
Who knows, maybe it IS a crutch because things instantly look better with a bit of slow motion so it could be a form of "cheating" to compensate for less than idyllic everything else.
Though I think visually humans are drawn to what looks like what we aren't used to seeing. This is why drone footage looks so appealing instantly. It's a new perspective. Same with shallow DoF. And, same with slow motion. All of these can be and tend to get grossly overused as such. However, it shows us something new and that is often captivating, because it's "surreal". Even the motion cadence of 24p. When it's subtle slow motion, I don't even know if it could be considered a gag as much as a lens choice, really. Maybe I'm crazy?
I think slow motion VS subtle slomo are almost two distinct categories. IMO. When I see a video shot all in 120fps slow motion its a gag. When I see a video that uses a lot of subtle slow motion, it sort of fades into the film and gives it a look and feel of its own.
Full circle to the reason to use in corporate/docu etc. - I do think it slows the viewer down. Real life happens so fast. It's a tool to focus someone on something. Often times talking heads are discussing something. Say a whiteboard and marker. Or a customer interaction. Or the construction of a water well. A little subtle slow motion focuses the viewer more on the words because it gives them a little time to take in the action. It makes the moment seem illustrative rather than "reality lens". Same way shallow DoF or lighting does. It draws attention. I dunno, I like the feel of it.
Not for everything, but I suppose I am questioning if used well, even if extensively, if it's really a gag? And if it is, why isn't standard DoF use, lighting, 24p 180 shutter motion blur, or other such standard techniques also a gag?
Who knows, maybe it IS a crutch because things instantly look better with a bit of slow motion so it could be a form of "cheating" to compensate for less than idyllic everything else.