I hadn’t thought of that. Very good point. As I get older I struggle sometimes with shows that have many flashbacks. Even when I want to enjoy a show sometimes I find myself online reading what’s going on to help me because flashbacks are hard to follow. This show does not have that problem
well considering that traditionally opening credits don’t necessarily matter (except in this show of course) I’d say there’s still a lack of flashbacks.
It also adds a level of voyeurism. We wouldn’t normally be in these high-class parties or top-level boardrooms. It makes it feel like we’re peeking in where we don’t belong.
The camera style always feels to me like paparazzi or someone trying to steal a glimpse of this powerful family and this sense that they are not quite supposed to be there and the extension of that feeling is that we the viewer shouldn't be seeing it and that its almost a privilege! Such a great show and a hadn't even realised season 3 had started until I saw this video!!
Yeah this is also similar to the office style. Just better (warm)lighting and outfits. It’s erratic close and distant. The way our eyes naturally move is what I feel it’s similar to.
The Office?!! That show.. ...Was straight-off taken from its Brit original. And the only-&-only way NBC owns it is because back then, BBC was naïvé enough about their IP - "@@propositionjoe1515".
When Kendall gets approached by Logan’s security at the buffet after the wedding was amazing. They made him look so tiny in the room. You knew he knew he got caught killing the worker. The camera did an amazing job.
@@jacquianderson7504 True, it was an accident. Kendall was driving, but he should have gotten help right away instead of running away. Chappaquiddick, Kendall style.
@@jacquianderson7504 a bit murky tbh. Kendal was certainly over the drunk drive limit, and driving under the influence of cocaine so if caught or found guilty is definitely getting prison time for manslaughter, even if it was the boy who turned the wheel to avoid the deer.
I have never felt such empathy for characters I find so reprehensible. I would never want to know any of these people in real life. In the first episodes of the first season I found the dialogue and situation compelling enough to keep watching. But now I find myself feeling right along with them, understanding why they do what they do even while viscerally disliking their actions. This essay really helps me understand how the creators achieve this balance. This is huge because I’m not someone who typically likes antiheroes. I usually can’t get over my disgust of the actions enough to care for the protagonist. Somehow this show got under my skin and “tricked” me into sympathizing with objectively morally reprehensible people. I don’t know much about cinematography, but it seems to me from this essay that this method took me deeper into their world before I even knew it. Thank you so much for this analysis!
Which is why I felt so bad for Greg because he seemed like the only character who was “pure” but then I started seeing changes in him too. I mean I get it he has to adapt to the family in order to get what he wants too.
@@jesseb280, it's hard to feel sorry for Greg when he's so calculating and methodical. I have zero doubt that he's being (seemingly) played by his Grandpa Ewan, but is in turn playing him. My only question is why Logan is allowing it. The man has undoubtedly been exposed to legions of parasites while building Waystar, yet he tolerates Greg and is too smart not to see through him. They're both using him and betting that he's too stupid to realize it. And yet he's ever present at every Roy function, soaking in information like a human sponge.
The reason you feel that way is, because despite the show being about morally reprehensible people as you said, it still manages to be the most human show I've ever seen in my life. It doesn't feel like writers are tricking us into liking shitty people, like most shows with anti-heroes do, it just shows us extremely realistic characters and their vulnerabilities, and our empathy does the rest. Some scenes in this show felt so real they triggered extremely visceral emotional reactions I could only ever get with actual human interaction. The show is just incredible.
here's one thing i'm curious about... who are the characters behind the cameras filming documentary-style shows like Parks and Recreation and Modern Family? (The Office's last season delved into this - and I'm in the minority thinking it was a fun move)
Making a mountain out of.. Well.. Just know that unless you also gonna be in the "TH-camr" biz: Go watch those shows a-gain with full mind and time on your hands. You would notice how "un-Succession" are those shows, Mr "@@MikeMeehan". Or if you can't.. Try another newer show, currently ongoing involving the creator of this show with his [writing-]partner Mr Samuel "Sam" Bain, the US adaptation of "What We Do In The Shadows" for FX. The 2 of them together are "executive consultants" for that one.
@@NT-or9wh Well @jamesheywood was not Only comparing them because of the camera style. He was saying that the camera style is an additional similar aspect. But arrested development is similar for more than just the camera style. They are both about wealthy toxic, complicated family dynamics
I've read / watched a lot of interviews with the cast and they talk about how improvisation is encouraged. In one interview with Jeremy Strong, he said that the camera operators and DPs are so skilled at the craft that sometimes they follow movement and dialogue intuitively, which creates a kind of voyeuristic feel to the show. To me at least, it feels like you are a witness to their lives, seeing, hearing, and feeling things in real time along with the characters. Gives the show a very palpable feel.
@@noragracewilliams729 I know that it was producer Adam McKay who directed the pilot that encouraged improv. He learned at second city and every movie he’s made has used improved dialogue.
@@t221000 Adam McKay is certainly one of the amazingly talented people behind this show! I thank Jesse Armstrong and Adam McKay, among many others, for giving us this brilliant, sharp show. :D
Yeah, they feel EXTREMELY real. The kind of real of a Shakespeare's character who ALWAYS has the exact best thing to say in any given moment. Like if all of them are the greatest, wittiest writers of all time. Naaaah. No fucking way. It's just too much to feel like it's real.
What? That's called narration. Most people would never be in any place the story is about regardless of class or anything else. That's what storytelling is
The camera work focusing heavily on reactions instead of the people talking or the things that are happening is a big part of what makes a the show so funny.
I think that’s why I love the dinner scenes and the crash zooms as the crash zooms serve to force the audience to think how will this character react or scheme having now received this information.
you don't use cinematography to add substance to the scene or suggest something if its not specifically dictated by the screenplay, because it might confuse the message
@@Sandmandud I think that is the magic of the camera / production on this show. The show makes you feel like it is incidental but it is all carefully planned. Almost like all the plotting plans of the Roy family…
I just discovered Succession prior to the premiere of season 3. I binged the first two seasons and now I'm waiting every agonizing week for the next episode. What a gem of a show, wish I found it sooner.
I was aware of it but never really started watching until this summer - when I too just binged S1 and S2 and then counted the days until S3. Now I'm happy but also frustrated I have to wait a whole week for a new episode! :D
I know! I thought that all the episodes would be released in one sitting 😅. Can't wait to watch them all, I'm really looking forward to see if Kendall brings Logan down or not.
This is such a fantastic analysis! I absolutely love the cinematography in this show, yet don't have a deep enough understanding of cinematography to know why I like it so much. This really helped me, and increased how much respect I have for the art of these camera ops.
No, its bullshit, this style has been used by so many movies and series before, not because its deep cinematography or because its meaningful but because the camera operator just took hand held camera and started filming, to achieve a realistic effect.
my favorite thing about this show is no flashbacks. they have to deal w the consequences of the past without showing us what happened - keeps it immersive
Never thought about the camera in this show like a character. Even after watching the S3 premiere this weekend. It definitely was there subconsciously as you said. That’s why this video resonated with me. I love learning new things about film!
The creator of Succession Jesse Armstrong also co-created British comedy Peep Show that is filmed entirely through POV but this POV changes regularly- likewise the camera, or maybe the editor, exists as another character in the show. Well worth a watch
@@maazkalim I had no idea! Thank you. Go figure. I remember watching "The Big Short" and thinking "These mofos made a topic I find utterly boring & have no interest in, beyond compelling & entertaining." It is all making sense now. The VEEP connection too. That's a personal favorite.
So interesting. I think the character you never see is YOURSELF as an observer in the room. The cinematography does this brilliantly. Thanks for this analysis.
Within the first episode of the show I immediately felt the different camera movement and bobbing like it was being filmed as a documentary from a bystander’s viewpoint rather than a typical tv show has been filmed. This show is like watching Mad Men filmed through The Office’s cameras.
Thanks for recognizing the perfect camerawork. For me, blocked views, focused elements, and choppy movement all made me feel I was right there, inside the scene. A real fly-on-the-wall feeling.
In my headcannon, the Succession is a reality TV/documentary that’s centred on a successful media family and who would take over as the new CEO of Waystar Royco. The opening even looks like it was used for a documentary. There aren’t any other flashbacks or previous footages before the events of the show, because it’s mainly focused on who will be named the successor, hence the title. What I love about the camera immersions are the times where the characters look at the camera. Intentional or not, it exhibits that they are actually being filmed by a small documentary crew, almost like they’re in a reality TV programme. There is one scene in the Lifeboats episode where Kendall looks directly at the camera as he gives out his speech. The camera pops in onto his face before he says yo, as if he was appealing to not just the staff in the room, but to the audience as well. At 9:11, there’s a glimpse of Shiv glancing at the camera, realising that she was still being watched by someone else. And then at 11:39, Shiv looks at the camera to her side, almost as if she was expecting the cameraman to follow Logan as he walks away, instead of still having the shot engrossed on her. This is what I love about the cinematography in Succession; it gives you an impression that the Roy family and the Waystar Royco staff are being filmed and it almost makes it look like a reality show.
Succession is one of my favorite tv series, and the camera work is one of the many things that I like about it. It’s dynamic, and sometimes chaotic and unpredictable, like the dialogues. There are many moments that gave me chills because of the cinematography in this show. They know how to keep you on your toes.
I watched the first episode of this show a couple months ago and could not get into it because of the camera work, it made me think of how sitcoms were filmed (mainly the Office in its mockumentary style film work that you touched base on) and it left me feeling like I was waiting for a punchline to a joke I was never going to get. It felt so odd to film a serious show as if it were a comedy and it put me off watching it, HOWEVER within the last two weeks I picked the show back up and god am I glad I did! After the initial watching of the first episode I came to sort of expect all the jumping around and zoom ins and now the camerawork has become one of my favorite aspects of the show! You did a great job with this video and made me realize I wasn't crazy for what I picked up on when I first attempted to watch episode 1 lol.
Man, can we also talk about the score, tho? I can't think of a work that's more adept at cueing the audience in on the *precise* emotional tone when it whiplashes between the darkest of comedy and sincere pathos.
@@ThomasFlight that's why i don't like this kind of videos. show don't tell. I think most savvy "cinephiles" don't need to be told the obvious. and nobody is gonna make a boring video out of deconstructing nicolas britell either. but you do you.
i remember so clearly watching the s1 finale for the first time, and being awed by the sudden cascade of still shots that they used throughout. like they were trying to convey the calm of this old, beautiful place. a stillness before everything goes wrong.
Okay 9 mins in, and now I wanna give this like a million likes. What a wonderful analysis of this masterpiece of a show! This is easily in the top 5 video Essays I've seen about any film/series/book. I'm giving this a 9.7/10
This is a wonderful analysis! I love how you remarked the importance of the camera work in Succession, because I agree that it is mandatory for the story. However, I was hoping you might mention how that documentary-style recording has been widely used in TV comedies, like The Office and Parks and Recreation, because I think that framing adds to the satire aspect of Succession, like the zoom ins especially often remark moments that are supposed to be funny given the context. For me that’s also one of the reasons why Succession is so brilliant, by being able to mix drama with satire in such a flawless way.
@@lyrilljackson it’s satire not sarcasm and it has a very deep function. If you watch Veep, the greatest satirical show of all time, you’ll understand.
I found the camera to be the layman. Every person in the private rooms had connections to reveal every private conversation if it went poorly. Every conversation pretentended to be private but nothing ever would be.
Wonderful analysis. I also think this style of cinematography goes a long way towards deglamorizing the wealth and lifestyle of these characters. It makes it all look small, ugly, and even petty - while still keeping the drama extremely engrossing and high stakes. Love it.
I've watched this series over 30 times, first because I'm invested in the characters, and second because of the brilliant writing, performances, and directorial and cinematographic techniques teach me something new at every viewing. However, I've never been able to pinpoint this vital aspect to the camera work and how it affects me, the viewer. This is brilliant, thank you SO much for your in-depth and well-expressed breakdown.
the way the scenes are shot is like we are also in the room watching the scenes happen live. every time the scenes are interrupted by more people, you see a sudden zoom out and change in demeanor in the characters especially in two people intimate conversations as if there is a change in atmosphere as to represent this is no longer intimate and more people are involved.
I was speaking with a few friends about why we love this show and we couldn’t pin-point the single reason why we feel the way we do. This did so perfectly.
Exceptional video. You managed to give us an overview of Succession's entire cinematographic style without skimping on the interesting details. I didn't think twice about clicking subscribe! Thank you for making this!
Thomas Flight making a video about Succession!? Christmas has come early! Amazing to see you reveal something that has definitely grabbed me subconsciously. I am way more focused on what is happening in every scene of Succession, because I feel a lot can be revealed in small moments and looks - but I now realise I keep on my toes because the editing does not "steer me" the way it usually does. It's up to me to pay attention - together with the Cameraman.
Good vid...i like how this was explained. The styling also means you have to pay attention, just as if you were in the room listening to each conversation, as to not miss anything...it keeps things engaging for the viewer. youre not just watching a tv show, you are there watching things unfold in some way. pretty cool
before i started succession, whenever i saw clips of it and the way it was filmed reminded me of something like arrested development or the office. you definitely hit the nail on the head with the documentary feel and the camera reacting in time to dialouge, reactions and character movement!
It is evident by every aspect of this show that it is a passion project. Such attention to detail is truly awe inspiring. We need more shows like this.
Gorgeous voice, sir. I’d put the tiniest pause alerting the audience that mubi was a sponsor- but the best match of sponsor and content I’ve come across in awhile. Excited to check it out.
Easily the best show on TV right now. The character arcs, the story telling, the pacing - hell the soundtrack and score, it's just all too good. Also another cool thing I just noticed through your video is that they keep the camera level whenever the characters are all seated - even if there are multiple people in the room - to show that you do indeed have a seat in the table.
This show is just pure genius. The way it’s filmed, you feel like you’re an outsider peering in. Makes the characters seem elusive but intriguing enough that they’ve caught our attention. Its like yes, we don’t like these people but they’re interesting people nonetheless and once you get embroiled into their story you can’t get out because again it’s just too good so you’re following them around and seeing their stories unfold. And then of course the writing is simply the best, the screenplay’s sublime, the acting’s top tier across the board. Costume design in on point, the cinematography is drool worthy. Best show on TV right now.
Good essay highlighting the camera operating. I shoot a lot of factual tv for Nat Geo, and constantly trying to hit that constructed reality feel with the zoom when things are generally scripted to a certain extent. I must add, the editor plays a massive role in making the style work as well, cutting in on whip pans, knowing which zooms to use or not, they've really got the balance just right.
Hands down the most insightful clear explanation of the cinematography in Succession. Thank you for putting voice to why people like me simply say, “it’s brilliant.” Bravo!
This reminds me of the book Jealousy by Alain Robbe-Grillet. Basically what the author does is remove a character (the husband) from a story and replaces him with an emotion (jealousy) that watches his wife have an affair with the neighbor on a farmstead. So it's as if the reader watches an affair from the perspective of a ghost. There will be three chairs and three place settings at the table even though there are only two people for instance. And a lot of looking through the blinds, and seeing conversations from a distance. Really cool book.
The writer, Jesse, explained it’s a two cam operation which is a comedy method used in The Office, The Peep show, In the Thick of It etc. It’s like a play in terms of the ensemble cast, with dark humour and drama. Really interesting video. Thank you.
This analysis and commentary is better than any snobbery you could get on the New Yorker. Just straight up, organized analysis. Refreshing stuff. Would love to see your reaction to the cinematography in the latest episode.
A great breakdown, thank you. When I describe the show to friends, I describe it as having a documentary style. But it's more than that. It's really clever and utilized brilliantly.
I had subconsciously noticed the great camerawork but not really thought about this at all until now. Thank you for this fantastic video. Missing Succession big time. One of the greatest shows ever
I love this show, but had never appreciated the camerawork until you pointed it out in such depth! Wow! Idk how I missed it, but I knew something drew me into Succession unlike any other show in recent years. Another show that draws me in with it's handy-cam work, is The Shield (FX & Hulu) - I adore camera work like this, even when I don't consciously recognize it!
As a professional news photographer for 42 years (now retired) some of the framing and poor focus drives me insane. Then I realise that it's actually done almost on purpose to give the viewer a feeling of being on the periphery and not being able to see everything that's going on. It is the virtual "fly on the wall" scenario. I now recall being in a big press pack trying desperately to get as close to the action for the best frame. Often, I would move back from the action and shoot with a longer lens. It worked nearly every time. I think that is the feeling the DOP is trying to achieve. Bravo!
recently watched it and I couldn't believe how amazing this show is. direction/camera work/acting/facial expressions every single detail is amazing. succession is pure art!!
Fantastic to see Sarah Snook again, she was amazing in Predestination with Ethan Hawke. I have been keeping my eye out for her, will have to watch the series now.
Great video! 100% agree about the perspective of being a person at the table and looking for actions that betray the characters' behavior or stated intentions.
Thank you for the words. My brother and I just started watching and he was so thrown off and put off off by the cinematography. I found it interesting and it drew me in as it let me feel like a fly on the wall.
The camerawork reminds me of that in the office, and while I watch succession I’m always kind of expecting a character to look into the camera and react
I was going to make a comment about the shot at 13:10. It is probably the most immediately obvious example, but it achieves what was intended so well that most viewers probably didn't notice how visually incongruent it was with the rest of the scene despite being emotionally affected by it.
The biggest downside to the hand held camera style is all my friends who get sick to their stomach because of all the movement, so I can't share those movies or shows with them.
I'm surprised to see you talk about this, not because of anything to do with you but because I stumbled across Succession earlier I didn't see this video coming! It was somthing always in the back of my mind how this was filmed as a "mockumentary" (since it's a tv show that's what I associated it with). What an awesome and insightful analysis. As always. Thank you.
'The Thick of It' - Armando Iannuci's BBC hit sitcom. Jesse Armstrong was one of the leading writers on it - this is where he got the camerawork inspiration from. Watch it - it's brilliant and you'll hear much of the script from succession in it
Thomas, thank you indeed, this is a superb analysis of this great show. Through your directions on how to follow the cameramen 'choices' and hidden characters, the viewers are gifted with a whole new aspect of the story. Looking forward to watch the other videos in your channel!
When I first started watching the show, I remember thinking "Oh no, another show with a wobbly camera", which I usually hate. I changed my mind eventually when I realised unconsciously what you describe so well in this video.
Two mins in and you've got a sub from me. The cinematography in this show is phenomenal the point that I didn't even notice this kind of stuff because the screenwriting is so good I'm always like...they're not DOING anything how is this SO GRIPPING!? Best week to week show availabile rn
I thought the shaky camera approach in "The House that Jack built," directed by Lars Von Trier, elevated the characterization of Jack and his dilemma with having an obsessive compulsive disorder. Of course, Lars Von Trier was a part of Dogme 95, so I would only expect his use of documentary-style filmmaking to be employed successfully. It'd be cool to see more videos about this style or maybe if Thomas did a deep dive on Lars Von Trier's work.
i think it was popular way before dogma. i think the originators of the shakycam style, were paula grief and peter kagan - music video directors from the mid 1980a
Whoa...you just deftly articulated what I always felt about this show but could never explain what I was feeling. Now that you explained it...dayum!!! That's some high level galactic wizardry. Bravo, sir. Bravo.
One thing I love about this show is the absolute lack of flashbacks even though a lot of the past is referenced
I hadn’t thought of that. Very good point. As I get older I struggle sometimes with shows that have many flashbacks. Even when I want to enjoy a show sometimes I find myself online reading what’s going on to help me because flashbacks are hard to follow. This show does not have that problem
Because the trauma never stopped.
The opening is sort of a flashback though
All the flashbacks you need are in the opening credits.
well considering that traditionally opening credits don’t necessarily matter (except in this show of course) I’d say there’s still a lack of flashbacks.
It also adds a level of voyeurism. We wouldn’t normally be in these high-class parties or top-level boardrooms. It makes it feel like we’re peeking in where we don’t belong.
YUP
totally, I got the same feeling when watching the show.
Dude. BRILLIANT observation.
Right
the uncomfortable O
The camera style always feels to me like paparazzi or someone trying to steal a glimpse of this powerful family and this sense that they are not quite supposed to be there and the extension of that feeling is that we the viewer shouldn't be seeing it and that its almost a privilege!
Such a great show and a hadn't even realised season 3 had started until I saw this video!!
the camera style is very much like the one from "the office"
Yeah this is also similar to the office style. Just better (warm)lighting and outfits. It’s erratic close and distant. The way our eyes naturally move is what I feel it’s similar to.
It's like a more cinematic style of the thick of it's camera work which makes sense seeing as Jesse Armstrong wrote on all three seasons
@@CHLOBOROX319 Veep. The creator of the show was a writer on Veep.
The Office?!!
That show..
...Was straight-off taken from its Brit original.
And the only-&-only way NBC owns it is because back then, BBC was naïvé enough about their IP - "@@propositionjoe1515".
For those who don't know,Connor Roy was interested in politics at a very young age.
The Conheads are gonna love this.
He's going to be the next US president
Yeah but Connor Roy was interested in Politics at a very young age
@@inigobantok1579 To which i would like to add, Connor Roy was interested in politics at a very young age.
@@nived_4558 ah but you're wrong because connor roy was interested in politics at a very young age
When Kendall gets approached by Logan’s security at the buffet after the wedding was amazing. They made him look so tiny in the room. You knew he knew he got caught killing the worker. The camera did an amazing job.
but he didn't kill him....he kept quiet about it, but he did try to save him...made several attempts to get to him
@@jacquianderson7504 True, it was an accident. Kendall was driving, but he should have gotten help right away instead of running away. Chappaquiddick, Kendall style.
@@jacquianderson7504 a bit murky tbh. Kendal was certainly over the drunk drive limit, and driving under the influence of cocaine so if caught or found guilty is definitely getting prison time for manslaughter, even if it was the boy who turned the wheel to avoid the deer.
Loved that shot.
But it was Kendall’s headless craving for more drugs that got them into the river.
I have never felt such empathy for characters I find so reprehensible. I would never want to know any of these people in real life. In the first episodes of the first season I found the dialogue and situation compelling enough to keep watching. But now I find myself feeling right along with them, understanding why they do what they do even while viscerally disliking their actions. This essay really helps me understand how the creators achieve this balance. This is huge because I’m not someone who typically likes antiheroes. I usually can’t get over my disgust of the actions enough to care for the protagonist. Somehow this show got under my skin and “tricked” me into sympathizing with objectively morally reprehensible people. I don’t know much about cinematography, but it seems to me from this essay that this method took me deeper into their world before I even knew it. Thank you so much for this analysis!
Jesse Armstrong, baby!
Which is why I felt so bad for Greg because he seemed like the only character who was “pure” but then I started seeing changes in him too. I mean I get it he has to adapt to the family in order to get what he wants too.
@@jesseb280, it's hard to feel sorry for Greg when he's so calculating and methodical. I have zero doubt that he's being (seemingly) played by his Grandpa Ewan, but is in turn playing him. My only question is why Logan is allowing it. The man has undoubtedly been exposed to legions of parasites while building Waystar, yet he tolerates Greg and is too smart not to see through him. They're both using him and betting that he's too stupid to realize it. And yet he's ever present at every Roy function, soaking in information like a human sponge.
The reason you feel that way is, because despite the show being about morally reprehensible people as you said, it still manages to be the most human show I've ever seen in my life. It doesn't feel like writers are tricking us into liking shitty people, like most shows with anti-heroes do, it just shows us extremely realistic characters and their vulnerabilities, and our empathy does the rest. Some scenes in this show felt so real they triggered extremely visceral emotional reactions I could only ever get with actual human interaction. The show is just incredible.
Even though they all do terrible things, at various times you also feel sorry for them. That's what keeps me interested in them.
Thank you for using Mindhunter as an example, Mindhunter needs the attention. Such an underrated show
You might enjoy the Mindhunter videos I did a while ago.
Agree, i hope 3rd season will release soon.
2nd series was rubbish
So disappointed that it's not coming back.
@@ThomasFlight you think we Ever getting a season 3?
Man, you make me think of shows I already love in whole new ways.
here's one thing i'm curious about... who are the characters behind the cameras filming documentary-style shows like Parks and Recreation and Modern Family? (The Office's last season delved into this - and I'm in the minority thinking it was a fun move)
of course you watch Succession I love you!!
Rohin, my G
Heyyy?!!What are you doing here?
Making a mountain out of..
Well..
Just know that unless you also gonna be in the "TH-camr" biz: Go watch those shows a-gain with full mind and time on your hands.
You would notice how "un-Succession" are those shows, Mr "@@MikeMeehan".
Or if you can't.. Try another newer show, currently ongoing involving the creator of this show with his [writing-]partner Mr Samuel "Sam" Bain, the US adaptation of "What We Do In The Shadows" for FX. The 2 of them together are "executive consultants" for that one.
I love when someone talks about this show. Whenever I think about how good it is, I just wanna cry. You know what I mean?
Ik exactly what u mean. i binged the 2 seasons this week and gosh the brilliance makes me wanna cry for some reason lol
Yes.
Its a masterpiece.
I know😭😭😭
By the end of season 2 I knew what u mean
I've always said that Succession reminds me of Arrested Development, and this just solidifies their framing and active camera similarities!
Arrested Development, NYPD Blue, The Office, Friday Night Lights, too many movies to name, etc…
I always describe it as Arrested Development and Ozark’s child.
@@NT-or9wh Well @jamesheywood was not Only comparing them because of the camera style. He was saying that the camera style is an additional similar aspect. But arrested development is similar for more than just the camera style. They are both about wealthy toxic, complicated family dynamics
Imagine if they had parks/office style character comments
It definitely feels like improvisational acting which makes the characters feel so real.
I've read / watched a lot of interviews with the cast and they talk about how improvisation is encouraged. In one interview with Jeremy Strong, he said that the camera operators and DPs are so skilled at the craft that sometimes they follow movement and dialogue intuitively, which creates a kind of voyeuristic feel to the show. To me at least, it feels like you are a witness to their lives, seeing, hearing, and feeling things in real time along with the characters. Gives the show a very palpable feel.
@@noragracewilliams729 I know that it was producer Adam McKay who directed the pilot that encouraged improv. He learned at second city and every movie he’s made has used improved dialogue.
@@t221000 Adam McKay is certainly one of the amazingly talented people behind this show! I thank Jesse Armstrong and Adam McKay, among many others, for giving us this brilliant, sharp show. :D
Yeah, they feel EXTREMELY real. The kind of real of a Shakespeare's character who ALWAYS has the exact best thing to say in any given moment. Like if all of them are the greatest, wittiest writers of all time.
Naaaah. No fucking way. It's just too much to feel like it's real.
The camera work is very similar to sketch comedy camera work, which makes sense with how funny the show is.
this has been gone over previously by many youtubers.
@@lyrilljacksonok
What? That's called narration. Most people would never be in any place the story is about regardless of class or anything else. That's what storytelling is
The camera work focusing heavily on reactions instead of the people talking or the things that are happening is a big part of what makes a the show so funny.
You put my thoughts into words
I think that’s why I love the dinner scenes and the crash zooms as the crash zooms serve to force the audience to think how will this character react or scheme having now received this information.
you don't use cinematography to add substance to the scene or suggest something if its not specifically dictated by the screenplay, because it might confuse the message
Pretty sure that dinner scene is all improv
@@Sandmandud I think that is the magic of the camera / production on this show. The show makes you feel like it is incidental but it is all carefully planned. Almost like all the plotting plans of the Roy family…
I just discovered Succession prior to the premiere of season 3. I binged the first two seasons and now I'm waiting every agonizing week for the next episode. What a gem of a show, wish I found it sooner.
I was aware of it but never really started watching until this summer - when I too just binged S1 and S2 and then counted the days until S3. Now I'm happy but also frustrated I have to wait a whole week for a new episode! :D
I watched succession last year around this time. It was binge worthy and I'm waiting since then 😭
@@sg_1541 me too😭😭... I fucking love the show....
One of the best written shows on TV right now.....
I know! I thought that all the episodes would be released in one sitting 😅. Can't wait to watch them all, I'm really looking forward to see if Kendall brings Logan down or not.
This is such a fantastic analysis! I absolutely love the cinematography in this show, yet don't have a deep enough understanding of cinematography to know why I like it so much. This really helped me, and increased how much respect I have for the art of these camera ops.
No, its bullshit, this style has been used by so many movies and series before, not because its deep cinematography or because its meaningful but because the camera operator just took hand held camera and started filming, to achieve a realistic effect.
my favorite thing about this show is no flashbacks. they have to deal w the consequences of the past without showing us what happened - keeps it immersive
The camerawork is basically the same as “The Thick Of It”, a British sitcom that Jesse Armstrong (and other Succession writers) used to write for.
It's actually harder to make it look natural and flawed than perfect and precise. The editing is the genius here.
Never thought about the camera in this show like a character. Even after watching the S3 premiere this weekend. It definitely was there subconsciously as you said. That’s why this video resonated with me. I love learning new things about film!
The creator of Succession Jesse Armstrong also co-created British comedy Peep Show that is filmed entirely through POV but this POV changes regularly- likewise the camera, or maybe the editor, exists as another character in the show. Well worth a watch
He also worked on Veep and The Thick of It, which are both handheld, documentary style.
The same goes for ‘The Big Short®’ by Mr Adam McKay: Big deal...!
@@Av8tor5252 I could have guessed The Thick of It lol. All I see are Malcolm Tucker insults for an American audience in this show 😂
well the camera isnt a character of its own the camera sees from different characters perspectives
@@maazkalim I had no idea! Thank you. Go figure. I remember watching "The Big Short" and thinking "These mofos made a topic I find utterly boring & have no interest in, beyond compelling & entertaining." It is all making sense now. The VEEP connection too. That's a personal favorite.
Based on interviews with the cast there is a lot of improv on the show, so the camera operators may be truly reacting in many cases.
So interesting. I think the character you never see is YOURSELF as an observer in the room. The cinematography does this brilliantly. Thanks for this analysis.
I agree. Like a “fly on the wall”
Exactly. This show never makes me think about a camera or the person behind it. It makes me feel like I am a participant in the room.
This is crazy, this is CRAZY
The rocket blowing up behind Roman at the press conference at 5:24 will always make me loose it 😭
Within the first episode of the show I immediately felt the different camera
movement and bobbing like it was being filmed as a documentary from a bystander’s viewpoint rather than a typical tv show has been filmed. This show is like watching Mad Men filmed through The Office’s cameras.
Or The Shield (2002) watch that to watch some good shit man .
Succession is on the way to become a classic.
Just one more iconic season.
It, Sopranos, and Justified sit atop of everything for me.
Thanks for recognizing the perfect camerawork. For me, blocked views, focused elements, and choppy movement all made me feel I was right there, inside the scene. A real fly-on-the-wall feeling.
this was such a phenomenal video. need to watch that meta documentary about documentaries asap
Oh hey I love your content. Keep up the great work!
Hey! Do you have a link or name for that doc?
@@doaracolo Same, I wanna know the name 👀
In my headcannon, the Succession is a reality TV/documentary that’s centred on a successful media family and who would take over as the new CEO of Waystar Royco. The opening even looks like it was used for a documentary. There aren’t any other flashbacks or previous footages before the events of the show, because it’s mainly focused on who will be named the successor, hence the title.
What I love about the camera immersions are the times where the characters look at the camera. Intentional or not, it exhibits that they are actually being filmed by a small documentary crew, almost like they’re in a reality TV programme.
There is one scene in the Lifeboats episode where Kendall looks directly at the camera as he gives out his speech. The camera pops in onto his face before he says yo, as if he was appealing to not just the staff in the room, but to the audience as well.
At 9:11, there’s a glimpse of Shiv glancing at the camera, realising that she was still being watched by someone else.
And then at 11:39, Shiv looks at the camera to her side, almost as if she was expecting the cameraman to follow Logan as he walks away, instead of still having the shot engrossed on her.
This is what I love about the cinematography in Succession; it gives you an impression that the Roy family and the Waystar Royco staff are being filmed and it almost makes it look like a reality show.
Succession is one of my favorite tv series, and the camera work is one of the many things that I like about it. It’s dynamic, and sometimes chaotic and unpredictable, like the dialogues. There are many moments that gave me chills because of the cinematography in this show. They know how to keep you on your toes.
I watched the first episode of this show a couple months ago and could not get into it because of the camera work, it made me think of how sitcoms were filmed (mainly the Office in its mockumentary style film work that you touched base on) and it left me feeling like I was waiting for a punchline to a joke I was never going to get. It felt so odd to film a serious show as if it were a comedy and it put me off watching it, HOWEVER within the last two weeks I picked the show back up and god am I glad I did! After the initial watching of the first episode I came to sort of expect all the jumping around and zoom ins and now the camerawork has become one of my favorite aspects of the show! You did a great job with this video and made me realize I wasn't crazy for what I picked up on when I first attempted to watch episode 1 lol.
Nice
I had a similar experience with it. I've seen this used as a gimmick, so at first I was put off. But here, it's brilliant.
Man, can we also talk about the score, tho? I can't think of a work that's more adept at cueing the audience in on the *precise* emotional tone when it whiplashes between the darkest of comedy and sincere pathos.
Amazing score!
The main title precisely shows the theme of power, glory, but also melancholy
@@ThomasFlight that's why i don't like this kind of videos. show don't tell. I think most savvy "cinephiles" don't need to be told the obvious. and nobody is gonna make a boring video out of deconstructing nicolas britell either. but you do you.
@@lyrilljackson why are you watching this video then?
One of the two or three worst scores I've ever been subjected to. Utter garbage.
i remember so clearly watching the s1 finale for the first time, and being awed by the sudden cascade of still shots that they used throughout. like they were trying to convey the calm of this old, beautiful place. a stillness before everything goes wrong.
Okay 9 mins in, and now I wanna give this like a million likes. What a wonderful analysis of this masterpiece of a show!
This is easily in the top 5 video Essays I've seen about any film/series/book.
I'm giving this a 9.7/10
This is a wonderful analysis! I love how you remarked the importance of the camera work in Succession, because I agree that it is mandatory for the story. However, I was hoping you might mention how that documentary-style recording has been widely used in TV comedies, like The Office and Parks and Recreation, because I think that framing adds to the satire aspect of Succession, like the zoom ins especially often remark moments that are supposed to be funny given the context. For me that’s also one of the reasons why Succession is so brilliant, by being able to mix drama with satire in such a flawless way.
I think it should note that this style of cinematography is also right up in line with Adam McKay’s essay film styles found in The Big Short and Vice.
Adam McKay directed the first episode of the show!
@@ThomasFlight that’s right and he produces it as well and I believe Jeremy Strong was also in The Big Short.
@@gabrielidusogie9189 the big short is a lot more concise and real. this should have been more realistic instead of sarcasm.
@@lyrilljackson it’s satire not sarcasm and it has a very deep function. If you watch Veep, the greatest satirical show of all time, you’ll understand.
I found the camera to be the layman. Every person in the private rooms had connections to reveal every private conversation if it went poorly. Every conversation pretentended to be private but nothing ever would be.
Wonderful analysis. I also think this style of cinematography goes a long way towards deglamorizing the wealth and lifestyle of these characters. It makes it all look small, ugly, and even petty - while still keeping the drama extremely engrossing and high stakes. Love it.
Nice- yes!
Thanks
I've watched this series over 30 times, first because I'm invested in the characters, and second because of the brilliant writing, performances, and directorial and cinematographic techniques teach me something new at every viewing. However, I've never been able to pinpoint this vital aspect to the camera work and how it affects me, the viewer. This is brilliant, thank you SO much for your in-depth and well-expressed breakdown.
the way the scenes are shot is like we are also in the room watching the scenes happen live. every time the scenes are interrupted by more people, you see a sudden zoom out and change in demeanor in the characters especially in two people intimate conversations as if there is a change in atmosphere as to represent this is no longer intimate and more people are involved.
I was speaking with a few friends about why we love this show and we couldn’t pin-point the single reason why we feel the way we do. This did so perfectly.
Exceptional video. You managed to give us an overview of Succession's entire cinematographic style without skimping on the interesting details. I didn't think twice about clicking subscribe! Thank you for making this!
Thomas Flight making a video about Succession!? Christmas has come early!
Amazing to see you reveal something that has definitely grabbed me subconsciously. I am way more focused on what is happening in every scene of Succession, because I feel a lot can be revealed in small moments and looks - but I now realise I keep on my toes because the editing does not "steer me" the way it usually does. It's up to me to pay attention - together with the Cameraman.
Happy holidays!
Its so good to have david finchers camera as an example, now i realize that the camera work is so different here
Good vid...i like how this was explained. The styling also means you have to pay attention, just as if you were in the room listening to each conversation, as to not miss anything...it keeps things engaging for the viewer. youre not just watching a tv show, you are there watching things unfold in some way. pretty cool
The camera style shows that there are no rules in art that can't be broken if you breake them just right.
I love how you're showing Mindhunter, in a video about Succession. Literally my two favorite shows right now.
before i started succession, whenever i saw clips of it and the way it was filmed reminded me of something like arrested development or the office. you definitely hit the nail on the head with the documentary feel and the camera reacting in time to dialouge, reactions and character movement!
I always felt like I was in the show because of the camera. It’s really cool
It is evident by every aspect of this show that it is a passion project. Such attention to detail is truly awe inspiring. We need more shows like this.
why this video only have 240K views? This is a masterclass of cinematography, directing and also reviewing movies in general!
criminally underrated channel. but he’ll get the recognition he deserves one day ♡
the way succession is shot really makes it feel so authentic, like none of the cast is even acting. really great analysis video!
Fantastic breakdown of one of the most intriguing shows on television today.
Gorgeous voice, sir. I’d put the tiniest pause alerting the audience that mubi was a sponsor- but the best match of sponsor and content I’ve come across in awhile. Excited to check it out.
Easily the best show on TV right now. The character arcs, the story telling, the pacing - hell the soundtrack and score, it's just all too good.
Also another cool thing I just noticed through your video is that they keep the camera level whenever the characters are all seated - even if there are multiple people in the room - to show that you do indeed have a seat in the table.
This show is just pure genius. The way it’s filmed, you feel like you’re an outsider peering in. Makes the characters seem elusive but intriguing enough that they’ve caught our attention. Its like yes, we don’t like these people but they’re interesting people nonetheless and once you get embroiled into their story you can’t get out because again it’s just too good so you’re following them around and seeing their stories unfold. And then of course the writing is simply the best, the screenplay’s sublime, the acting’s top tier across the board. Costume design in on point, the cinematography is drool worthy. Best show on TV right now.
Nothing happens and the characters are despicable but Succession is still the best thing on TV
Good essay highlighting the camera operating. I shoot a lot of factual tv for Nat Geo, and constantly trying to hit that constructed reality feel with the zoom when things are generally scripted to a certain extent. I must add, the editor plays a massive role in making the style work as well, cutting in on whip pans, knowing which zooms to use or not, they've really got the balance just right.
Every now and then I watch a video about succession to remind myself how much I love the show
felt i do it with the shield 2002
underrated show so painfully underrated and has the same camera style. Super fucking great a capturing emotions
Hands down the most insightful clear explanation of the cinematography in Succession. Thank you for putting voice to why people like me simply say, “it’s brilliant.” Bravo!
You just added a whole new dimension to my perspective of the show. Fantastic video.
The cinematography feels like someone's actually vlogging every one around but never show their face.....
This reminds me of the book Jealousy by Alain Robbe-Grillet. Basically what the author does is remove a character (the husband) from a story and replaces him with an emotion (jealousy) that watches his wife have an affair with the neighbor on a farmstead. So it's as if the reader watches an affair from the perspective of a ghost. There will be three chairs and three place settings at the table even though there are only two people for instance. And a lot of looking through the blinds, and seeing conversations from a distance. Really cool book.
Did not expect to watch this whole video. Amazing content
Succession is a modern take on an ancient greek drama. Thats why the camera works the way it does.
The camera work makes the characters feel like real characters in our world. It sells the realism
The writer, Jesse, explained it’s a two cam operation which is a comedy method used in The Office, The Peep show, In the Thick of It etc.
It’s like a play in terms of the ensemble cast, with dark humour and drama. Really interesting video. Thank you.
This analysis and commentary is better than any snobbery you could get on the New Yorker. Just straight up, organized analysis. Refreshing stuff. Would love to see your reaction to the cinematography in the latest episode.
A great breakdown, thank you. When I describe the show to friends, I describe it as having a documentary style. But it's more than that. It's really clever and utilized brilliantly.
Been waiting for some shoutouts and deep dives on the camera operators! They’re brilliant.
I thought the video would be about Connor 😂
the first pancake
From a young age he has always been interested in politics. ;)
So did he.
Hes so disappointed
I AM THE ELDEST SON
I had subconsciously noticed the great camerawork but not really thought about this at all until now. Thank you for this fantastic video. Missing Succession big time. One of the greatest shows ever
I love this show, but had never appreciated the camerawork until you pointed it out in such depth! Wow! Idk how I missed it, but I knew something drew me into Succession unlike any other show in recent years. Another show that draws me in with it's handy-cam work, is The Shield (FX & Hulu) - I adore camera work like this, even when I don't consciously recognize it!
As a professional news photographer for 42 years (now retired) some of the framing and poor focus drives me insane. Then I realise that it's actually done almost on purpose to give the viewer a feeling of being on the periphery and not being able to see everything that's going on. It is the virtual "fly on the wall" scenario.
I now recall being in a big press pack trying desperately to get as close to the action for the best frame. Often, I would move back from the action and shoot with a longer lens. It worked nearly every time. I think that is the feeling the DOP is trying to achieve. Bravo!
Thanks for talking about Festen.
recently watched it and I couldn't believe how amazing this show is. direction/camera work/acting/facial expressions every single detail is amazing. succession is pure art!!
Fantastic to see Sarah Snook again, she was amazing in Predestination with Ethan Hawke. I have been keeping my eye out for her, will have to watch the series now.
Succession is one of the very few shows where, when it ended, it felt as if I’d lost some people in my life.
Great video! 100% agree about the perspective of being a person at the table and looking for actions that betray the characters' behavior or stated intentions.
Its also a refrence to the intro which is filmed as a family film meaning that it never stopped the film just kept going
and all this is also elevated by the brilliant acting
Thank you for the words. My brother and I just started watching and he was so thrown off and put off off by the cinematography. I found it interesting and it drew me in as it let me feel like a fly on the wall.
The camerawork reminds me of that in the office, and while I watch succession I’m always kind of expecting a character to look into the camera and react
I was going to make a comment about the shot at 13:10. It is probably the most immediately obvious example, but it achieves what was intended so well that most viewers probably didn't notice how visually incongruent it was with the rest of the scene despite being emotionally affected by it.
The biggest downside to the hand held camera style is all my friends who get sick to their stomach because of all the movement, so I can't share those movies or shows with them.
i just caught up with succession seasons 1-3, and this video explained perfectly why i was so entranced with this show's style and look
I'm surprised to see you talk about this, not because of anything to do with you but because I stumbled across Succession earlier I didn't see this video coming! It was somthing always in the back of my mind how this was filmed as a "mockumentary" (since it's a tv show that's what I associated it with). What an awesome and insightful analysis. As always. Thank you.
Omg you described so beautifully and specifically what I was trying to figure out as far as cinematography on succession. Thank you so much!
If they had released the entire season 3 I would’ve binged it all by now.
me too!
It's been 5 days and I've caught up from S1
Succession is like if the godfather was ten times more violent but not a single drop of blood was spilled.
'The Thick of It' - Armando Iannuci's BBC hit sitcom. Jesse Armstrong was one of the leading writers on it - this is where he got the camerawork inspiration from. Watch it - it's brilliant and you'll hear much of the script from succession in it
I watched it without knowing Jesse Armstrong was the creator. . .i thought that it was similar to Peep Show and The Thick of it.
Thomas, thank you indeed, this is a superb analysis of this great show. Through your directions on how to follow the cameramen 'choices' and hidden characters, the viewers are gifted with a whole new aspect of the story. Looking forward to watch the other videos in your channel!
I would love to see a high-budget superhero movie shot like this. I feel like it’d evoke even more of a realistic effect.
I think that idea could be good for a show like "The Boys"
Even more realistic than superheroes already are??
When I first started watching the show, I remember thinking "Oh no, another show with a wobbly camera", which I usually hate. I changed my mind eventually when I realised unconsciously what you describe so well in this video.
King of edible leaves, his majesty, the spinach
I love you mr man who made this video. I love how your brain works. I love this
Two mins in and you've got a sub from me. The cinematography in this show is phenomenal the point that I didn't even notice this kind of stuff because the screenwriting is so good I'm always like...they're not DOING anything how is this SO GRIPPING!? Best week to week show availabile rn
Thanks!
I thought the shaky camera approach in "The House that Jack built," directed by Lars Von Trier, elevated the characterization of Jack and his dilemma with having an obsessive compulsive disorder.
Of course, Lars Von Trier was a part of Dogme 95, so I would only expect his use of documentary-style filmmaking to be employed successfully. It'd be cool to see more videos about this style or maybe if Thomas did a deep dive on Lars Von Trier's work.
i think it was popular way before dogma. i think the originators of the shakycam style, were paula grief and peter kagan - music video directors from the mid 1980a
Whoa...you just deftly articulated what I always felt about this show but could never explain what I was feeling. Now that you explained it...dayum!!! That's some high level galactic wizardry. Bravo, sir. Bravo.