Meaning: Claude Chabrol, a prominent French film director, made this statement: "I'm not wild about hand-held shots." This quote sheds light on Chabrol's directorial style and his preference for a more controlled and composed visual approach in filmmaking.

Chabrol was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his emphasis on precise framing and composition in his films. He was a key figure in the French New Wave movement, which emerged in the late 1950s and emphasized innovative and unconventional techniques in filmmaking. However, Chabrol's approach differed from some of his contemporaries who embraced hand-held camera work and a more spontaneous, documentary-like style.

In the context of filmmaking, hand-held shots refer to the use of a handheld camera to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy in the visual storytelling. This technique can convey a feeling of rawness and authenticity, as it simulates the experience of being present in the moment with the characters and action on screen. Hand-held shots are often associated with a sense of urgency or instability, as the camera moves with the action, capturing the energy and unpredictability of the scene.

Chabrol's aversion to hand-held shots reflects his preference for a more controlled and deliberate visual aesthetic. He often employed static or carefully choreographed camera movements to craft compositions that were visually striking and thematically resonant. By eschewing the use of hand-held shots, Chabrol sought to maintain a sense of distance and objectivity in his storytelling, allowing the audience to observe the narrative unfolding from a composed and structured vantage point.

Chabrol's directorial style was characterized by his use of long takes, precise framing, and a restrained approach to camera movement. His compositions were often meticulously planned, with attention to symmetry, balance, and visual symbolism. By favoring a more formal and composed visual language, Chabrol aimed to create a sense of visual harmony and elegance that complemented the psychological complexity of his characters and narratives.

While Chabrol's approach may have differed from the prevailing trends of his time, his commitment to a controlled and composed visual style contributed to the distinctiveness of his filmmaking. His films often carried a sense of understated tension and psychological depth, which was enhanced by the carefully constructed visual framework within which the stories unfolded.

In conclusion, Claude Chabrol's statement, "I'm not wild about hand-held shots," encapsulates his artistic sensibility and his commitment to a refined and controlled visual approach in filmmaking. By eschewing the use of hand-held shots, Chabrol sought to maintain a sense of visual precision and formal elegance in his films, allowing for a nuanced and meticulously crafted storytelling experience. His directorial style, characterized by deliberate compositions and restrained camera work, contributed to the distinctive aesthetic and thematic richness of his cinematic legacy.