Hi, I'll give my modest feedback.
I really think you need a tripod. For many, at a conscious level, the difference between a still camera and a little shaky camera isn't really a problem, nor they find it disturbing. But I think that, for everyone, at least at a subconscious level, it makes the difference between an amateur and a professional. The implications are huge. I really think that a tripod for the camera can give the feeling that those shot are intentional. I mean they just don't let you imagine there's someone behind the camera.
Especially for this kind of works heavily based on reality, I think it's important not to ruin the immersion by making people think of the guy who is operating the camera.