I think it's brilliant.
He's right, too. Listen to his commentary @ about 1:15. He describes these people as sleepwalkers basically. They're lost in their own thoughts, just trudging along to work or wherever...then BLAM-O! He snaps a flash at them, catching them unawares. He takes his total control of the situation out of the equation by not composing his shots through the viewfinder. In a very avant-garde kind of way, he's creating order out of chaos.
But I agree, Joseph. New Yorkers are used to weirdos on the streets. This guy is probably mild by comparison. I'm sure many of us might have a completely different experience if we ever tried to do this LOL.