Found footage

[Tommy Jarvis]

https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/best-found-footage-horror-movies/?fbclid=IwAR167lz6D1OaIsLJOmFa8wLwJW1LlmWwKD7j1Tlv nNcSZDQ_hfFggti9U3o#35-paranormal-activity-the-marked-ones

A list of films to get a conversation started. Thoughts on this subgenre? What do you or don't you like about it?

[Bloof]

I've seen quite a few of those. Next to 80's horror, found-footage is my next favorite genre. I dont know why I like them so much. Its usually the subject matter that i like more as opposed to the point of view of the camera.

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Not really a fan but since my favorite film is one, August Underground's Mordum, I have a handful I like.

[Tommy Jarvis]

I find it interesting, because it centers a whole subgenre around something which, in truth, is no more than a giant spoiler alert. After all, the whole idea of found footage usually implies that nobody made it out alive (The Levenger Tapes being one of the rare exceptions to this date).

Keeping that interesting seems like a good storytelling challenge as well.

[Bloof]

Lol, i never thought about the spoiler alert angle. Thats true!

[Tommy Jarvis]

I've seen quite a few of those. Next to 80's horror, found-footage is my next favorite genre. I dont know why I like them so much. Its usually the subject matter that i like more as opposed to the point of view of the camera.

Which would be your personal favorites?

[Bloof]

These are the numbers on the list as opposed to writing out each name. 2, 5, 7, 11, 33 and 34.

[Sculpt]

There's many of these I haven't seen. I heard The Visit is quite good. it's on my list, and some others on the list.

I thought these were good.
Cloverfield
V/H/S
The Blair Witch Project

These were OK.
Creep
Paranormal Activity
REC

[ImmortalSlasher]

I still haven't seen all of the Paranormal Activity movies yet. I have two more left and they don't want to put them on demand. They are clever movies though. They leave you wanting to see the sequel. I can see why they are popular.

I started the new Blair Witch but stopped because it was really good and I wanted to watch it during the October month. The original is classic.

I think the Found Footage movies can be good if you know what you are doing. Making it feel real with the characters. And whatever horror mystery going on. There are some that I don't like. I don't remember being fond of the Unfriended movies.

There are a few Asian ones on that list I'll check out.

[Tommy Jarvis]

I still haven't seen all of the Paranormal Activity movies yet. I have two more left and they don't want to put them on demand. They are clever movies though. They leave you wanting to see the sequel. I can see why they are popular.

I only saw the first and thought it was overrated. Is that weird?

[Bloof]

I only saw the first and thought it was overrated. Is that weird?

I dont think its weird. I've only seen bits and pieces of the first one and wasnt that impressed.

[Angra]

I liked Grave Encouters, Digging up the Marrow. But otherwise I see Found Footage being the Grunge to Heavy Metal. Deadly but only for a decade.

[Tommy Jarvis]

I liked Grave Encouters, Digging up the Marrow. But otherwise I see Found Footage being the Grunge to Heavy Metal. Deadly but only for a decade.

I like the metaphore, though it kind of implies that people will stop filiming every single fucking thing they do. As long as that does not happen, FF is (probably) not going anywhere. ::wink::

[Angra]

I like the metaphore, though it kind of implies that people will stop filiming every single fucking thing they do.

But isn't that the case. FF flicks rarely comes out anymore. And thank fuck for that.

[Tommy Jarvis]

But isn't that the case. FF flicks rarely comes out anymore. And thank fuck for that.

Oh, I was thinking in broader terms. With the whole culture surrounding vloggers and by extension social media, cops with bodycams, security camera's,... That in itself should be able to keep providing filmmakers with ideas and I don't think that's going away soon.

FF may not have many mainstream productions, but in the underground/indie circuit, it's probably a keeper. Even if it's just because so cheap to make.

Just one idea: Unarmed black vlogger gets killed by cops. The whole film is a mixture of his camera, the cops' bodycams and security cams from nearby businesses. imo, that could work.

[Angra]

Just one idea: Unarmed black vlogger gets killed by cops. The whole film is a mixture of his camera, the cops' bodycams and security cams from nearby businesses. imo, that could work.

That’s not a bad concept. I would still prefer it shot normally though. But I like the story.

[ImmortalSlasher]

I only saw the first and thought it was overrated. Is that weird?

How did you think it was overrated? Personally, I like the whole go into the woods, get lost, deal with a witch setup.

Oh, I was thinking in broader terms. With the whole culture surrounding vloggers and by extension social media, cops with bodycams, security camera's,... That in itself should be able to keep providing filmmakers with ideas and I don't think that's going away soon.

FF may not have many mainstream productions, but in the underground/indie circuit, it's probably a keeper. Even if it's just because so cheap to make.

Just one idea: Unarmed black vlogger gets killed by cops. The whole film is a mixture of his camera, the cops' bodycams and security cams from nearby businesses. imo, that could work.

Add a horror twist to the cops and have them turn out to be Nazi demons or something. I've mentioned it before around here but this video freaked me out when I was a kid. Especially those final shots.

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You do something like that with the cops in a subtle way that only people who are watching carefully pick up on. Then you get the reveal in the end. And repeat views.

[Tommy Jarvis]

How did you think it was overrated? Personally, I like the whole go into the woods, get lost, deal with a witch setup.

Are we talking about the same franchise? ::confused:: Perhaps, you mean the blair witch.

From what I remember, Paranormal Activity was just a bunch of middle class white people filming mundane things and losing their shit because, ehrmagerd, a lamp moved. ::EEK!:: At the end, some woman screams "Mika, Mika" and then some guy flies into the camera. And that's ALL that happens.

[Tommy Jarvis]

Add a horror twist to the cops and have them turn out to be Nazi demons or something. I've mentioned it before around here but this video freaked me out when I was a kid. Especially those final shots.

You do something like that with the cops in a subtle way that only people who are watching carefully pick up on. Then you get the reveal in the end. And repeat views.

A good tone for this might be similar to The Green Room. Does not have to be in your face, maybe just an interviewee dropping a line about dirty cops rumoured to frequent bars where white supremacists hang out.

[ImmortalSlasher]

Are we talking about the same franchise? ::confused:: Perhaps, you mean the blair witch.

From what I remember, Paranormal Activity was just a bunch of middle class white people filming mundane things and losing their shit because, ehrmagerd, a lamp moved. ::EEK!:: At the end, some woman screams "Mika, Mika" and then some guy flies into the camera. And that's ALL that happens.

My mind was probably on Blair Witch as I was thinking about the new version or mentioned it around here or on the horrordvds forum.

Yeah, I thought Paranormal Activity was too hyped at first. I only started watching them recently in the last year. But I like how they keep continuing the story. I have two more to go. They are cheaply made but clever. Good acting. I think I reviewed a few around here. Depending on how they end, if they end, it might be a good series to own or at least revisit every few years or so.

I just checked wiki and there is a Japanese version called. Paranormal Activity 2: Tokyo Night that I haven't seen. So that makes three to still watch.

[Tommy Jarvis]

How about a FF version of I spit on your grave? Or Friday the 13th?

[Tommy Jarvis]

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[hammerfan]

https://youtu.be/UhKWqdJ8sIc

I like to know what I'm clicking on before I click on it. Especially since I'm at work.

[Bloof]

https://youtu.be/UhKWqdJ8sIc

That movie was brutal. I could never watch the whole thing. I've gleaned bits and pieces over the years.

[Tommy Jarvis]

I like to know what I'm clicking on before I click on it. Especially since I'm at work.

Good point. Should have mentioned it, my bad. I will do it here.

https://youtu.be/UhKWqdJ8sIc is an analysis of The Poughkeepsie Tapes. I appreciate it, since it offers a good explanation as to what the film does well and what it sets out to do as well, thus refuting some of the criticism.

That movie was brutal. I could never watch the whole thing. I've gleaned bits and pieces over the years.

Indeed. Very brutal and disturbing.

One of those memorable times when a film creeps you out so much you need a bit of time to recover.

[ImmortalSlasher]

Here:

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[Tommy Jarvis]

Here:

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So THAT'S how that YT-thingamajig works. Thanks, Slasher.::cool::

[jackwritesstuff]

unpopular opinion perhaps but in my eyes since the blair witch project, there's only been maybe 2 movies with decent 'found footage' elements

1) cloverfield
2)the 4th kind.

Everything else has been really unimpressive and makes me cringe

[Bloof]

unpopular opinion perhaps but in my eyes since the blair witch project, there's only been maybe 2 movies with decent 'found footage' elements

1) cloverfield
2)the 4th kind.

Everything else has been really unimpressive and makes me cringe

Not unpopular. Found footage isn't everyone's cup of tea. I am quite fond of it.

[TaeKwonZombie]

i like it, but sometimes it can be garbage if the scenes drag on and are boring

[Tommy Jarvis]

unpopular opinion perhaps but in my eyes since the blair witch project, there's only been maybe 2 movies with decent 'found footage' elements

1) cloverfield
2)the 4th kind.

Everything else has been really unimpressive and makes me cringe

Fair enough. To each his own.

[ImmortalSlasher]

I still haven't seen Cloverfield. That was one of those Bad Robot hype movies that just didn't interest me. I'll see it eventually though. I'm more interested in the sequels than the original.

I just remember Abrams hyping the Escape from LA poster image in the movie. And also seeing the usual scene in Abrams either directed or produced movies, which is the bunch of strangers pretending to have fun and some kind of party or gathering. It's just superficial to me.

[Sculpt]

I still haven't seen Cloverfield. That was one of those Bad Robot hype movies that just didn't interest me. I'll see it eventually though. I'm more interested in the sequels than the original.

I just remember Abrams hyping the Escape from LA poster image in the movie. And also seeing the usual scene in Abrams either directed or produced movies, which is the bunch of strangers pretending to have fun and some kind of party or gathering. It's just superficial to me.
I hear ya. But I can just tell you about the movie.

I saw Cloverfield in the movie theatre which is a very unique experience. I wish you could see it on the big screen. Found footage naturally is mostly handheld close-up stuff. Seeing that on the big screen is a visual trip. Also, with Cloverfield, the director (Matt Reeves) had to get creative with shots to give a bit of a mesh between close-up and deeper field and wider shots.

Well, I don't expect you'll ever see it on the big screen, but hopefully you'll be able to make your first viewing as much of a theatre experience as you can... you know, your biggest screen, your best audio, at night, lights out, no distractions.

Anyway, the film itself... With the opening segment the director didn't need to make quite so shaky. A number of folks in the theatre were getting ill. I think one of my party left. But it was trippy to see, and it was visually engrossing, you quickly feel part of the group, but still uneasy.

After that opening scene, thankfully they cut the shakiness way down, and the photorealistic imagery takes over. It's impressive and immersive throughout. I won't give anything away, but the film delivers the first-person experience of a giant monster movie. I thought it was a one of a kind experience, done quite well.

The relationship of the young adults in the film... meh, I didn't find it significant, not particularly unreal or annoying. They just seemed like normal young adults. Wasn't preachy, and they acted fairly reasonable under the bizarre circumstances, as I recall. It's not a great character driven story, it's more of a visceral horror film type experience.

I've saw Cloverfield Paradox... the films have zero relation. Different writers, different director, not found footage. 10 cloverfield lane, same thing. No relation.

[Sculpt]

...

[ImmortalSlasher]

I hear ya. But I can just tell you about the movie.

I saw Cloverfield in the movie theatre which is a very unique experience. I wish you could see it on the big screen. Found footage naturally is mostly handheld close-up stuff. Seeing that on the big screen is a visual trip. Also, with Cloverfield, the director (Matt Reeves) had to get creative with shots to give a bit of a mesh between close-up and deeper field and wider shots.

Well, I don't expect you'll ever see it on the big screen, but hopefully you'll be able to make your first viewing as much of a theatre experience as you can... you know, your biggest screen, your best audio, at night, lights out, no distractions.

Anyway, the film itself... With the opening segment the director didn't need to make quite so shaky. A number of folks in the theatre were getting ill. I think one of my party left. But it was trippy to see, and it was visually engrossing, you quickly feel part of the group, but still uneasy.

After that opening scene, thankfully they cut the shakiness way down, and the photorealistic imagery takes over. It's impressive and immersive throughout. I won't give anything away, but the film delivers the first-person experience of a giant monster movie. I thought it was a one of a kind experience, done quite well.

The relationship of the young adults in the film... meh, I didn't find it significant, not particularly unreal or annoying. They just seemed like normal young adults. Wasn't preachy, and they acted fairly reasonable under the bizarre circumstances, as I recall. It's not a great character driven story, it's more of a visceral horror film type experience.

I've saw Cloverfield Paradox... the films have zero relation. Different writers, different director, not found footage. 10 cloverfield lane, same thing. No relation.

Every time it's on demand I take a pass at watching it. I think I saw a few minutes of the opening. Maybe some bits underground later in the movie with some bugs. And stopped. I think I spoiled how the monster lands in the ocean.

But the cast looks good. And the director worked his way up to making the next Batman which looks good. But I just knew back then that Abrams was a hype guy. Nothing rewatchable out of all his movies and TV shows. Except Super 8. But that's probably because he wanted to impress Spielberg. I'll get that to own one day.

I was more interested in the Cloverfield sequels mainly because of the casting. I'll get to them eventually. Probably wait till I make my home theater. I can't remember if I posted this over here. I was talking about theaters on HorrorDVDs. But I saw this home theater and a few others and want to make a smaller version for myself.

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This virus thing isn't over. And experts say we'll see another one in the future. So best to have a nice home setup.

[Sculpt]

Every time it's on demand I take a pass at watching it. I think I saw a few minutes of the opening. Maybe some bits underground later in the movie with some bugs. And stopped. I think I spoiled how the monster lands in the ocean.

But the cast looks good. And the director worked his way up to making the next Batman which looks good. But I just knew back then that Abrams was a hype guy. Nothing rewatchable out of all his movies and TV shows. Except Super 8. But that's probably because he wanted to impress Spielberg. I'll get that to own one day.

I was more interested in the Cloverfield sequels mainly because of the casting. I'll get to them eventually. Probably wait till I make my home theater. I can't remember if I posted this over here. I was talking about theaters on HorrorDVDs. But I saw this home theater and a few others and want to make a smaller version for myself.

04YLqj1Sb1Q

This virus thing isn't over. And experts say we'll see another one in the future. So best to have a nice home setup.
That's pretty nifty. Not many peeps have a large room to devote to a theatre.

[ImmortalSlasher]

That's pretty nifty. Not many peeps have a large room to devote to a theatre.

The average den, living room, or basement should be good enough in most homes these days.

Here is his site with a bunch of small and big home theaters.

http://www.tktheaters.com/portfolio.html

[Tommy Jarvis]

A lot of found footage films seem to be slow burners as well. Ot is that just me?

[Tommy Jarvis]

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[DeadbeatAtDawn]

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[Tommy Jarvis]

My review on this documentary. There's also a documentary on [rec] coming up.

The Found Footage Phenomenon 2021 ★★★★

What I appreciated most about this movie, was the completeness of it. Personally, I only missed the Dowdle brothers and Paco Plaza. But in the who's who in the genre portrayed, this really feels like nitpicking.

This serves both as a good introduction and as a continuation. The newbies get a detailed history of the genre, while more experienced viewers are still likely to pick up titles they had not seen before.

I also liked how, in spite of the (lack of) technology, it always comes down to the same things: good characters, a good story, pushing the envelope,...

Does this mean it was perfect? No.

For one, I did not really completely agree with the stance it took on budget and recognizable actors. Thus dismissing/disrespecting Joe Keery's performance in Spree.

Also, it seemed very focused on the directors' point of view. I would also like to have seen some of the actors, like Manuela Velasco or Joe Keery for that matter, talk about how they compare this style to some of their other work.

In closing, I would like to play Devils advocate for a second and throw one more stone in the puddle. Since a lot of found footage scripts are improvised, well... Imagine Robin Williams in a FF? We know he was a master at improvising and movies like One hour photo and Insomnia proved he could be scary. Put those things together and...

How's that for a what if? :-)

[Tommy Jarvis]

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Looks good. It's on my (extensive) watchlist.

[Tommy Jarvis]

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[Tommy Jarvis]

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[Dickey]

Don't like 'em. Nobody ever holds the camera steady, and I feel like it is a way to "cheap out".

[classic_horror_fan]

Some of these are actually good. Aside from the Blair Witch and V/H/S series, some of my favorites out of this category are Demons Amoung Us, Cold Ground, The Veil, Wolf House, Zombie Epidemic: An In Depth Look At The Walking Dead, Keep Watching, to name a few.

[hammerfan]

Some of these are actually good. Aside from the Blair Witch and V/H/S series, some of my favorites out of this category are Demons Amoung Us, Cold Ground, The Veil, Wolf House, Zombie Epidemic: An In Depth Look At The Walking Dead, Keep Watching, to name a few.

Have you seen Hell House LLC? I highly recommend it.

[Dickey]

I hate FF movies...they are a way to cheap out, and if I was an epileptic, they would give me a seizure for sure.