The hit rate is variable, but found footage horror qualifies as a distinctly modern sub-genre.
It also makes sense to start withCannibal Holocaust,because it is quite possibly the first ever horror mockumentary.
However, the film still bears a lot of controversy for its prolific animal cruelty.
This isnt a film for the faint of heart, but historically speaking, its a milestone in found-footage.
The strong word-of-mouth this created only intensified once the film was actually released.
Thats the beauty ofREC 2as a follow-up, but we shall get to that.
Jaume Balaguero and Paco Plaza madeRECfirst, after all.
Angela Vidal is a Spanish television presenter who hosts the documentary series, While Youre Asleep.
Upon arrival, the building is locked down and placed under quarantine.
The horror is compelling enough on its own, and the format is just an interesting storytelling gadget.
A ghost has supposedly been haunting Katie Featherston, wherever she goes, since childhood.
Heavy footsteps are heard, doors slam, and most effectively, Katie starts behaving strangely, too.
Paranormal Activityterrifies some viewers to the point where they cant sleep after watching it.
Its deliberately slow-paced, in a way that could equally unnerve or bore viewers it can go either way.
For once, it feels more political than actually scary, to the films detriment.
But on the bright side, it does have a deaf Amish bloke called Samuel.
It also boasts great performances and an ambiguity that holds up all the way through.
Nevertheless, its a real gem.
Even in the knowledge that its not based on real events, its relentlessly frightening.
Its spine-chilling stuff thats worth a look if you’ve got the option to seek it out.
Its also disappointing that director John Erick Dowdle hasnt gone onto better things.
Instead, he directed M Night ShyamalansDevil, as well asQuarantine, the uninspired English language remake ofREC.
