Episode #009 – Found Footage

Perhaps no sub-genre has experienced as much rapid success nor suffered as much criticism and vitriol as the found footage sub-genre. Though many cite 1999’s The Blair Witch Project as the first introduction into this unique cinematic form of storytelling, it was actually Ruggero Deodato’s 1980 Italian film, Cannibal Holocaust, that first introduced this type of narrative. Cannibal Holocaust was so convincing to audiences that, after its release, it was seized by Italian courts and its director was quickly arrested and charged with obscenity and murder. It was not until the actors appeared in court, proving themselves to be very much alive, that Deodato was released.Nearly four decades later, the found footage genre has exploded to unprecedented levels. However, modern, savvy, and somewhat fatigued audiences make the subgenre increasingly difficult to find success in.On today’s episode, I’ll be talking about this divisive branch of horror filmmaking, and sharing my thoughts about what makes it work, what can prevent it from being effective, and what makes it a relevant form of storytelling today.Movies Referenced in the Episode:47 Meters Down: https://amzn.to/2KwYIc6The Blair Witch Project: https://amzn.to/2I2AHvgCannibal Holocaust: https://amzn.to/2FBNdfQCloverfield: https://amzn.to/2Kt5cJbThe Descent: https://amzn.to/2I3iPABGeorge A. Romero's Diary of the Dead: https://amzn.to/2KrWIC6The Mummy: https://amzn.to/2re1ZEBParanormal Activity: https://amzn.to/2HJyEZvREC: https://amzn.to/2remaD5