Found-footage horror can be something of a mixed bag. The gritty sense of realism and disorientation can create a real sense of panic and fear amongst viewers. At the same time, this style can work to the detriment of a film if it's overdone or poorly executed.
But there are at least two thrillers that terrifically utilize this distinct style of cinematography. In one corner, there's the cult horror phenom known as The Blair Witch Project. In the other? A lesser-known Spanish thriller by the name of REC - stylized as the camera-themed [REC]. Each of these bone-chilling romps takes advantage of the medium in its own imaginative way, offering creative, creepy spins on the genre. But which of these films reigns supreme, and by what means does each terrifying romp excel?
REC: Keeping Viewers In The Shadows
The found-footage style often serves as a great fit for horror because of the limited scope and obstructed perspectives that can come with shaky-cams and home video. Directors Balagueró, Plaza, and cinematographer Pablo Rosso take full advantage of this distinct trait during most of the film.
Viewers are given but a glimpse of the creepy happenings in this dark apartment by way of Pablo's handheld camera. The camcorder often quakes, cuts, and makes sudden turns, keeping watchers off-balance and on-edge. At any moment, several seconds of a dark hallway can give way to a glimpse of a spooky manifestation or a grotesque death scene. These dark and obscured vantage points certainly exist in The Blair Witch Project, though this is mainly limited to the evenings.
The Blair Witch Project: Steadily Building Fear And Tension
One aspect about REC that's been critiqued by some is its rather erratic pacing throughout much of the film. Reporter Ángela Vidal spends much of the first half without much happening around her, as she begins in the fire station and makes the trip to the apartment. Even once there, there's ample downtime, interspersed with brief moments of shrieks and vague glimpses of creepy sights. This is juxtaposed with the final act, which pummels the viewer with all sorts of thrills and chills.
In comparison, The Blair Witch Project favors a more steady sense of pacing and escalation. Things do start slow and tame - but they progressively build as the three leads get deeper into the woods. This accelerates in terms of fear and downright panic as Mike disposes of the map and Josh goes missing.
REC: Terrifying Jump Scares
The Blair Witch's emphasis on atmosphere and "imagination over action" is effective for some, but it doesn't work for everyone. REC throws the terrors directly at the viewer through its abundance of startling jump scares.
The lack of noise or a soundtrack heightens the fear factor even more, as these moments of silence are interrupted with the piercing shrieks of the possessed or the loud crashing of an object. While Balagueró and Plaza invoke scares through other means as well, REC really thrives in these moments that make viewers jump out of their seats.
The Blair Witch Project: Isolated Woodland Setting Invoking Helplessness
Spooky, ominous settings can help set the stage for a bone-chilling thriller. While both of these horrors shine on this front, the eerie woodland setting of The Blair Witch Project is tough to beat when it comes to invoking a palpable sense of fear and vulnerability.
This is only heightened when Heather's crucial map is gone, and when it's revealed they're traveling in circles. There is seemingly no escape, and there's nothing around them but countless trees as far as the eye can see. In a sense, these sprawling woods of Maryland are as much a nefarious character as the demonic undead are in REC.
REC: Showing And Telling
There are countless examples of horror that stresses flashier visuals and grotesque imagery. On the other hand, some excel in establishing lore and letting the atmospheric and implications speak more for themselves. In the case of REC, the filmmakers draw from both methods effectively, keeping the viewer guessing while eventually unveiling some spooky details and lore.
For much of the film, the audience is figuratively and literally left in the dark, as Ángela and Pablo are left to wander and try to escape the quarantined apartment. But in the final act, they come upon the penthouse, unearthing some backstory involving a case of demonic possession. Suddenly, the reasons behind the quarantine are learned, and the implications are frightening.
The Blair Witch Project: Convincing Performances
It's hard to overstate the stellar portrayals by Manuela Velasco and Pablo Rosso in REC - but for many, the cast of The Blair Witch Project reaches another level. The believable, raw performances by Heather, Josh, and Mike go a long way in making the film feel immersive, intense, and authentic. From Heather's desperate sobbing to Mike's angry tirades and Josh's subtly "chill" demeanor - there's much to appreciate here.
What's even more impressive is that - according to directors Myrick and Sánchez - much of the process was improvisational.
REC: Intense Feeling Of Seclusion And Claustrophobia
The enclosed, claustrophobic nature of REC's apartment locale is a far cry from the vast woodlands of The Blair Witch Project. Ironically, though, it achieves a similar effect of fear and isolation, and to many - works even better as an effective horror set. The shrouded rooms and tight corridors ensure that the tension is kept at a high level throughout the film.
To further drive this point home, viewers are shown glimpses of police and military figures looming outside, who have quarantined the structure and refuse to let out anyone that's trapped inside.
The Blair Witch Project: The Power Of "Less Is More"
Myrick and Sánchez go all-in with the "less is more" approach - and while this style is somewhat divisive, it proves quite effective for many viewers. The Blair Witch Project largely keeps things open-ended, leaving quite a bit left to the boundless imagination and interpretation of fans. The film banks on the notion that it's one's own mind that can often conjure the spookiest ideas.
Viewers are given only snippets of Blair Witch lore through Heather's documentation in the film's first act, along with interviews - and the occasional stone pile or stick figure. A simple anecdote about a man "being forced to stand in the corner" by a murderous hermit can go a long way in sparking the imagination. Of course, this story is reinforced by that chilling ending.
REC: Frightening Imagery And Effects
While the "unseen" can be eerie, Balagueró reminds viewers can ominous, in-your-face imagery can be quite terrifying too. From flashes of dark shadows to the grotesque sight of flesh-eating undead demons, there's plenty of classic creepy imagery here.
The level of detail is impressive, and it makes it all the scarier when witnessing these deformed, fast-moving creatures.
The Blair Witch Project: The Realistic Feel And Portrayal
With this horror romp, Myrick and Sánchez sell the idea that what the audience is watching is real - or at least could be real. This is achieved through the dynamic acting of the leads and the gritty, minimalistic cinematography.
Yet, this is also complemented with the film's own marketing campaign and website, which was angled to portray it as a true story with real found footage. This all contributes to the thick ambiance and authentic feel which immerses the viewer, making the experience scarier.