
Photo Credit: Fox.
By Adriel Tjokrosaputro
Although found-footage films seem to be all the rage lately, it’s not a new genre to all of us, especially movie fanatics (like me). The first mainstream success of this film genre was recorded back in 1999, when a movie called The Blair Witch Project terrorized the whole nation to the next level. But found-footage films did not become very popular until the very successful 21st century franchise came to the big screen, Paranormal Activity. Up until now, the franchise has created three different features. Together, the film series have grossed a total of $576,571,650 against a total production budget of $8,015,000. So what is up with all of these found-footage films in theatres lately? The answer is this: small budget, big gross, win-win situation.
Other than Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project, horror movies like REC, Cloverfield, and The Devil Inside also used this method of filming. But recently, there were two new non-horror releases that used this method: the critically acclaimed Chronicle and the party-gone-wrong mockumentary Project X. Both features successfully applied found-footage into the production, hence expanding the possible usage of this particular filming method.
Chronicle tells the story of three high school friends who one night gains superpowers after making an incredible discovery. However, as they get more powerful as each day passes, they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides (IMDb).
Unlike other found-footage films recently released, Chronicle stands up on its own because it avoids the common clichés in this particular genre. The audience will right away notice that Chronicle is not just a science fiction. Strong characterization of its outstandingly talented young casts (Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, and Michael B. Jordan) makes the audience able to engage easily with the characters in the movie. Dane DeHaan’s portrayal of a disturbed teenager named Andrew is particularly plausible, as it does not only become the center point of the movie, but also gives a lot of drama to the feature. I personally like the fact that the movie is a delight to watch in the first hour… and all of a sudden the audience is dragged into the very dark side of all characters in just a snap of a finger. Having this kind of transition is a very risky move. Thankfully, the production team did it very well, and the result was amazing.
The camera work in Chronicle gives an extra spice to the already-extraordinary feature, adding a more realistic feeling towards the cinematic experience. One particular scene takes the audience up into the sky as the characters flipping upside down, inside out in the clouds. At the time of the screening, there was no other response from the audience other than, “Oh my God… that is so cool.”
Project X tells the story of (again) three high school seniors who throw a birthday party to make a name for themselves. As the night progresses, things spiral out of control as word of the party spreads (IMDb).

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.
Project X is a more generic found-footage film that recently became a surprise hit in the movie theatre. Promoted as “SUPERBAD ON CRACK” and “PARENTS’ WORST NIGHTMARE,” the movie sure attracted mostly the attention of the young male demographic rather than the female counter partners. According to CinemaScore, the young males rated the movie an average of A, while the young females gave the movie a C. Why, you might ask? After watching the movie, you will find out why.
Unlike Chronicle’s smart blend of drama, characterization, action, science fiction, and superhero genres, Project X is a kind of “failed attempt” at making a found-footage film. Throughout the movie, audience can clearly see that editing is quite rough at some points that the transition between scenes feels disjointed. And plus, there is this unnecessary use of “background music,” which destroys the whole specialty of found-footage film.
Otherwise, characterization is not the subject here. It is all about the footage that is found in that catastrophic night. Party going out of control. Chaos everywhere. And basically all the audience does is just sit there, looking at these three characters doing crazy things in the party, and trying to find out how to deal with the mess afterwards. Young boys find it a lot of fun to watch each crazy thing uncovered one by one. The girls? Not so much. I asked one girl after the movie, “Do you like the movie?” and she replied, “It is so shallow…” Well, why yes… But I enjoyed the movie, to be honest with you guys. In the end, Project X is one of those movies that is a “guilty pleasure.” It is not a good movie, but it is fun to watch. And sure, you will have a good time if you like it.
Although both movies are only minor hits in the US, I suggest you choose Chronicle over Project X if you want to experience the unusual found-footage film experience.
Chronicle is rated PG-13, and Project X is rated R.













