Paranormal Activity: The Scariest Mockumentaries Of All Time
Written by Nikki Baughan Sunday, 29 November 2009 21:22
Interview
Paranormal Activity may be scaring the beejusus out of audiences with its hand-held, documentary style tale of things that go bump in the night, and is being hailed - quite rightly - as one of the most terrifying films of all times. But it's not the first movie to try to convince audiences the fear is real. Here's our list of other great, scary mockumentaries...
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
It may not have been the first scary movie to purportedly be based on a true footage, but it's certainly one of the most effective. Nothing more than the ultra-real camcorder tapes left behind by three filmmakers who disappeared after investigating the spooky legend of the Blair Witch, the natural performances and creepy atmosphere – not to mention an effective Internet marketing campaign – make it just as scary a decade later.
Series 7: The Contenders (2001)
A dark, shocking parody of reality television, Daniel Minahan's expertly shot film follows the contestants of a popular TV show as they try to win riches by winning the show. The only way to do this, however, is to be the last one standing – literally. As the contestants execute each other in the name of entertainment, we begin to wonder just how far Big Brother really would have gone...
Rec (2007)
Far better than its Hollywood remake, Quarantine, this Spanish horror takes simple premise and ratchets up the scares in an effective, 'sleep with the lights on' way. Initially set up as a nightly news programme following the local firefighters, it's when the host and her cameraman follow the squad to an unexplained event at an apartment block that things go from bad to worse. Zombie virus plus hand-held camera and low level lighting equals absolute terror.
Cloverfield (2008)
This monster movie with a difference wowed audiences in 2008, thanks to its unique spin on a genre staple. When a giant creature starts attacking New York City, a group of terrified youngsters take to the streets and try to escape its wrath; keeping their camcorder rolling all the way. You'll believe Godzilla is real.
The Magician (2005)
It may not have any zombies or monsters or supernatural beings, but Scott Ryan's expert mockumentary is not less disturbing thanks to its subject. He also plays hitman Ray, whose total ambivalence to human life and laid back attitude to killing for a living will make your blood run cold.
Bruno (2009)
Terrifying. Just terrifying.
