10 Moments That Literally Stopped Horror Movies
2. REC - The Blackout
In the realms of found-footage horror, REC is as good as it gets. Not only does it have a strong, well-paced plot but the found-footage style helps aid the story and its delivery in a range of ways. It’s not just ‘stylistic for the sake of being stylistic.’
One pause in the movie’s runtime occurs toward the end, as Angela and Pablo explore an apartment. Hearing a strange noise, Pablo decides to raise the camera so it can see into the attic space, using its light to examine the area.
When an infected young boy lashes out at the camera however he damages its light, and the whole film descends into darkness.
For a moment everything is pitch-black as the characters try to turn the night vision on, unable to continue their journey (and thus the film) during the time they’re sorting their tech out. It happens again in the film’s infamous ending moments, as cameraman Pablo is attacked and drops the camera to the ground.
With Angela scrambling toward it, for a while the camera lies stationary on its side on the floor - and the audience are unable to see the attack playing out behind it.
It’s a nice mechanic to add into the film, having the limitations of the hand-held camera, as it makes the found-footage style feel like it actually has bearing on the way the film goes, rather than just a cheap gimmick.