‘Found Footage: The Making of the Patterson Project’ Trailer Reaction

One of the things I love about this trailer is that I can’t tell if this is actually a horror movie, or if it’s just a movie about a horror movie. Clearly the second is true, the story is literally about making a horror movie. But is there actual horror in it? Are the scary parts and the “sinister phenomena” written in the trailer’s description actually happening to the characters, or is it all just part of the movie within the movie?

I’ve listened to an interview from director and co-writer Max Tzannes, and his comments when describing his film are vague with regards to specific plot points. I started searching for more information, and a writeup I saw from someone who has apparently seen the movie is also vague about the movie’s final act. I’ve decided to not look into it any further, because it sounds like there’s a surprise that I’d hate to have spoiled.

With what I know so far, Found Footage reminds me of One Cut of the Dead. I don’t want to spoil that movie for those who haven’t seen it, but it’s a film that isn’t what it seems like at first. Something happens that completely recontextualizes everything you’ve seen up to that point. In the end, One Cut of the Dead ends up being a heartwarming comedy despite the appearance it’s given by trailers and previews. I’m interested to see if the twist in Found Footage is as exciting and satisfying as that.

Another thing that has me excited is that Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, and Chad Villella of Radio Silence were involved in Found Footage as executive producers. In an interview with Collider, Max Tzannes says Radio Silence were like mentors during the production of his movie. Those guys have a great sense of horror and comedy, so having them on the team is a great sign.