There is a thin line between the mockumentary and the pseudo-documentary. While both categories warp the concept of non-fiction filmmaking, mockumentaries are satirical and often comedic, while pseudo-documentaries exist in the horror space. Think "Best in Show" versus "Cannibal Holocaust". The pseudo-documentary uses the idea of the truth to weaponize our fear. The more real the film seems, the scarier it is to the viewer. Yes, it's only a movie, but a good pseudo-documentary will worm its way into the back of your brain, asking, "But what if it is real?"
This category of film is often included in discussions of found footage films in general, as both try to convince the viewer what they're watching is real. Found footage is typically footage that is, well, found and is presented as unedited evidence of a crime, haunting, creature, or anything terrifying, but, with the pseudo-documentary, the filmmakers utilize interviews and...
This category of film is often included in discussions of found footage films in general, as both try to convince the viewer what they're watching is real. Found footage is typically footage that is, well, found and is presented as unedited evidence of a crime, haunting, creature, or anything terrifying, but, with the pseudo-documentary, the filmmakers utilize interviews and...
- 8/14/2022
- by Mary Beth McAndrews
- Slash Film
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