The found footage style, or “found-footage”, has become a genre in its own right! While typically used in horror, one incredible sci-fi movie did something a little different back in 2012 with "Chronicle".
Chronicle's Success, And A Low Budget
The film was a huge success, especially considering that it didn't cost too much to make! A truly incredible achievement to bring to the world this epic sci-fi tale.
It may be a low budget, and even so this movie, which grossed over $126 Million and yet its production only cost $12 Million. This was one of the biggest accomplishments of the decade!
In case you are wondering how they managed to get such a fantastic release and create an epic spectacle, you can thank its found footage style! If anything, this gives more reasons why fans are able to embrace its story!
A Look At Found Footage Films
Some of the most well-known horror films feature this distinct style, such as the movie, The Blair Witch Project.. A film from the 90s that helped kick-off the new genre.
Another iconic title that brought this approach to the big screen was "Paranormal Activity." Fans still talk about the amazing and spine chilling impact from these films! While most filmmakers tend to embrace this in the horror genre, found-footage is more than just an option to make horror films, the style makes films a lot more immersive!
You get a whole other, real-world feeling and for sure, makes it seem a lot more realistic because you're put right in the middle of things as if you are there for all the intense, suspenseful events. This type of cinematic experience makes found footage stand out from the pack!
The Use Of Found Footage in Chronicle
For sure, fans might think about what makes "Chronicle" different. You see it does take an unexpected turn with its cast!
If you watch the film, you will get to see three friends who have some unexpected power. It comes to them by finding this random, mysterious space object! You might be shocked by how they're suddenly gifted with powers like telekenesis, the ability to fly, and superhuman strength!
One of the friends has a way to capture it all! "Andrew," (played by Dane DeHaan), loves to record his life with a video recorder.
And this leads into how the film is able to tell its story in the found-footage style! In fact, the more that Andrew discovers his ability with the "Force," he's able to move his video camera, as if he's moving it using this awesome power!
"Chronicle" really had some creative ideas when it came to using a special method that allowed the film to feel so authentic. The film is about as real-time and true-to-life as it can get and the camera truly feels like an extra, unique and valuable character.
A Found Footage Style That Stands Out
Not every movie, particularly one that looks like "Chronicle" was super easy to make! The genre of sci-fi and superhero flicks is all about making sure those films are big budget productions.
To compare that budget, we can see the difference! A couple of the Marvel titles had amazing production costs in 2012!
- "The Amazing Spider-Man" came out in 2012 with a $230 Million budget!
- "The Avengers" - was close behind with an investment of $220 Million.
- And "The Dark Knight Rises" was super epic with a massive $250 Million budget
What makes "Chronicle" so unique was its amazing budget and how it made this cinematic Marvel.
With its special filming style, found footage, was not only a unique perspective but an ideal approach for making something real, relatable and grounded to really add a bit of excitement as they went about telling a story. "Chronicle" not only is one of the greatest examples of how you can use found footage but it also emphasizes what this genre can really achieve!
Why Chronicle's Use Of Found Footage Was Such A Hit
There's no mystery to why this style worked!
- The filmmakers set it up so that the video camera becomes an extension of the character.
- They had "Andrew" take it everywhere, sharing this kind of perspective with the audience as well!
- And it creates a great dynamic! As viewers, we feel as if we are right there with this character who is experiencing these wild adventures!
When the character is able to control his camera from afar, it gives even more energy, suspense, and a cool moment for fans of the genre, showing us that this filming approach is a fantastic and original way to give audiences the greatest perspective. There is an excitement for any fan that may love sci-fi and those who enjoy these cool special effects.
"Chronicle" truly is an incredible film and worth giving it a try!
Fans will enjoy this unique take on a sci-fi movie and just how to film these cool action moments.
This truly makes "Chronicle", not only one of the greatest films to have embraced this genre. But to really set it apart and to also create a story that will never leave fans disappointed!
