Found Footage Evolution with Shaun Seneviratne: 'The Blair Witch Project' (1999), 'Creep' (2014), and 'Searching' (2018)

For their Audience Interrogation cycle "Close Up" episode, Emilio, Julian and Madeline hit record and explore a genre that they are, admittedly, not as familiar with: Found Footage Films. They are joined by writer/director/teacher/musician Shaun Seneviratne, a fellow cinephile whose been historically lukewarm on Found Footage films, but enthusiastic to dive in and open minded to the ways this filmmaking style can tell unique, cinematic stories. The group selects three representative films from different eras. First, they unpack 1999's 'The Blair Witch Project', considered the codifier of the genre, and note how the film balances a growing sense of unease with naturalistic, improvised acting and dialogue. Then they discuss Patrick Brice's 2014 film 'Creep', its unavoidable connection to mumblecore, and the ways it intentionally plays with long-standing horror tropes. They complete the conversation digging into 'Searching', Aneesh Chaganty's 2018 screen life thriller that concerns itself with the finding of footage, and manages to capture emotion and intention through computer use in surprisingly effective ways. Shaun Seneviratne can be found and followed on the socials at thebrownshaun His feature film 'Ben and Suzanne: A Reunion in 4 Parts' is streaming now on Fandor and available for rent on digital. If you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice. This really helps us find new listeners and grow! Follow us on IG and TikTok: @sleeplesscinematicpod Send us an email at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.com On Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats