- Director: Max Tzannes
- Writer: Max Tzannes, David San Miguel
- Stars: Brennan Keel Cook, Dean Cameron, Erika Vetter, Chen Tang, Rachel Alig, Chelsea Gilson, Suzanne Ford, Mindy Montavon, Corey Landis, Dan Jablons, Marie Paquim
REVIEW
Horror Comedy films are difficult to make. Found footage films are difficult to make as well. So, why not up the ante and make a mockumentary about it all? Found Footage: The Making of the Patterson Project is a mix of comedy-horror and found footage through the prism of Christopher Guest style films.
From the get-go, we are introduced to amateur filmmaker Chase (Cook), his clear passion for film, and in particular his clear passion for his film. We get a quick introduction into his life, his girlfriend Natalie (Vetter), his financial backer Frank (Cameron), and the myriads of people attached to this project. After finding an angel investor, their actors, and shooting location, they all travel to a cabin in the woods (Natalie’s parents’ time share) to start filming the bigfoot found footage film.
This film is flat out funny. From the first scene, the style of comedy is established that dry, awkward, fly-on-the-wall with great delivery of the dialogue. The chaotic nature of all the events makes the film move quickly, even in the quieter parts. When filming starts, it’s one disaster after another, from the star being shot to a hilarious sequence involving an actor who doesn’t understand how the concept of a found footage film works. There are two screamingly funny jokes using two well-known actors, I won’t spoil it, but it works so well.
Tzannes directing is fantastic, capturing the right feel for a mockumentary whilst the editing lifts the film again, with great choices switching between all the different cameras used. The entire cast is so bloody good, it would be unfair to single out anyone but suffice to say this film is sold to audience on characters and the actors’ ability to bring that character to live and they all do such a great job.
Found Footage: The Making of the Patterson Project does get a little bit messy toward the end that is at odds with what we had seen previously but this film absolutely works. It’s a genuinely funny movie, that delivers the occasional shock.
You should definitely watch this film.
Found Footage: The Making of the Patterson Project is available to watch now
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