Why the Five Nights at Freddy's Movie Altered the Game's Jumpscares

Article Overview

The Five Nights at Freddy's film adaptation chose to focus on human elements and complex character development instead of relying heavily on jumpscares from the original game.

The movie's choice to reduce the use of jumpscares enabled it to delve into its own background and mythology, while also incorporating recognizable elements from the game series. This approach appealed to both newcomers and devoted fans. The film's achievement in earning $215.8 million implies that upcoming entries in the franchise will continue to prioritize compelling narratives rather than relying heavily on jumpscares.

Five Nights at Freddy's director Emma Tammi has shared her reason for reducing the number of jumpscares in the film compared to the original game. The game series, created by Scott Cawthon, initially relied on jumpscare encounters with animatronics to create fear and suspense. However, Tammi explained that the movie adaptation prioritized storytelling and human elements, in line with Cawthon's screenplay.

When I joined the project, one aspect of the script stood out to me immediately. It was evident that Scott had a strong desire to integrate authentic and intricate human narratives into the movie. Additionally, he aimed to connect the scares and the setting of the pizzeria to the stories of these characters, with rich backgrounds and personal growth.

As a storyteller, I found this incredibly appealing. The script offered substantial potential for character development, and I strived to bring that to fruition in the most effective way possible.

How Five Nights At Freddy's Benefited From Less Jumpscares

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To enhance the engagement of the finished story, the movie made a deliberate effort to avoid relying on jumpscares. Instead, it focused on incorporating a variety of different elements. An important decision was to give Mike Schmidt a more sympathetic character profile, with his personal journey intertwining with the main story. Alongside his encounters with the haunted animatronics, he also fights a legal battle for custody of his sister, Abby. This added complexity to his narrative introduces the concept of dream theory into the world of Five Nights at Freddy's, offering a fresh perspective on his experiences as a security guard.

By placing emphasis on the human characters, the movie was able to delve deeply into its own backstory and lore, a characteristic for which the game series is well-known. Although not every aspect of the film aligns perfectly with the events of the game series, it skillfully incorporates familiar elements from across the franchise to create its own distinct yet recognizable storyline. This approach allows the movie to explore various forms of horror while also resonating with fans and their knowledge of the game series.

The decision to reduce the frequency of jumpscares has proven successful for the film, as it has generated $215.8 million in revenue. This suggests a promising future for Five Nights at Freddy's 2, which will likely continue to blend human narratives with beloved animatronic elements. With the movie's clear triumph, it appears that jumpscares will not be the defining characteristic of the franchise going forward. A three-film contract has been secured by actor Matthew Lillard, further indicating the development of a trilogy.

Source: CinemaBlend

Editor's P/S

1. In the realm of horror cinema, the Five Nights at Freddy's film adaptation stands out as a daring and innovative endeavor. Director Emma Tammi boldly veers away from the game's reliance on jump scares, opting instead to prioritize intricate character development and compelling storytelling. This strategic shift infuses the film with a unique cinematic experience that both newcomers and devoted fans can appreciate.

2. The movie's success, evidenced by its impressive box office performance, suggests that audiences are hungry for horror movies that offer more than just cheap thrills. By delving into the rich backstory and mythology of the Five Nights at Freddy's universe, while also incorporating familiar elements from the games, the film creates a captivating narrative that resonates with viewers. The emphasis on human characters and their personal journeys adds depth and emotional weight to the story, elevating it beyond a mere collection of jump scares.