LogFAQs > #928256539

95. Painting where the eyes move when the protagonist looks away (10 points)
Nominated by: Anagram (4/5 remaining)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGz_ymaGJPI" data-time="

Importance: 5
Fear: 3
Snake: 2

I think this is a trope almost everybody knows, and yet, I find it difficult to really think of memorable examples off the top of my head. This is because, in my opinion, this is an extremely corny trope that's easy to pull off and doesn't leave any real, lasting impact on the viewer in question. And, after all, it is a trope specifically designed for the viewer, since many protagonists simply dismiss it as a trick of the imagination if they even notice it at all. So many of these scenes play out the exact same way, and it's Scooby-Doo levels of nonsense that isn't scary or funny in any matter, and as such I really have to question its inclusion in most stories anymore beyond parody. Are there exceptions? Few, but yes. One of my favorite uses of the painting eye holes is in Haunting Ground, as it plays into the voyeuristic nature of the game as Lorenzo spies on Fiona changing her clothes at the beginning of the game through one. The graphics of the game make it so you can't even tell anything's different about the painting, until it switches to Lorenzo's perspective which is a cool touch. It establish's Lorenzo's character before we even hear that name for hours too!

This is a very hard trope to pull off correctly with impact, and is otherwise a cheap tool from the horror 101 guidebook that is often used as a crutch for smart writing, tension-filled scenes, and creating conflict between characters.

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I've decided to put my fears behind me. I'm not going back.
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