This is discussion archived from a time before the current discussion method was installed.
I think the description "Spring-Loaded Cat", as used in a number of movie review sites, fits better. What do you think?
Seth I would go with that name just because it sounds cuter
Ununnilium: I like it. More evocative, and equally as descriptive.
(months later)
So, is the "Spring-Loaded Cat" ready for launch and just waiting for someone to pull the trigger, or not?
Azaram: Just Launch It Already. Definately a better name; 'cat scare' sounds like scaring a cat, not scaring with a cat.
Seth: Dead Horse Trope, yay or nay. More subversions than actual uses nowadays and every time i see it i yawn at the lameness. If not then it is defiantly on its way there.
Ununnilium: Getting there, but not quite there yet - the more mediocre horror still uses it straight. Definitely Discredited, though.
Ununnilium: Took out...
- Movie example: The Matrix. The cat scare gives Neo deja vu...which tips off the troop that something's wrong, since a deja vu only happens when the machines change something.
...because that's not a cat scare, it's just a cat.
Haven: I think it fits, but as a subversion. IIRC, it actually was a tense moment, and Neo (and the audience) jumps the first time, but then the second time he's just "oh, it's just that cat again", and that turns out to be the danger (or a tip-off about it, anyway). But I could be wrong, I'll check next time I watch it.
Silent Hunter: Would this be an example/subversion?
- In The Descent, Juno has just been attacked by a lot of crawlers. She turns to discover that Becca's behind her. Unfortunately, she's also put a pick-axe through her neck.
Wasn't there another scene in Silent Hill where something appears to be banging on a locker trying to get out, only to have it suddenly swing open and be completely empty? I haven't read it; I just remember reading about it. —Document N
