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Not making sure the monster/villain is dead

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Skaven252 Since: Jun, 2010
#1: Feb 5th 2011 at 1:40:26 AM

I see this happening in film after film, and it drives me nuts. The premise is this: some kind of a monster or murderous villain has been chasing the characters, trying to kill them, and has proved very difficult to kill. Finally, one of the characters manages to knock the monster/villain unconscious. And what do they do? They lie down and pant. Hug and kiss. Or run away. And the monster comes alive and continues the chase. If I had managed to knock out the ninja pirate zombie robot vampire who has been trying to kill me for the last 2 hours, I would sure as hell try and make sure it will rest in pieces. Why don't they?

The last times I saw this happen were in Splice and The Human Centipede. But there are numerous examples of this dumb behavior in horror / thriller films out there.

I fully understand that this is done to extend the plot - otherwise the film could end short. And it makes sequels possible. But it just reeks of "stupid character behavior". I think it's a sign of bad writing. There should always be a good reason for the characters to do what they do or don't do.

So... just wondering, is there a trope for this?

edited 5th Feb '11 1:44:53 AM by Skaven252

nrjxll Since: Nov, 2010 Relationship Status: Not war
#2: Feb 5th 2011 at 2:08:09 AM

Asking about tropes belongs on Lost And Found, as stated in one of the stickied threads. [1]

For the record, this trope is Once Is Not Enough. It's found under Contrived Stupidity Tropes, which also all have the general characteristics of what you described.

edited 5th Feb '11 2:10:07 AM by nrjxll

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