The Deer in the Headlights

The Film Yap Lexicon is comprised of terminology for certain cinematic phenomena that occur often enough to form discernible patterns — typically events or circumstances that are patently ludicrous to customs of narrative or known science and, on occasion, the result of misguided choices by filmmakers. Although these terms could take their name from numerous films, they are principally derived from the prime examples of this phenomena.

In any effects-driven film, during the chaos and amidst a large throng of fleeing people, one character, almost always a main member of the cast, will stand, stunned, mouth agape, and wait as the unstoppable, unbelievable danger slowly approaches rather than running to safety like everyone else and at a time when they could easily escape. Many times, the shot ends with a visual gag where character narrowly avoids being killed by falling debris or the foot of the giant monster.

This phenomena also occurs in action films, when a character stands and awaits a slow-moving instrument of death, and in horror films, where characters stand and scream as a killer approaches rather than running.

See the 1998 "Godzilla" (pictured), where Hank Azaria's cameraman sees Godzilla approaching, but is unable to will himself to move. Godzilla appears for a moment to step on him, but when Godzilla takes another step, we see Azaria's character inexplicably lived because he passed between Godzilla's toes. This phenomena was spoofed in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," when a character stood in the path of a slow-moving steam roller for several seconds, screaming as death approached.

What movies demonstrate “The Deer in the Headlights”? Comment below and offer your own entries to the Film Yap Lexicon at lexicon@thefilmyap.com!