5. The Ring
“The Ring” scared a lot of people when it came out back in 2002, especially the scene where the ghostly little girl crawls out of the TV.
But what made this horror film even creepier was something that was accidentally filmed in the background, if someone noticed it. Toward the end of the movie, when characters Rachel and Noah are about to put their sleeping son, Aidan, to bed, something lurks in the dark behind them. It’s a figure, standing in a darkened room in front of a moonlit window frame. You can see the figure’s head and shoulders just after Noah picks Aidan up from the floor. Of course, there was a wild theory that it was a real ghost. To others, well, just another case of a stagehand not doing a good job of “hiding” while the cameras rolled.
By the way, this is the second time a movie directed by Gore Verbinski made this list. The first was, “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”… and it was for basically the same reason!
4. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Most people remember the musical “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” for Wonka’s disturbing psychedelic boat ride through the tunnel, but there’s a scene that might make us feel pain and not disturbed.
It’s also unintentional. Earlier in the movie, hungry children visit a candy shop where the clerk sings a song. During the musical number, he lifts the countertop to let the little boys and girls browse through his selection. While opening the countertop, a little girl in the front is accidentally hit on the chin. However, and probably to the director’s delight, she takes it like a pro and continues being a good little extra through the rest of the song.
It looks like that candy shop clerk gave that little customer the wrong kind of jawbreaker.
3. Bad Boys
No, this isn’t the “Bad Boys” that starred Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Back in 1983, Sean Penn starred in this crime drama about a young man sent to reform school after killing his enemy’s brother.
This is only a movie, though. If you need proof, just watch the final fight between Penn and Esai Morales. While they’re fighting, a cameraman – complete with a camera – squats on the floor, recording the action! You would think something like that would’ve definitely been caught by the director or, in the very least, the editor.
Perhaps the cameraman was noticed, but they were so behind schedule a retake wasn’t possible.
2. Back to the Future, Part 3
Yet another movie starring Michael J. Fox appears on this list, and it also has to do with a crotch in the shot.
In 1990, “Back to the Future, Part 3” was released. It also starred Christopher Lloyd as Doc Brown and Elisabeth Shue as Fox’s girlfriend, Jennifer. Toward the end of the movie, when Doc Brown is talking to Marty and Jennifer from the train, behind him you can see a little boy signaling to his crotch. At first, he makes an innocent-enough gesture to get someone’s attention off camera. But then, he points to his crotch. Though some speculate he was just a little pervert who had a little thing for Shue, it’s more than likely he just had to go to the bathroom. He does have an uncomfortable, desperate look on his face.
Hey, if you’ve gotta go, you gotta go!
1. Braveheart
Mel Gibson’s 1995 epic war drama about William Wallace is convincing in its set design, as the film takes place in 13th century Scotland.
Unfortunately, despite winning five Oscars, there are at least a few scenes that remind viewers what century it really is. Although not too noticeable, a car can be seen driving in the distance when Gibson, as Wallace, stands back up after kissing the deceased Murron. Another, more obvious glimpse of a white car can be seen during a battle scene in the lower left corner. But cars aren’t the only modern day invention that can be seen in this period piece. A random man in a baseball cap – probably a crew member – can briefly be seen behind a crowd while Gibson talks.
What is it with random people appearing in scenes? Also, William Wallace and his gang could have probably used a car or two during those battles.