It's brief but the opening beat of "The Bodyguard" has a scuffle and a shooting take place in total darkness, then when the lights come on we see Frank holding his gun out, keeping his client face to the ground, as the would-be assassin sinks in a pool of his own blood. It's available on Drew's Script-o-Rama.

Thanks, JD. I'll post that in an update.

Though the names escape me, I've seen several movies where the lights go out to give the hero an advantage.

It's used a lot in comedies to give the illusion of something\one disappearing.

I guess it depends on what type of action you want and whether anyone can see.

It may seem obvious but there's not a lot that can happen in the dark.

Aaah, a good example in terms of advantage is Silence of The Lambs when Starling is in the basement when the lights go out, but Bill has night vision.

Also, in 28 Weeks Later there's a tense scene where a person with night vision is leading someone around dead bodies.

Another similar scene is Minority Report when Anderton gets his new eyes.

The key again I believe is what the content and context of the scene is.

So having the characters speak O.S. inside the darkness would not be appropriate?

The room is pitch black.

FRED (O.S.)
Where's the fridge, Al?

CLANG

Al (O.S.)
There.

@The Moviequill: I'd say no (O.S.). I know what you're thinking, but if your OVER BLACK, the reader assumes the speaker is 'off-screen.'

Wow - I was just looking for an opening just like it. Hope it won't be seen as stealing.