I was trying to use iMovie but every time it eventually does this. I used to think this was May graphics overheating (because iMovie puts my temps around 180 when running) but I saw right before it happened it seemed to be auto saving. I can't tell if it is a hardware or software issue but I hope someone can figure it out. I know that it is graphics based because if I leave the computer idle for a minute the clock starts working but as soon as I move the mouse it freezes again. This issue appears other times when I am running my computer but mostly with iMovie.
Also, this is the first time it's happened: When I pressed the power button the options popup appeared, I dragged it along the screen and that seemed to clear out the bug. iMovie's rendering box is pink but I was able to get my computer's info after doing this to put in this post.
Computer Info
MacBook Pro 13-inch, Mid 2010
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Upgraded 16 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
NVIDIA GeForce 320M 256 MB
OS X 10.9.2
Upgraded 1 TB Hybrid Drive
Best Answer
Thank you for providing a picture. Unfortunately, based on the image, I can definitively tell you this is a hardware problem. Specifically, your GPU has failed.
If you wish to confirm this at home, you can do so by taking a screen shot the next time it occurs. If the distortion appears on your screenshot, then the problem is with your graphics processor and you to get your logic board replaced. If the distortion does not appear on the screenshot, then the issue is with your display and you need to get your display replaced. Either way, it's a hardware issue for which no online troubleshooting or solution exists*
*As a makeshift solution to failing/failed GPUs, many users have resorted to using gfxCardStatus to force the discrete GPU off.
Best of luck.