paranormal activity (2007)
When Katie and Micah believe that their new house has the presence of a supernatural being, they decide to document the events. It is often during the evening when footsteps appear, doors slam, lights flicker and other unexplained activities are recorded. Katie believes that the evil spirit in the house has been following her since childhood and that it is getting worse. With each day, the demonic presence in the house gets stronger until it takes over Katie's body and murders Micah leaving only the footage behind for investigators.
Paranormal Activity has been credited for initiating the slew of found footage films being produced today. Earning over $100 million with a production budget of $15,000 proved that the found footage aesthetic can be lucrative. The film is presented entirely as a found footage film, with all scenes shot by the couple. The film also signaled a shift from the excessive violence of the torture-porn sub genre (Hostel, Captivity) and proved that a film does not need to rely on such graphic horror to frighten audiences. Initially purchased by the studio with the intention to remake it with a larger budget, the tests for the film were so positive that the remake was quickly shelved. As well an online poll was created, asking audiences to "demand" to see the film in their city. This became one of the first release campaigns that was actively participated in with the audience through a success online marketing campaign.
The success of the film produced three sequal/prequels with a fifth instalment released October 25, 2013.
Director: Oren Peli
Writer: Oren Peli
Cast: Katie Featherston & Micah Sloat
Running Time: 86 minutes
Year: 2007
Studio: Blumhouse Productions
Website: www.paranormalmovie.com
Paranormal Activity has been credited for initiating the slew of found footage films being produced today. Earning over $100 million with a production budget of $15,000 proved that the found footage aesthetic can be lucrative. The film is presented entirely as a found footage film, with all scenes shot by the couple. The film also signaled a shift from the excessive violence of the torture-porn sub genre (Hostel, Captivity) and proved that a film does not need to rely on such graphic horror to frighten audiences. Initially purchased by the studio with the intention to remake it with a larger budget, the tests for the film were so positive that the remake was quickly shelved. As well an online poll was created, asking audiences to "demand" to see the film in their city. This became one of the first release campaigns that was actively participated in with the audience through a success online marketing campaign.
The success of the film produced three sequal/prequels with a fifth instalment released October 25, 2013.
Director: Oren Peli
Writer: Oren Peli
Cast: Katie Featherston & Micah Sloat
Running Time: 86 minutes
Year: 2007
Studio: Blumhouse Productions
Website: www.paranormalmovie.com