Paranormal Activity (2009)
Directed by Oren Peli
Starring Micah Sloat, Katie Featherston
Went in a skeptic came out a believer.
A young couple alone in a house, one is possessed by a demon. The boyfriend lets the video camera record while they sleep to try and capture the spooky events. Their isolation from the outside world really helps the suspense. The climax is fun but nothing to to write home about. The best part is the waiting.. Sure the film uses basic suspense and builds tension over a loooong period of time but it still works. I watched it alone and at times even had the chills just waiting for something to happen. They made this movie with a handicam and clever in camera special effects. The tension never wanes and I never got bored get even though we stay in one apartment for 90 mins and see it mostly from one camera angle.
Incredible that it did so well at the Box Office, there is a lesson to be learned from this film - you don't need the gadgets if you have a strong concept.
HUGE publicity doesn't hurt either. I mean, a $15,000 film shot in his own apartment makes $22,000,000 the first weekend! But you're right, a strong concept and the right amount of tension/suspense are key.
ReplyDeleteThis week in Italy, they are trying to raise the age limit to 18 to see it because many younger filmgoers there are now being treated for massive anxiety (even paralysis). You can't buy that kind of scare publicity!
Love your blogs Paul.
Nice one Kevin..
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