Imagine investing USD$15,000, hiring three relatively, unknown actors and converting your own home to a movie set for a short while. These are the mere sacrifices made by Oren Peli, the director of Paranormal Activity which led to a profit of greater than USD$9 million in its first week of release in the US. Profit, although indicative of a film’s success, it does not always accurately portray the quality of the movie and its contents. I believe Paranormal Activity to be one which exemplifies such an opinion.
The movie, earning descriptions as the "modern day Exorcist", stems from a young couple consisting of a day-trader and a student who claim to have been haunted by a ghostly entity since a child. Upon moving into their new suburban home, the potentially demonic presence causes increasing disturbance upon them, particularly during the very early hours of the morning. As a horror film it succeeds. An accomplishment however, not as much due to the dialogue, acting or even originality as it is to the execution of several scenes which induce fear into the audience.
The shaky video camera style of recording used, which could hardly have been considered original when The Blair Witch Project used it in 1999 encourages the audience to feel more interactive with the story. Unfortunately, incorporation of monotonous dialogue and irritating character attributes such as Micah’s stubborn pride or Katie’s relentless screaming seem to be a prerequisite in this type of film.
Although at numerous moments frustrating and somewhat retrogressive the eerie concept of doors closing and chandeliers swaying without human assistance was enough to ensure the film remain relatively entertaining. Hence, despite the lack of appeal due to the dialogue, acting and overall content, a rating of 6/10 seems appropriate.
