"Paranormal Activity" tells the story of Michelle and Ryan, a young couple living in San Diego, California. The film is presented as a compilation of footage captured by a camera set up in their home to document the strange occurrences they experience. The handheld camera, often shaky and poorly lit, creates a sense of realism that draws the viewer into the narrative. This found-footage approach, popularized by films like "The Blair Witch Project" (1999), allows the audience to experience the events firsthand, making the horror more intimate and terrifying.
"Paranormal Activity" was a game-changer in the horror genre, influencing a new wave of found-footage films. The movie's success can be attributed to its low budget and innovative marketing strategy, which included a viral campaign and limited release. The film's grassroots success spawned a franchise, with multiple sequels and spin-offs. Moreover, it paved the way for other found-footage horror films, such as "The Last Exorcism" (2010) and "The Taking of Deborah Logan" (2014).
The impact of "Paranormal Activity" extends beyond the horror genre. The film's found-footage style has been parodied and homaged in popular culture, with references in TV shows, music videos, and films. The movie's success also sparked a renewed interest in the "found-footage" genre, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to experiment with the style.
In 2007, the independent horror film "Paranormal Activity" took the world by storm, grossing over $193 million worldwide on a meager $15,000 budget. Oren Peli's low-budget masterpiece revitalized the found-footage genre, paving the way for a new wave of horror movies. This essay will examine the film's impact on the horror genre, its innovative use of found footage, and the reasons behind its massive success.