Paranormal Activity

With the screams of audiences up and down the country still ringing in our ears, Paranormal Activity comes to Warwick Student Cinema. Directed by first-time filmmaker Oren Peli, the film centres around a young couple who begin to experience strange goings-on in the middle of the night. They decide to set up a camcorder in their bedroom, trying to capture on Mini DV whatever it is that’s disturbing them. The resulting footage, dedicated to the memories of the couple, is what comprises the movie.

Making over $100 million at the US box office, much has been made of the film’s exceptional marketing campaign; a combination of effective viral advertising and insanely positive word of mouth has led to it becoming one of the most profitable films ever made in terms of return on investment. Not bad considering it was shot in the director’s own home for little more than $15,000.

By emphasising the film’s financial success, however, you risk trivialising its real achievements. Eschewing the flash cutting and overcooked sound mixes of many modern horror films, Peli instead relies on atmosphere and a single stationary camera set-up to deliver many of the scares. That poster image of the couple in bed, staring terrified at the open bedroom door has already become an iconic horror image.

The film's ability to frighten even the most ardent fans of the genre as well as the general viewing public means it is highly recommended. Just don’t expect your seat to be dry when you leave the cinema.

Philip Goldie