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Lucifer_666

Paranormal Activity

This film sounds brilliant.  ..It was shown in the Slamdance Film Festival last weekend and still hasn't got a distributer yet..... but that won't be long coming going by all the reviews I've read ....
I'm really looking forward to seeing this now and I'd imagine it will appeal to some here on FilmFlicking too particularly you Honey seeing as you like this kind of stuff aswell and have gone to Haunted Houses and of course your old house too....
Anyway Paranormal Activity is a Horror/Thriller that uses the “found footage” framework to tell a ghost story that is described by some to be 'more effective than any remake of a Japanese ghost story that the studios have offered up in the last five years.'
Check out this review......

Dreadcentral.com wrote:
While watching Paranormal Activity, dread was the one word that kept coming back to me over and over again. Every time the camera sat on its perch overlooking the lead couple's bed, I was gripped by an agonizing feeling of foreboding that what I was about to see was going to scare the pants off of me and bring me one step closer to not being able to sleep tonight. Which is why it's now 3:00 AM and I'm writing this review instead of resting comfortably in my own bed. I'm also pausing every few minutes to look over my shoulder in case someone -- or something -- might be lurking there. You are no doubt thinking, "Yeah, right. There's no way some no-budget, no-name docu-style flick is keeping ME up at night!" Well, my friends, I beg to differ. This here is the real deal. Simply put, Paranormal Activity is the most frightening ghost story of 2007. I'd bet cash money nobody can watch the entire thing without saying at least three or four times, "That's some fcuked up shit." Or, more accurately, "That's some seriously fcuked up shit."

So, exactly what is Paranormal Activity? To quote the film's website: "A young couple suspects that their house is haunted by a malevolent entity. They set up video surveillance to capture evidence of what happens at night as they sleep. Their surveillance and home videos have been edited into the 99-minute feature film." On the surface this is nothing we haven't seen a million times before. In fact, for the first 15 or 20 minutes, I was ready to write off Paranormal Activity as just another entry in the long line of pseudo cinéma vérité rubbish we've been subjected to during these last several post-Blair Witch years. But then our couple, Katie and Micah, started to grow on me and editor Peli began gradually increasing the tension as each new paranormal event grew in strength over the course of their three-week ordeal, and I was hooked. All the action takes place in one location, Katie and Micah's San Diego house, predominantly in their "haunted" bedroom. Katie is convinced the entity is authentic as she has had similar experiences at various times and in numerous places over the course of her life. Micah, on the other hand, treats it like a joke and recklessly taunts the spirit despite warnings that doing so will merely serve to increase its hostility and strength. But he does truly love Katie and is only trying to help her, no matter how misguided his efforts may turn out to be.

The chemistry between these two is remarkable, and their dialogue never seems forced or scripted. They seem as real as you and I, especially when Micah does the exact stupid things you'd expect someone in his situation with no connection to the spiritual realm to do. Katie probably shouldn't have put up with his arrogant, macho behavior for as long as she does, but that, too, is plausible considering her fear and uncertainty as to the best course of action under such trying circumstances. Katie is onscreen for about 99% of the time and does an amazing job of carrying the film as well as the audience's trust and confidence. Had she ever struck a false note, the whole thing would have gone up in smoke, but luckily for us, she is 100% believable and sympathetic.

Peli uses an absolute minimalist approach to evoke that feeling of dread I mentioned earlier. There is no soundtrack or special effects -- the sound design, which incorporates some chilling EVP, and one single hand-held video camera alone tell the tale, often utilizing time-lapse photography with an ominous time code stamp to inform the viewer of how much time has passed. One wouldn't think that scenes of two people sleeping could be utterly terrifying; yet, here in Peli's hands they are. And those of when they are awakened in the middle of the night are even worse. Or should I say better? Because if you are a fan of ghost stories who has felt disappointed and short-changed by the lack of quality material in that subgenre over the past several years, then you should be as pleased with Paranormal Activity as I was. It's a bite-your-nails, squirm-in-your-seat bonanza of spookiness with a healthy dose of holy-shit-I-can't-believe-that-just-happened thrown in for good measure. In short, it's effective as hell and is a prime example of how to win an audience over and keep their attention in a highly constrained, claustrophobic atmosphere in the most unpretentious way possible.

Paranormal Activity is one of those films that as soon as you're done watching it makes you want to call up your friends to talk about. It'll keep you glued to the screen and wondering what will happen next, particularly when that damn bedroom cam kicks on again. Although I did have an inkling as to how things might wind up for our troubled young lovers, the actual ending turned out to be even more unsettling than I could have ever imagined. But don't take my word for it; see this one for yourselves. Something this good won't stay undiscovered for long.



Here's the trailer from Slamdance
Catnapper

That's the kind of film I like too......it looks brill! I hope it goes to DVD soon if they can't get a distributor, cause I'll buy it!

I hope the camera doesn't keep going off all the time........that'd be annoying after a while I bet, but it didn't spoil it for the audience from the sounds of it!
Lucifer_666

I hope they get no wimps babe in like the Cloverfield audience ...running out after twenty minutes  


It looks class doesn't it ......I tried to see could I download it but no luck there either    I thought somebody might get a copy in the film festival
Madamhoney

I know someone who's been to a preview of Cloverfield and he said there were a few people in the audience who were sick! But that was from motion sickness with the cameras being all over the place, he advised taking sea-sickness tablets - lol (and he was serious   )

That sounds REALLY cool!!!! I would rather watch it at home actually as I think there would be more atmosphere, sitting alone in the dark!!!  
Lucifer_666

 Yep Cat was saying that in another post the other day Honey ....though whose bright idea was it to take sea sickness tablets?   madness
Lucifer_666

I just read that DreamWorks has acquired all domestic and remake rights to Slamdance Fest entry "Paranormal Activity,"
The film likely will be released in the U.S. direct to DVD, but IM Global picked up all international rights; the pic will be included on its upcoming Berlin slate.

The two deals are pegged at nearly seven figures.

An Israeli émigré, Peli arrived in the United States at age 19 and pursued a career as a videogame programmer.

Peli shot the film over one week with a high-def camera in his own house with two unknown actors, Katie Featherstone and Micah Sloat, who manned the camera much of the time.

Jason Blum will produce, and Steven Schneider will executive produce the new film. DreamWorks' Ashley Brooks will oversee the film and its remake for president of production Adam Goodman.


So it looks like it will be given the big budget remake treatment ...I'd still like to see the one already made though  
Catnapper

So there'll be 2 versions.....the original straight to DVD and a big budget remake? That seems strange, I don't think I've heard of that before  
Lucifer_666

Yeah I suppose they reckon that they can get the idea sold in America with more of a bigger budget remake offering ..it was strange I thought that myself I have to admit...you would think that the whole amateur low budget feel would add to the film....I still want to see the original more than any remake I can tell you
Madamhoney

I'd rather see the original, bloody fools!!!
Lucifer_666

I just hope they don't try and create this 'real event' thing around it like the Blair Witch (making people think it really happened) because I think that may just be seen as gimmicky and by all reports it doesn't need it.
Lucifer_666

I just noticed the trailer fior this  is no longer available.. ..when I get another I'll put it up quick smart  
Lucifer_666

Here's a link to a trailer until I can get one up

http://www.renerd.com/?p=629
Lucifer_666

Here's a working trailer for this.....mighty difficult to get too    but I did promise and FilmFlicking always delivers    

Catnapper

Good work Luc  

It's another film I'm desperate to see!
Lucifer_666

Thanks babe.. ..and yeah I'm dying to see this film too but I can't even download it....its nowhere  
JohnG

Intriguing... gonna look out for that one
Lucifer_666

It has gotten some fantastic reviews John and has been bought by a big crowd who plan to remake it Hollywood style but this one sounds the business...I think it may turn out like many big money remakes these days.... that the original is always best
Lucifer_666

Just read this....

In what has to quite possibly be one of the oddest twists in film history, Oren Peli's horror chiller Paranormal Activity has been picked up by Dreamworks for distribution, but that's not all ...

The LA Times reports that they've also signed Peli to direct a bigger budget remake!

From the article:

"The studio made the deal following Paranormal Activity's screenings at the Slamdance Film Festival in Utah. Another company, IM Global, will broker the release of Peli's original film overseas. 'It's the best of both worlds,' said Jason Blum, who shepherded the film through Slamdance and will produce the remake. 'We get to see how the original will do, and we get to remake it ourselves.'

Peli's low-budget original movie will be released on DVD along with the remake after the remake is released theatrically. There is no planned schedule for the remake's production and no new script yet.

'It's definitely very exciting -- I am still digesting it,' Peli said Wednesday. 'Now we can try to do some things that were not possible before.'"

I still can't believe I can't get a copy of this movie urrgghhhhh...its looking more and more likely that we will all have to wait till they remake it before we can see the original      I wouldn't even mind but the damned screeners are out there ready to put up    

Anyway....the good news from this article is that they are getting Peli to do the remake of his previous film  
Catnapper

When I started reading your post Luc I was thinking it would be brill if both films were on one dvd........and they will be     that's great news   I like how Peli will helm the remake and how they'll get to do things they couldn't do on the low budget original     Should make for an even scarier film    

I hope the original's released soon cause I want to see it!
Scorpio

sounds to me like it is years away.....................i'm going to try and e-mail them
Catnapper

Good idea......hope they get back to you with some info  
Scorpio

NOTHING AS OF YET
Catnapper

With any luck they'll reply soon I hope!
Scorpio

yeah i have submitted my details to their newsletter
Lucifer_666

I heard something about perhaps being able to get the movie if you contact them..I might do that myself....or I might just wait to see how Scorps does  
Catnapper

I subscribed to the newsletter too......I'm hoping they notice I'm from the UK so any US release dates won't be any use to me!
Lucifer_666

If you get that movie you will have to copy it and send it to me babe    
Catnapper

Hey...I'm no pirate!  
Lucifer_666

  You ....you.....goody two shoes you    
Scorpio

it will be burnt and posted mate
Scorpio

this e-mail has been sent to product planning supplies for dreadcentral.com:

PAUL, my name is Christopher Robson and i am writing a review for filmflicking.myfastforum.org/index.php on their horror section and am eagerly trying to get a hold of Paranormal Activity before its re-make and re-release, so that i can keep the masses happy (so to speak)..............and would appreciate any help in acquiring a copy



if you are unable to provide one for me, could you please advise a new avenue for me to try



as an avid fan of your site i await your reply



highest regards and thanks in advance



chris robson
Catnapper

That's excellent Scorp   and you got a mention in for FilmFlicking too...even better!    
Scorpio

its a an avenue to try, lets just hope it provides some sort of hope for us
Lucifer_666

Brilliant Scorps.. I like it     I hope it works  
Scorpio

well fingers crossed - if no reply or luck i shall try dreamworks and anyone who has reviewed it
Lucifer_666

Great  
Scorpio

Jipdog

Does sound like a damned tasty film. My kind of horror film. Pretty desperate to see it now.
big aundy

brilliant scorps , i should do that with lucas about the new tv series
Scorpio

no reply though  
Lucifer_666

I just listened to this recently ..now i'm not sure how old this recording is but Paranormal Activity director Oren Peli is speaking about his film and he's making out in this that the event is real    i'm wondering is this before it got picked up for the remake by dreamworks and he was looking to do a Blair Witch with it? i just hope Dreamworks don't try that messing now

http://www.dreadcentral.com/media/Oren.mp3
Scorpio

oh my!!!!!!!, thats SO 1990's

LOL
Lucifer_666

 It is ain't it  
Scorpio

Lucifer_666

Good news     ....it looks like 'Paranormal Activity' is not to be remade and will be shown at festivals again...i just want to know when it will get its dvd release    


New 'Paranormal Activity' Trailer







Some will remember that when Paranormal Activity was bought by Dreamworks the producers decided it would be more Hollywood of them to shaft the original on DVD and remake the film with a bigger budget. However......

"DreamWorks, under Paramount, bought it with the intention of remaking it with the original director," Schneider says. "We had test screenings built into the deal, so we could discern what needed to be redone in the remake. But the movie tested so well, they decided that it would be the height of folly to remake a mock-doc-type film with unknown actors."

When Dreamworks' divorced from Paramount PA stayed with Paramount. I think it's quite likely there was a legal dispute between the two studios over Paranormal Activity and that's the reason why the trailers were taken off the net with messages citing copyright issues and perhaps a big reason why this film has taken so goddamn long to be released.

i did hear too that they changed the ending aswell    for gods sake leavew it alone till we see it please  
Catnapper

Yay!! We might get to finally see it    
Lucifer_666

its doing its rounds again in film Festivals across the States so hopefully it will get a full release or put out on a dvd
Catnapper

I'll be buying the dvd...definitely  
Lucifer_666

me too...

apparently its heading to select cinemas now too  
Catnapper

With any luck, the dvd will be out soon too  
Lucifer_666

i'm gutted i thought i got a copy but it was a fake          
Catnapper

What did you end up with Luc?!
Lucifer_666

a link to some survey crap      
Scorpio

well there is still no release date for the UK
Lucifer_666

...its so ridiculous  
Scorpio

shit i'd say
Lucifer_666

well its coming  

All the news services were covering this film yesterday saying how big its becoming ...the Sun says...

Is this the most scary film ever?


Paranormal Activity looks set to be one of the creepiest movies ever, and the trailer uses the bizarre technique of showing the effect it has on its audience.


The viewers at an early screening cower and cling to each other as they watch the movie, written and directed by OREN PELI.


A young couple who have moved into a suburban home begin to film strange phenomena and believe their house is possessed.


Paranormal Activity is released in the UK on November 27.
Scorpio

i just cannot wait for this
Catnapper

November 27th....brilliant    
Scorpio

oh well, we've only waited 2 1/2 years for it.....LOL
Lucifer_666

 at least we will see it..i was starting to worry there  

though another worry..... is it too hyped up now as some have come out apparently saying it wasn't near as good as they thought it would be? hope not  
Catnapper

Let's hope it doesn't have a limited run in selected cinemas over here  

Sometimes the hype is too much Luc....the ad people can go a bit overboard with their descriptions at times!
Scorpio

yes, remember Blair Witch Project - OMFG, that was bad
Lucifer_666

yep i agree with both of you there......  i just hope there is more to it than just the hype of it being apparently real  
Scorpio

i think it'll prove to be a good'un
Lucifer_666

Paranormal Activity: My Review

Paranormal Activity: My Review
I was pre-warned to keep the lights on or at least watch it through the day if possible but above all by no means was I to watch this movie alone! So it is with an air of excitement that can only be described as a big kid knowing he is breaking some rule somewhere that I sat in pure darkness at 3.30am all on my own to view Paranormal Activity.
First off it begins in the same way as 'Blair Witch' with words explaining the 'found footage' premise but it is more or less here where the resemblance ends and in fact I even felt there was no need to even have it in the first place...the film stands on its own and doesn't need to be interpreted or made into a true event/hoax. Its a pretty decent horror in
my opinion but I'm already positive others will disagree as its not your typical gore fest or special effects extravaganza instead its pyschological...a horror which utilises the viewers own imaginations to scare and it does this pretty well....

The acting of the two main characters is also very good in particular Katie Featherston though about a half hour in you start finding Micah a little annoying...an hour later you'll find him infuriating      as he never seems to do the right thing preferring to do or say the things that will freak his girlfriend out the most..... he appears completely oblivious of doing so too.

Did it live up to its hype?? Probably not... but was it ever going to? Yet its still a very good horror movie which left you kind of teasingly dreading the night camera moments..


Its a film that you can watch during the day with a load of mates ready to take the piss and be able to laugh your way through it but do it right in the darkest environment on your own ..or with others who are serious and Paranormal Activity comes into its own as a creepy...its a definitive Halloween night flick.....

There are two versions on the go with different endings....apparently Steven Spielberg after seeing it advised changing the ending to the one I seen....many are saying its better but after reading about the other ending I'd like to see it now

Summing up.... An unquiet atmospheric experience which will leave you rattled
Scorpio

if you have it on disc send me it and i will lend you august underground or snuff 102

mate

Catnapper

It still looks good to me   I wonder if they'll put the alternate ending as a dvd extra?
Lucifer_666

they will put in the alternate ending i reckon ...its a good film you'll enjoy it  
Jipdog

I had read that a private screening for potential distributers for overseas markets, people were leaving half way through. One of the producers feared that they had a turkey on their hands and stopped one of the people leaving and asked if he was leaving because the film was bad and what could they do to change it. The man replied "it's not bad, it's just we're absolutely terrorfied!". Could be a true story, but just as easily a sneaky bit of publicity released to newspapers and websites as a "leak" to pique interest.
Catnapper

I read too that Stephen Spielberg waited till dawn to watch it because he was scared  

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