I’ve been wanting to see Paranormal Activity since hearing about it months ago. First off, I love horror films that actually incite fear. Second, I enjoy seeing films that work. This helps me in my story-telling and in my craft. A film is a story, even if the medium is completely different than novels. Since I’ve been writing in the supernatural thriller vein for a while, I’ve taken more notice of notable horror films.
If you haven’t heard by now, Paranormal Activity cost $15,000 to make and has earned 62 million so far. It’s gotten an amazing amount of hype. I saw it last night, and the sucker really freaked me out.
Here are a few thoughts on why I feel it works:
WE CARE. The characters are real and establish themselves well enough so that we as viewers care. Oh, sure, the characters might be annoying and might choose to do things we’d never do, but I still think they do a good job being authentic and making us cheer for them.
WE’RE CURIOUS. Something is happening in the house and we want to know what it is. We remain curious to see what’s going to happen, how it’s going to get worse, how it’s going to end.
BALANCE. It’s not all 100% terror. This movie is a slow build. There is some comic relief that allows us to take a breath and relax. It’s a roller coaster ride, balancing the slower moments with the terror.
BELIEF. I believed what was happening. And for me, once I really knew the truth, that became even more terrifying. The filmmakers did a good job making it feel honest and believable.
WHAT’S BEHIND THE DOOR? Writers want their readers to be curious about what’s going to happen next. In this case, we’re literally wondering what’s being the door. In a very simplistic way, the film makes us dread what’s coming next.
LEFT TO OUR IMAGINATION. This is where the movie sucked me in. There is so much that’s left to our imagination in this movie. That’s how an effective storyteller can scare us so much by showing us so little. This is something I’m continuing to learn as I work on my craft at telling spooky stories. Less is often more.
GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT. The slow-build of this movie ends with quite a bang. Enough so that when people are walking out, they’re going to talk about it. I doubt many people going to see the latest SAW installment will do the same.
Every story has been told, in one sense. As storytellers, we need to find ways to deliver stories in a fresh and unique way. I’m a fan of Paranormal Activity and love the simple yet spell-binding way they told this haunted house story.
Well I was curious about the movie before but now I really want to see it! Thank you for sharing!
I love this post Travis. And I agree with your points. This things are a most – at least in the suspense/thriller genre. I haven't seen the movie yet. But I will.
I also am thinking about seeing The Fourth Kind. Have you heard about it?
Thanks Michelle and Todd. And Todd–I have seen the trailer for The Fourth Kind. It showed before PA. Looks pretty cool and quite disturbing. Will keep my eyes open for reviews on that! Let me know if you go see it.
My 14-year old son and his friends loved Paranormal Activities. They were creeped out. I think your summary of the thematic elements of the movie–althogh I have not seen it myself–are dead on. Your Ghostwriter is similar, with caring about characters, crescendo storyline, permitting the reader's imagination (the one time when "don't tell, show" might not apply?) to create the creature. Great to see that your Broken has had your final edit and is off to the publisher.