Paranormal Activity - 2009

Paranormal Activity is hitting screens in many countries, and making viewers apparently leave their seats. Not because they're bored, but in actual fact, because they're too scared to continue to stay and watch any more.

The movie was filmed in just seven days before writer-director Oren Peli submitted it to Screamfest. Once submitted, it caught the attention of several people, and eventually ended up in the hands of Paramount Pictures.

The film has 5 cast members, 3 main filmmakers and an incredibly low budget. Shot in the same way as The Blair Witch Project, the camera man was in fact the actor Micah Sloat.

The film follows the story of a young couple living together in a nice house, but Katie (played by Katie Featherston) has been hearing strange noises, whispers and footsteps during the night. The movie starts with her boyfriend Micah (Micah Sloat) telling her he's bought the camera to capture it on tape for proof.

The static shots during the night are a contrast to the shaky hands shots that are used in the day. During these shots, we see the bedroom and hallway beyond, and hear the noises and footsteps that haunt Katie's sleep.

As the movie progresses, it slowly gets worse, which Katie insists is due to Micah constantly intimidating whatever has been plaguing her. After a visit from a psychic, they are told this is not a regular ghost, but in actual fact, a demon.

The whole movie builds up the tension, and as they hear and see more unexplainable events, not only are they being driven mad, but also being driven apart and are in danger of being kicked out of college and losing their jobs.

The movie has three alternative endings, the longest of the three being the most popular. The shortest and most gruesome was the original ending, but was changed to what was thought to be a more suitable ending.

After watching it alone, it is possible that people should heed the warning of not watching it by yourself.