Correspondent (Film)
In 2007, the things-that-go-bump-in-the-night horror Paranormal Activity made waves everywhere. Trailers showed night-vision clips of cinema goers hiding behind their popcorn and critics described it as “hair raising and chilling” (The Guardian) and “genuinely frightening” (Empire).
A mockumentary in the style of The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity was produced on an estimated budget of only $15,000 — mere pennies in comparison to other horrors. Grossing more than $107 million at the US Box Office, Paranormal Activity is one of the most profitable films of all time and was both a commercial and critical success.
What started as a simple haunted house plot line in the first film has escalated throughout the sequels. The fourth instalment has left us piecing together various plot pieces including demonic possession and symbolism, witchcraft and human sacrifice. Unfortunately for Paramount Pictures, their box office takings have not similarly spiralled, instead decreasing steadily with each sequel. Indeed Paranormal Activity 4 brought in less than half that of the first movie. The films were beginning to disappoint critics as well, with the announcement of each new instalment bringing about the same sense of foreboding as the Saw franchises’ later offerings.
So for Paramount to announce not one but two Paranormal Activity movies for next year is something of a surprise move. The first, set for release in January, is to be a spin-off from the original, and now quite complex, storyline entitled ‘Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones.’ The second, to be released in time for Halloween, brings us back on track as a straight-up sequel, aptly named ‘Paranormal Activity 5.’
At this stage plot details are scarce, except that The Marked Ones is to be something along the lines of a Church enquiry into possession. This change of direction from the original saga makes this spin-off initially appear more interesting, though it must be careful not to fall into the trap of The Exorcist-wannabe clichéd exorcism scenes. When it comes to the true sequel one dreads to think where Paranormal Activity 5 will take us.
By the 4th film, the writers had resorted to cheap scares – random loud thumps and inexplicable bangs – that are miles away from the sophisticated level of butt-clenching tension produced in the first film. The whole thing stinks of a franchise that have got so caught up in rinsing every penny from these low-cost, high-margin films that they have forgotten what made the first film such a success.
And perhaps that is the rationale behind a dual movie release next year. Part 5, the sequel, will continue to plunder the good ship Paranormal Activity, churning through various branches of the demons/witchcraft/sacrifice plot lines and spitting out a movie that is OK, but importantly still profitable. At the same time, The Marked Ones, the spin-off, will bring about a fresh chance to explore (slightly) new themes and ideas, whilst still using the franchise label to help out with viewing figures.
It is speculation, of course. But there is only so far this ship can go before running out of steam and unless Paramount brings in some new ideas sharpish, that is going to be sooner rather than later.
That said, I will need a volunteer to hold my hand at the cinema come January.
Image Courtesy: ropeofsilicon.com ; giltzway.com
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