Paranormal Activity (2007)

Horror, Mystery, Thriller |.

Paranormal Activity is a American supernatural horror film produced, written, directed, photographed and edited by Oren Peli. It centers on a young couple who are haunted by a supernatural presence in their home. They then set up a camera to document what is haunting them. The film utilizes found-footage conventions that were mirrored in the later films of the series.

Originally developed as an independent feature and given film festival screenings in 2007, the film was shot for $15,000. It was then acquired by Paramount Pictures and modified, particularly with a new ending that cost an additional total of $200,000. It was given a limited U.S. release on September 25, 2009, and then a nationwide release on October 16, 2009. The film earned nearly $108 million at the U.S. box office and a further $85 million internationally for a worldwide total of $193 million. Paramount/DreamWorks acquired the U.S. rights for $350,000. It is the most profitable film ever made, based on return on investment, although such figures are difficult to verify independently as this is likely to exclude marketing costs.

In 2006, Katie and Micah, a young couple, move to a new house in San Diego. Katie claims an evil presence has been haunting her since she was a child, so Micah sets up a camera in their bedroom to record any paranormal activity that occurs while they sleep. A famous psychic, Dr. Fredrichs, who reveals that Katie is being haunted by a demon that feeds off the negative energy and is intent on tormenting Katie, advises them not to communicate with the demon and to contact demonologist Dr. Johann Averies if needed. Katie seems interested, but Micah does not take this seriously.

Director: Oren Peli

Writer: Oren Peli

Stars: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Mark Fredrichs

Cast:

Katie Featherston	…	Katie
Micah Sloat	…	Micah
Mark Fredrichs	…	Psychic
Amber Armstrong	…	Amber
Ashley Palmer	…	Diane
Crystal Cartwright	…	Exorcism Nanny (uncredited)
Spencer Marks	…	Dr. Johann Averies (uncredited)
Randy McDowell	…	Lt. Randy Hudson (uncredited)
James Piper	…	Richard (uncredited)

Sources: imdb & wikipedia