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Next 'Blair Witch Project'?

Israeli directs newest US horror hit

Oren Peli's 'Paranormal Activity', created with just $15,000, rakes in $7 million dollars at box office

A low-budget film by an Israeli director is making a huge splash in movie theaters throughout the US.

 

'Paranormal Activity', a film created by Oren Peli with just $15,000, was first shown at the Screamfest horror film festival in October 2007. It was recently purchased by Paramount and screened at a number of small theaters during midnight shows.


Inspired by director's fears: 'Paranormal Activity'

 

But the movie's big break came this weekend when, after having been screened at just 159 theaters, it succeeded in raking in $7 million at the box office.

 

Peli, who moved to the US when he was 19, said the film was inspired by odd occurrences around the home that spark fear. "I think a lot of people can relate to the question of what happens in the home while we sleep, when we're most vulnerable," he said.

 

The film has already been likened to another low-budget horror movie, 'The Blair Witch Project', which made a surprising breakthrough a decade ago. Peli's movie is similar in style – it too was filmed as a faux amateur documentary.

 

Paramount considered filming the movie over with a proper budget, but 'Paranormal Activity' was so successful left as-is that the production company decided to make only a few minor adjustments.

 

The decision proved wise by the large turnout of moviegoers, as well as the reviews. "Oren Peli's movie from nowhere owes much to 'The Blair Witch Project', and, OK, suffers by comparison. But make no mistake, this potent frightfest will fry your nerves and creep you out big time without spending a dime on obvious special effects," says Peter Travers of Rolling Stone Magazine.

 


פרסום ראשון: 10.18.09, 07:29
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