Horror Film Analysis - Paranormal Activity

paranormal activity is set in a normal household in a neighbourhood, this makes the audience relate to their situation and feel as though this could happen to them, this makes it scarier and it is more realistic. is also looks very realistic and like real footage because it is filmed as though the camera is being hand held and this gives the film a more dramatic feel to the shot. this also emphasise the feeling that it could happen to anyone, making the audience feel more involved and more vulnerable. this type of filming would be achievable for our final idea as it does not require allot of equipment and is therefore lower budget making it easier for us to achieve.


throughout the film when the paranormal activity is happening there is allot of door slamming, footsteps, creaking noises and lampshades moving, this would also be achievable for us and with the right editing could look really effective. during the film there are lots of noises added in synchronous sound, this makes the film more jumpy and scarier for the audience.


during the film there are many long takes, this builds suspense for the audience and puts them on the edge of their seat, this is important to create a good horror film. some scenes are cut out and shortened throughout the film, this keeps up the pace when there is action happening and makes it more gripping and interesting for the audience. this is also mixed with some sequence shots, this makes it interesting as you see exactly what is going on and this makes it seem more lifelike, this goes well with the home made film as there is not normally editing in homade films.