Essay on Paranormal Activity 3

Following the other 2 paranormal films, Paranormal Activity 3 is interpretation of a ‘real life’ everyday environment, which seemingly gets distorted by the influence of poltergeists and paranormal sprits and events. Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman made in 2011, this film, unlike the other 2, is based in 1988 and takes a look at what cases the paranormal activity within the previous 2 films. This enables the audience to already feel a connection with the two main characters, Katie and Christy, and therefore, to some extent sympathize with them. This relationship also allows the audience to then make assumptions throughout the film themselves, though the film still does not fail to shock its audience.

To begin with it could be argued that this film follows Todorov’s narrative structure perfectly, however it takes its own spin on things towards the end of the film. At the beginning of the film a clear equilibrium is set, and the audience is able to relate to the recap of the previous two films. This recap allows the audience to know that the children we see are actually the adults in the previous films, since it takes a step back in time. The first footage we see this time shift is seemingly of Katie’s birthday party; the typical home footage you would relate to any normal, American, suburban family. This is known as the equilibrium. However, in this equilibrium, the audience is made aware of Katie’s younger sister, Christy, taking to ‘herself’, which we later find out to be the poltergeist named ‘Toby’. It could be argued that there was in fact no equilibrium in the first place. Following this there is a disruption to the calm; which could be the first glimpse of the spirit during the earthquake. In addition to this, Christy alerts her mother that she cannot tell her any of ‘Toby’s’ secrets or she will be in trouble. This not only alerts the mother but also in fact alerts the audience that Toby is an evil spirit. This not only makes the characters inside the film aware of the disruption, but more importantly involves the audience as well. The recognition of this is when the characters set up all of the cameras, and continuous paranormal events occur. According to Todorov’s theory, following the recognition is the attempt to repair the disruption, however this does not really happen within Paranormal Activity 3, since the spirit in fact defeats the mother and step father, and takes over the innocent minds of Katie and Christy. This is ultimately the new equilibrium.

Since Paranormal Activity is seemingly part of a sequel of films, to an extent, the audience expects it to follow the codes and conventions of the previous films. For examples, all films use ‘home filmed’ footages, which seemingly makes it more realistic and believable to the audience. This also makes it easier to scare the audience, since there is no real use of music build up that is often evident within other horror, therefore each paranormal event is very abrupt and is therefore very jumpy. However, unlike typical horror films, in all of the Paranormal Activity films, including Paranormal Activity 3, the evil spirit seems to be victorious in the end, leading the audience to feel very uneasy at the end of the film. This is created a daunting feeling since the use of home-made footage makes it feel like the events are in fact following a true story.

Along with following the similar conventions of the previous films, Paranormal Activity 3 also has to follow similar technical conventions which are used generally among horror films. The use of home-made footage makes the plot seem more realistic, therefore when there is a ‘jump’ the audience is able to be shocked more effectively. The final scene is also set in darkness, therefore the surrounding and sounds all are incorporated to create fear to the audience. Along with this there is an effective use of low key lighting and motivated lighting through the use of the handheld camera, which once again makes the film seem more realistic overall.

Within the history of horror, Paranormal Activity 3 doesn’t have a specific space, though it could be argued that it follows the conventions of the 1960’s obsession with Satanism, and therefore the influence of paranormal forces and activities. Although this is the case, ghost stories have become more popular within the 21^st century, following the likes of The Others and the Paranormal Activity films.

Since the film holds such as twist at the end, it is difficult to fit into Propps theory of character roles, since not all roles are used up. The film includes an obvious villain, Toby the paranormal force; though at the end of the film it could be argued that the Grandmother is also the villain, since she forces the children to team up with the evil itself. Also, she kills the children Mother, her own daughter, along with their step father as well. These two characters could be seen as the heroes throughout the film; however, unlike typical film conventions, both of the characters are murdered, therefore the theory is not relevant within this film.

In terms of binary opposition, there is a clear divide within Paranormal Activity 3. The audience is able to relate with the good, who is seemingly the natural, or in fact humans, against the evil who is Toby, the supernatural spirit. This relates to Strauss’ theory, however, the twist in the end means we also fear the Grandmother, who is a human, and therefore twists the theory itself.

In conclusion I feel that Paranormal Activity doesn’t follow all conventions religiously, unlike other films, and takes its own twist on the genre itself. I feel that this works effectively in order to create suspense and fear within the film itself. The audience is able to relate with the characters, due to the home made footage, which allows them to think about footage they may have made themselves.

Paranormal Activity 3 Trailer