Where did Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity succeed where other films of the same genre failed?

They both were fairly original in their approach to film making and were well scripted and directed. 1, 2, 3 combination for a successful film.

@Cruiser Blair Witch wasn’t scripted at all. That film had actors acting, in character, to directed events, but it was all improv and had no written script.
I didn’t see ParaAct, but Blair Witch and Cloverfield were both terrific in how they got your interest before beginning the event. There was also a lot of early humor, before the scary parts. I think both movies are remarkable.

@filmfann You are correct in that there was not a dialogue script but they did have a pretty indepth shooting script that contained direction of what was going to be said. I just love this movie by the fact that they did this with so little in such a short period of time. I also liked the fact that they knew going into this that it would be a great movie. Very impressive movie making feat to do what they did and how they did it.

The close ups of the quivering snot dangles from the kids’ noses as they shuddered and cried.~

I hated Blair Witch, the most over hyped piece of crap I ever saw

@RareDenver I’m sure you are not the only one who thinks that but crap or no crap, it had legs on the box office here and abroad so the factors that made that happen interests me and trying to figure what those are in comparison to those which failed.

For that genre, I think it’s due to not showing much of anything or not explaining all that much but still making you all freaked out by watching it. Granted, PA showed a bit more than BWP, but as you might remember, whatever it is you see, nothing is ever proven. It’s only ever implied, no matter how much truth the viewers are shown. But enough is shown through freaky endings or much camera recordings to disallow your imagination from totally taking over. The element of balance is well strung, and it helps when you have believable characters that are all someone you know in real life.

I think many other attempts fail because they show too much outrageous bullshit that ruins the entire target of realism. And sometimes they show fuckall, which just makes it boring. I can watch people in real life being afraid of something any day, thanks. The right establishment of atmosphere and realism is the key, or so I personally think, and many miss it by a mile, usually do to wanting to employ the Hollywood tactic of OMG.

Some people think those movies are boring though. And I can understand why, up to a point. But that kinda proves what I’m saying even more. XD

And if you like the genre, you should check out Cookers. It’s a bit flashier and dramatic, but it most certainly works.