[Chapter 93: Fortune Smiles Again]
As Link had anticipated, the dentist "death case" in Fowler County, New York, captured significant attention after being reported by CNN and USA Today. This wasn't the first incident; it was the third.
A film was involved in death cases one after another.
What did this mean? It suggested that Paranormal Activity wasn't your typical horror flick. Originally unsettling, the spate of untimely fatalities made it even more chilling. Major outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, Hollywood Reporter, and American Forum jumped in with coverage.
Some reported the facts straightforwardly. Others sensationalized the supernatural elements of Paranormal Activity, deliberately linking the three deaths to paranormal phenomena, transforming the situation into something even more bizarre. Amongst these outlets, World News Weekly was particularly zealous.
...
In an effort to capitalize on the buzz, the magazine rushed to release a special issue, boldly asserting that the malevolent spirit depicted in Paranormal Activity was real. They claimed that not only three but a total of 28 people had died due to the film's supernatural entity.
World News Weekly provided a thorough list of the deceased's identities, along with their dates of death and causes, noting that all 28 had watched Paranormal Activity before their untimely ends. The magazine included exclusive interviews with three paranormal researchers, who detailed the origins of ghosts and highlighted past notorious ghost-related murders that shared similarities with the "Paranormal Activity murders."
Through the voices of these scholars, the magazine aimed to convince its audience that the spirits in Paranormal Activity were indeed real and highly contagious. They warned viewers that after watching the film, there was a considerable chance they might be targeted by these ghosts, possibly followed home.
The researchers advised that ghosts thrived on negative emotions. To avoid harm, they suggested maintaining a positive mood and engaging in joyful activities. Visitors to the theaters were strongly cautioned against letting negativity weigh them down; otherwise, they might unwittingly invite danger.
The final page of World News Weekly contained a supplementary article discussing the "world's banned song," Gloomy Sunday, penned in 1933, which described the sorrow of a lover lost and the desire for self-harm following that loss. The song was so haunting that over 130 people reportedly committed suicide after hearing it within a decade of its release.
In 1936, Time magazine reported this news, causing an international uproar. Subsequently, numerous countries banned Gloomy Sunday, branding it a "worldwide banned song."
By invoking this story, World News Weekly aimed to illustrate that like Gloomy Sunday, Paranormal Activity could lead to tragic outcomes and should likewise be prohibited around the globe.
...
Following the magazine's release, 350,000 copies sold across North America within three days.
This incident stirred major controversy in America, dubbed the "Paranormal Activity Murder Case." Many citizens protested to the American Movie Theatre Association and the government, demanding the film be pulled from theaters. In relatively conservative regions such as Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, over 100,000 individuals initiated a petition to ban the film from local cinemas.
Several city council members voiced their support for the public's demands, recommending that Paranormal Activity be withdrawn early. Although the film's removal from theaters would affect Link minimally, it had heavier consequences for the cinema chains. They were reluctant to forgo such a lucrative opportunity but couldn't ignore public outcry.
After negotiations, the major theater chains jointly issued a statement. Starting the following week, the number of theaters screening Paranormal Activity would be reduced from 1,217 to 665 locations. To ensure audience safety, they advised theaters to monitor attendance, recommending a minimum of 30 patrons per screening to maintain the film's unsettling atmosphere.
Audience groups were encouraged to attend with friends, preferably in groups of two or more. Theaters were asked to enhance safety measures, assigning at least two staff members or medical personnel during showings to handle possible emergencies. Additionally, the chains issued another warning: due to the film's intense nature, those with hypertension or heart conditions were advised against watching it.
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"Ha! Link's luck has to run out sometime. Cutting half the cinemas means he'll end up losing millions," Bob Weinstein of Miramax pointed out while chuckling at the article.
Harvey Weinstein, also reading the paper, wore a serious expression. "What's wrong? Isn't this good news?"
Bob furrowed his brow, confused. Though Paranormal Activity had done well, the repercussions on Miramax's films were not negligible. A growing Guess Pictures was not welcome news for them. Moreover, the current massive success of Paranormal Activity meant Link had made a significant fortune, fueling plenty of jealousy in Hollywood.
Seeing Link's predicament felt like pure joy for those who envied him, akin to enjoying ice cream on a hot summer day.
Harvey stroked his stubbled chin. "Could this be a conspiracy?"
"A conspiracy?" Bob replied, puzzled.
"Think back to the Murrieta murder a few weeks ago; everyone thought Link was in trouble. But in reality, it was a well-crafted marketing scheme that enriched him by tens of millions. Now the film is winding down, and these sudden reports of deaths tied to Paranormal Activity have only amplified its mystique and discussion. It suddenly sounds like another marketing move to me," Harvey said.
"That's impossible! Link's not crazy enough to kill people for publicity!" Bob interjected.
"No, Link's not to be underestimated. Until the facts come out, don't overlook him," Harvey's eyes narrowed.
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After Guess Pictures and the cinema chains issued their statement, Hollywood insiders predicted that Paranormal Activity's box office would suffer, leading to Link losing millions. But the results were surprising.
Following the release restrictions, curiosity grew among those who hadn't seen the film. Many new viewers flocked to theaters to satisfy their intrigue. Previous viewers, seeking thrills, purposely chose less crowded showings. Some even started a contest to see who was braver, all while capturing their experiences on video and sharing them with Guess Pictures in hopes of being featured on television.
These factors contributed to a surge in Paranormal Activity's box office during its tenth week. Revenue jumped from $11.35 million to $15.03 million, accumulating $276 million across North America. Media outlets speculated that the film might even surpass the $300 million mark, outpacing blockbusters like Home Alone, Batman, and Terminator 2 to become the highest-grossing film in the past five years.
...
Such predictions drove many industry professionals insane. They had invested millions to make their films, only to see a $20,000 horror movie outdo them at the box office. It all felt terribly unjust. Many filmmakers expressed open hostility during interviews, citing their resentment toward Link.
Renowned critic Sean Soph of the Los Angeles Times called Link a "disruptor" of Hollywood's market order, labeling him an insatiable "devourer" and an "opportunist" who resorted to any means for publicity.
Last month's linking of the Murrieta murder case as a promotional strategy and utilizing these death incidents only underscored his heartlessness.
Dustin Hoffman remarked in an interview that movie marketing should have a degree of restraint, unlike the excessive methods some of his colleagues employed. Tom Cruise praised Link as an outstanding businessman, expressing a wish to collaborate one day.
Conversely, during an appearance on Saturday Night Live, Robert Downey Jr. disdainfully termed audiences duped into watching Paranormal Activity as foolish.
Despite all the criticism, Link had no way to rebut. The "movie murder incident" series might not connect directly to him, but thanks to the film's surge in ticket sales, he became an unwitting benefactor. There was no option to dodge the blame entirely.
To clarify matters, Link accepted an invitation to step back into TNT to appear on the latest episode of Billy's Movie Show.
*****
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