Horror
|
1977
|
United States
Director:
David Lynch
Starring:
Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph, Jeanne Bates
Distribution:
Libra Films / American Film Institute
Platform:
Criterion Channel, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video
Budget:
$10,000
Gross:
$7,000,000
ROI:
700×
You don’t need big stars or gear — you need tension, timing, and a story people talk about. Peli shot this entirely in his home with a consumer camcorder and built terror from atmosphere. The film’s viral word-of-mouth campaign redefined how indie horror could reach audiences.
Spawned a billion-dollar franchise, revived found-footage horror, and proved that creative storytelling can outperform CGI-heavy blockbusters. A landmark example for filmmakers on how to leverage simplicity and authenticity into massive profit.
⭐ IMDB:
/ 10
📊
+
Audience Ratings
Its haunting visuals, bizarre sound design, and dreamlike logic captured the imagination of art and horror fans alike, spreading through word-of-mouth and midnight screenings.
David Lynch created it over five years for roughly $10,000, shooting primarily on borrowed sets at the American Film Institute.
It’s available on the Criterion Channel, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
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