Chapter 80: Plagiarism?
[Chapter 80: Plagiarism?]
In its fifth week of release, Paranormal Activity raked in $30.28 million across 2,102 screens, bringing its North American box office total to $145 million. Compared to the third and fourth weeks, this week's numbers had noticeably dropped.
On one hand, the film suffered from negative public relations, contributing to the decline in ticket sales. On the other hand, as the film reached its later release stages, the initial buzz wore off; those who enjoyed it had already seen it, and those who didn't were unlikely to show up. A drop in revenue was inevitable.
According to Variety, the film was projected to finish with around $180 million domestically, making it unlikely to break the $200 million mark. If it managed to surpass that milestone, it could very well land in the top three for annual box office records in 1992, possibly even taking the top spot.
If Paranormal Activity became the year's box office champion, dominating all the big blockbusters and classic art films, Hollywood's leading directors and stars would surely be left fuming.
---
"Ha ha ha, Kiefer, Jimmy, check out the box office numbers for Paranormal Activity this week," exclaimed Robert Downey Jr. with excitement as he waved the newspaper in his hand. "According to Variety's analyses, the film's drop this week far exceeded normal expectations. It should've scored between $36 million and $42 million based on typical trends, but thanks to our efforts, it lost over $10 million. Ha ha, Jimmy, remember when you said it was pointless to do this? Do you still feel that way?"
"No, you're right, this does have meaning," Jimmy Rich replied, forcing a smile.
To undermine Paranormal Activity, Robert Downey Jr. had spent over a million dollars creating a barrage of negative press about Link through various media outlets. He had succeeded; the negative coverage significantly hurt the film's box office. However, this approach consumed a lot of his time and resources. It was petty and counterproductive.
Jimmy Rich did not see this as a victory.
"Robert, yesterday at the premiere of A Few Good Men, Tom Cruise said you did a great job and invited you to the party celebrating its box office crossing $100 million," Kiefer Sutherland said with a grin.
"Ha ha, Jimmy, now even Tom Cruise is inviting me to parties! Do you still think this doesn't matter?" Robert Downey Jr. beamed with pride.
"Yeah, it matters," Jimmy Rich nodded.
Though Robert Downey Jr. was a top star in Hollywood, he paled in comparison to the stature and pay of super-star Tom Cruise. Gaining his friendship through undermining Link could be seen as a significant gain.
...
Ding ding ding! The phone on the desk rang, and Jimmy Rich walked over to answer it. As he listened, his brows furrowed, and his expression shifted to one of excitement.
"Jimmy, what is it?" Kiefer Sutherland asked.
"There's big news!" Jimmy quickly rushed to grab a copy of the Los Angeles Times. The headline read, "Paranormal Activity Accused of Plagiarism," with a subtitle stating, "Ms. Tina Worthington, suspect in the Murrieta domestic violence case, accuses director Link of stealing her story."
"Is this for real?" Robert Downey Jr. exclaimed in surprise.
As he continued reading, the article detailed two cases.
...
The first involved a murder that occurred over two months prior in Murrieta, California. Tina Worthington, after suffering from domestic violence at the hands of her husband, shot him seven times in his sleep. Following the incident, Tina was arrested by the police and subsequently charged with murder.
During her first court appearance, she claimed it was not intentional; she alleged that she had acted unconsciously and had drawn her weapon in a sleepwalking state. Her defense attorney argued that, due to her mental state, her actions could be classified as manslaughter rather than murder. They presented her medical records and a list of medications she had been taking.
Tina had undergone two failed in vitro fertilization attempts the previous year, which left her struggling with depression and anxiety. During her treatment, she had exhibited symptoms of dissociation and sleepwalking. The defense contended that after enduring domestic violence, her mental health had deteriorated further. Under these circumstances, it was plausible and reasonable to believe she could have shot her husband while sleepwalking.
The case captured widespread media attention due to the sensational nature of its content. It sparked debates across America, questioning whether Tina relied on her husband's abuse as a defense. Believers in her side rallied for acquittal.
However, many male readers argued for strict scrutiny of Tina's mental health. If it turned out she had been malingering, then it would be crucial to hold her accountable. Their apprehension centered around the fear that acquitting her might set a precedent, leading other women to use similar defenses to escape consequences.
With the media in a frenzy, by the time the second trial arrived, numerous outlets showed up to cover the event. During the proceedings, the defense counsel submitted new evidence -- a videotape. They claimed it was footage Tina had shot in her bedroom, following her therapist's advice to document her daily life to better understand her condition.
The defense also accused Guess Pictures and director Link of using Tina's personal recordings without permission, editing them into Paranormal Activity. After the film's release, Tina had attempted to contact Guess Pictures for compensation but was turned down. The defense demanded $100 million in damages.
As the defense attorney spoke, the audience nearly erupted with excitement. Paranormal Activity was one of the hottest films in North America; any news about it was bound to make headlines. Now, this blockbuster was entangled in a murder case and a plagiarism lawsuit, turning into an incredibly complex legal drama.
The news was shockingly significant.
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