Funny, for me “pretended depth were there was none” is an almost perfect summary of Martyrs. I do like Berberian Sound Studio and Black Swan though I feel both wear their influences too clearly.

I must say that is a very unfair assessment of Paranormal Activity - the furniture was perfectly likeable. You’re right about the characters though...

Absolutely with you on this. Worst of all, it was utterly pretentious; a gore flick with delusions of profundity.