The Blair Witch Project

Starring: Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard
Directed by: Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sanchez II
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Box Office: $140,539,099
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Three student filmmakers travel into the woods in Maryland to film a documentary about the fabled Blair Witch... they disappear. This is their footage.

Review:

Tim: This film revolutionized the low-budget blockbuster. That being said, I honestly have never come across a single lay movie watcher who actually liked this movie. And, I can't understand that, because this is a terrific movie! I mean, this was a movie that cost just $40,000 to make. It made over $130 million at the box office. It has to be one of the greatest success stories ever told. Its amazing.

That being said, much of the film depends on its success to scare the audience. I believe many people hate this film because they claim it wasn't scary. I understand that point- you don't actually "see" anything. However, that is also the film's strongest point- it actually instills some fear because of the fear of the three filmmakers in the movie. It doesn't matter that you weren't scared- they were... and that makes all the difference in the world.

The Blair Witch Project spends most of its time trying to prove its a documentary. This might not seem that appealing, but its actually interesting. As the film goes on and strange happenings occur around the camp, the trio of actors descend into their own fear. It is fascinating to watch how fear, weariness, and frustration break people down. This film isn't so much about the Blair Witch, but the effects that fear can have on isolated and scared people.

The best aspect of this film is how creepy it is. I believe it is scary if you imagine yourself in the woods and you woke up to find strange stick figures set up around camp, or a pile of rocks. As something taunts the filmmakers, you too are taunted and join them in their fear.

Whether or not you understand the amazing qualities of this film, you simply have to see it. It's one of the recent monumental achievements in filmmaking. And, even better, despite what everyone says, its a great, great movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, Deliverance, Halloween