The Blair Witch Project - A Retrospective

I'm sure if you're here then you've seen The Blair Witch Project. If not, then this retrospective might give you information enough to help you decide you need to see it. And, as a horror fan, I do insist this is need and not want.

The Blair Witch Project was released in 1999, but prior to being screened a documentary was shown on the Sci-Fi channel (Curse of the Blair Witch), that sold the film as being completely real, true and factual. The legend was thus created for this documentary-style horror film (which is of course completely fictional).

The concept story behind the movie is that some tape reels were found - effectively the film - that show the disappearance of three teens who were making a film on a local legend, the eponymous 'Blair Witch'.

The film starts off with the kids mouching around, talking to locals, planning their trip into the Pine Barrens etc. Then, they go... And all manner of high strangeness starts taking place before one of the most iconic, terrifying finale sequences of any film.

It's been noted by many critics that there are a few reasons why the film is so successful in creating a high tension atmosphere:
1) It's filmed as if it's really happening directly in front of you
2) The DV-style handheld footage adds to the intimate feel, likewise the frequence pieces directly to the camera
3) The way in which the three leads gradually lose all sense of human spirit as their fear increases steadily
4) There's a definite play on the idea that things are 'out there' in the wild - unknown, unknowable things

There's no doubt that The Blair Witch project is not for everybody. You really do have to invest heavily, unlike perhaps a lot of 'popcorn' films when you can just sit there and let it wash over you. Take the time and emotional investment though and you'll receive great rewards in the form of a film that is really unlike anything else.

Everything from [REC] to Cloverfield and the upcoming Paranormal Activity (I'm sure this will be bloody brilliant!) owe a big debt to The Blair Witch Project and I can say that I'm a big fan.

**** 4/5