Horror
is almost a dead movie genre. The 90s has only seen a few notable films that show
an innovative dose of terror--In The Mouth Of Madness, Lord Of Illusions, Hellraiser
III, and New Nightmare come to mind.
A
few years back, Kevin Williamson was credited with rejuvenating the horror genre
with the Scream series (Part 3 is due out this Christmas). I enjoyed both of those
pictures, but aspiring filmmakers Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez have taken
the genre to new heights with their new mockumentary, The Blair Witch Project.
Back
in 1994, three documentary filmmakers went into the woods of Burkittsville, Maryland
to get the scoop on a local legend. Five days later, they disappeared without
a trace, but the footage they shot was recovered.
This
is as innovative as horror films get. Shot on a shoestring budget, the filmmakers
aren't interested in showing you blood, guts, and digitally made monsters. Instead,
they are interested in putting you right in the middle of the terrifying action
and setting a gloomy tone that you won't soon forget.
Myrick
and Sanchez have rounded up an impressive cast of newcomers as well. As these
three energetic twentysomethings find themselves reduced to panic-stricken, screaming
victims, you'll be right there with them. The low budget quality of the film and
the shakey, hand-held camera movements only add to the effectiveness of this scary
thrill ride--bringing to mind the Demon POV shots in Sam Raimi's Evil Dead. These
two young directors should be commended for putting horror back into the horror
genre. They are obviously directors who have a passion for it. They know that
what you don't see is far more terrifying than anything a special effects company
can put onto the screen.
The
Blair Witch Project caused quite a stir at this years Sundance Film Festival.
In fact, it was the talk of the town and after watching it, I can see why. The
film offers no explanations--just a journey into pure terror. It's a highly innovative
and atmospheric horror film that succeeds on every level.
