Release date: July 16, 1999
[EDITOR'S NOTE: I have seen this movie and it kicks all ass -- look for a review this issue. However, the film plays best when you know as little about the making of it as possible; be forewarned.]
WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? Ultra-low-budget Sundance discovery is the most terrifying and original horror film to come along in years, if not one of the best ever.
THE CAST
HEATHER DONAHUE: Relative unknown with past credits in musical comedy and theater.
JOSHUA LEONARD: Another unknown with past experience in theater.
MICHAEL WILLIAMS: See above.
Also notable: all three actors were chosen for their improvisational abilities, and refer to themselves by their given names throughout the film. The actors also had to sign a contract regarding the psychological aftereffects of making the film.
THE CREW
EDUARDO SANCHEZ: A Cuban-born grad of the University of Central Florida, the talented (and way fine) Sanchez claims Blair Witch as his first major film. Sanchez directed, wrote and edited Blair Witch with partner Daniel Myrick. Sanchez also writes the kick-ass Haxan Films newsletter, where you can find out the latest Blair Witch gossip. Visit his personal website at http://160.79.201.101/FREEBUS/freebusmilken.htm.
DANIEL MYRICK: A Florida native and a University of Florida grad, Myrick first collaborated with Sanchez on several student films back in their college days. Myrick's personal website is at http://home.earthlink.net/~stickman7/.
OTHER
The Blair Witch Project was snapped up by Artisan films during the Sundance film festival, and will be released in major cities July 16th and to a larger market July 30th.
THE PREMISE: Genuinely chilling mock-documentary involves three young filmmakers journeying into the woods to research the legend of the Blair Witch -- only to find themselves lost and hungry by day and terrified by unseen visitations by night.
GOSSIP and USELESS FACTS:
- The film was written more in the editing room than in script; consisting almost entirely of improv with large portions shot by the cast with hand-held cameras, The Blair Witch Project took shape only when Sanchez and Myrick cut down over 18 hours of footage.
- Blair Witch was shot in Seneca Creek State Park near where Sanchez grew up in Maryland.
- Inspired by such classic supernatural/psychological horror films as The Exorcist, The Shining, and The Omen as well as documentaries on paranormal phenomenon.
- There's a cool-ass article about The Blair Witch Project in the latest issue of FANGORIA, which you should buy if for no other reason than to gaze at Sarah's name in the masthead. ;)
LINKS:
Official Blair Witch Project Site
A & E's The Blair Witch Project Fanatic's Guide.
Haxan Films
The Blair Warner Project
