The creative risks pay off.

Rating: 7/10 (15 June 2003)

Sometimes I can't help but believe that people who claim that this film is "not scary at all" are really just resentful of how boldly the makers of the film broke the rules. Not ever seeing the evil in a film is much more shocking than any visible form that evil could take. I believe that an attempt to show us the Blair Witch, regardless of how inventive and disturbing this portrayal would have been, would have hurt the film. The makers of The Blair Witch Project rely on the imagination of the viewer to contribute to the true horror of the film. Is it presumptuous of me to suggest that those who don't find this movie frightening lack the insides that make real fear possible?
Another complaint I don't understand is that the acting is bad; I thought the performances were excellent. The Heather Donahue monologue that imbeciles have been so eager to parody is astounding. The detail of showing the mucus on Donahue's tear-stained face is strikingly honest - and woefully underappreciated.
Finally, I will admit that it is highly improbable that one would make sure to bring a camera when fleeing for one's life. Here is a definite technical flaw. But when compared to the towering creative merits of this film, such a problem seems pretty insignificant. It does to me, at least.