As a genre, horror is unique because -- unlike action, which is universal across the board -- horror can scare some but not everyone. As a result, sub-genres have been created that range from paranormal to thriller to slasher to more grotesque examples like body horror. But no matter the type of horror, there's likely something for everyone to be scared of. This even applies to pioneers of the genre like author Stephen King, who was too spooked to finish the film upon his first viewing of The Blair Witch Project.
Stephen King is a revolutionary author in the horror genre responsible for such classics as Carrie, The Shining, IT and Misery. He has explored some of the most unique corners of horror and touches on nearly every sub-genre that makes it up. With each entry, he shows that even the most outlandish concepts, like a shapeshifting clown, can evoke genuine terror in readers. But what makes a film like The Blair Witch Project so terrifying to a master of horror like King, and does his reaction speak for the film itself?
Why Stephen King Deemed the Blair Witch Project Too Scary
An article from Slashfilm explored King's experience with the film following a particularly dangerous accident where a vehicle hit him as he was taking a walk. King experienced his own horrors as his injuries were so extensive he nearly lost his leg. Thankfully, he returned to his passion in full force and was able to keep his leg following the injury. After the real horrors of his situation subsided, he was introduced to The Blair Witch Project. His son had brought the film to his room, and although King was dosed with painkillers, he was able to see enough of the film to know that he couldn't finish it, telling his son, "'Turn it off. It's too freaky."
Is The Blair Witch Project Really That Scary
The Blair Witch Project is a found footage film that follows a group of filmmakers hiking in the forest to look for the Blair Witch. Their adventure begins harmlessly, but as the days roll on, paranoia ensues as the group realizes they are getting lost and walking in circles. To make matters worse, nightfall brings unknown terrors that target each member before the film ends, leaving viewers wondering if the witch is real or if it was fear taking over the crew.
The film kicked off a horror genre that hit its stride with films like Paranormal Activity and REC from a technical standing. On the surface, The Blair Witch Project seems like a movie where nothing massive happens from a paranormal perspective. But by putting the camera in the cast's hands, the fear feels more tangible. Whether or not the witch they are searching for is real, the feeling of being lost in a scary forest is enough to amplify the fear and make it a visceral experience from beginning to end.
Did Stephen King Ever Finish The Blair Witch Project?
King later completed watching the film and even praised it as one of the era's best horror films. He especially enjoyed how real the film felt by making it a found footage project. In his book, Danse Macabre, he also claims that the fear felt so real it was like a terrible nightmare that has the person gasping for air when they awaken. Needless to say, if a film like The Blair Witch Project is enough to scare King, it has to be a terrifying experience.