Episode 33: The Blair Witch Project (1999)

"I'm afraid to close my eyes, I'm afraid to open them." The term "viral marketing" wasn't known in 1999 in the months before The Blair Witch Project premiered, but it practically invented the process.  With a rumor mill that began at the Cannes Film Festival, a creepy website, and stories that the film was actual found footage discovered in the woods after the disappearances of three hapless film students, it was destined for greatness. The film began the "found footage" craze, and founded a sub-genre that is generally frowned upon today as lazy and cheap.  Nevertheless, props should be given to the film for its influence on horror and the effect it still has on audiences who dare to watch it in the dark. Have a question or comment for the host?  Email Sean at [email protected], follow him on Twitter @1001MoviesPC, and look for the podcast's Facebook page.