L is For...

The found footage/documentary style has taken hold of the horror genre in recent years. Films like Last Exorcism and The Devil Inside present their stories as if they were true; allowing bad camera work to suggest a documentary crew filmed the events.  If you think that this style is a new invention, then you've never seen Legend of Boggy Creek.

Released in 1972, Boggy Creek is a documentary about a Sasquatch stalking a small rural community.The filmmakers travel around the area, interviewing people who have had encounters with the beast, and re enacting several encounters. The film is based on actual reports from locals, many of whom play themselves in recreations.

Though it may have inspired films like Blair Witch Project, Boggy Creek is never once scary. In fact, the movie is down right comical. The people in the film have little to no acting experience, and their performances take on a wooden, though slightly surreal quality. The narrator of the film sounds like an old country fella who should be discussing the advantages of dry lures over wet ones. There is even a country folk song about the Sasquatch featured in the film.

Legend of Boggy Creek was a fairly big hit, especially at drive ins. One has to suspect that the film's success was more ironic than genuine. It was also probably a favorite of teens to make out to once they got over their case of the giggles. The movie spawned two sequels (one featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000) as well as a remake. If you need a break from heart pounding terror, check out Boggy Creek. I guarantee you'll visit again and again.

Posted in: Horror,Horror A To Z,legend of boggy creek