Review of The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972) by Glenn C — 04 Mar 2013

The Legend of Boggy Creek was the first film of it's kind. Its the movie that gave life to the faux-documentary which later heavily influenced The Blair Witch Project and subsequent mockumentaries.

To fully appreciate Boggy Creek you need to put it into context. Ask any Gen-Xer who saw it as a kid and they'll tell you it scared the shit out of them. Of course with today's standards, its hokey.

It investigates the legend of Sasquatch (Bigfoot) in a small Arkansas town where locals are convinced it roams the backwoods. Livestock go missing and shrieking howls haunt the town at night. The film follows several characters as they hunt for the creature and it's genuinely creepy.

Lots of anticipation builds to a suspenseful story with frightened townfolk being spooked. It was made in 1972 and the format was unique to audiences. Of course it constantly breaks from it's doco approach into a straight narrative and Im not even sure its aware of it.

.. but kudos needs to be given to them for giving audiences something audacious and new. While maintaining a safe G rating, it has the ability to truly unnerve those who are willing to step back in time and appreciate it's significance.