Review of The Mothman Prophecies (2002) by Michael Y — 21 Nov 2010

As a true story based thriller, it's all messed up. But take that aside and you have a moderate thriller with a theme that I find pretty creative.

Sightings and contact with a mysterious figure known to people as "Mothman" is a real phenomenon of unexplained events that happened around the world. The Mothman Prophesies, which is based on a nonfiction book, references real events that happened in a small town in West Virginia. After the tragic death of his wife, A reporter investigates the strange sightings of a black figure that prophecises major tragedies. It's quite obvious that this movie is hollywoodized, but when you're aware of that fact you can enjoy this movie for just being a movie. Though the first half of this movie is boring as hell, the second half does have redeeming qualities that build to a pretty good thriller.

Though the book recalls events from the '60s this movie takes place in modern times, which isn't that appealing. There are many cool tracking shots and birds eye view shots which brings out a great paranoia feeling throughout the whole movie. But I can't help but feel that this movie tries to be too abstract with it's shots. A lot of things done in this movie seem unnecessary, but some shots and effects work.

Like I said, the movie begins really slow, but it does get better. There's a theme in the movie that I really like though, that no matter how much you try, you cannot stop tragedy because even if they are caused by supernatural beings, they could just be as natural as any other event. To me, that theme is brilliant, and the suspence if used pretty well with it too. It might not be for everyone but this movie is worth at least one look.