Cinema Review: The Mothman Prophecies (From Barry And District News)

Cinema Review: The Mothman Prophecies

I doubt you have heard of the Mothman. It's been overshadowed by the likes of Big Foot and the Loch Ness Monster.

One night, John Klein and his wife become involved in a car accident. His wife dies soon afterwards but she managed to draw some pictures of a moth-like thing before her death.

Two years later, John finds himself in a small American town where the locals are convinced that this same creature has been haunting them. This leads John to investigate the Mothman.

Based on true events, The Mothman Prophecies is a spooky tale. With Richard Gere at the centre of the story, the film keeps you watching and never lets your mind drift off.

I was dreading another Jeepers Creepers, but Nick Pellington has directed this with style while also keeping the audience in suspense.

Despite Gere, this is Pellington's film all the way and his inventive camera work has paid off.

It doesn't seem believable that this is based on true events, but this helps. There are a couple of cliches now and then but it's a dark, suspense-filled film which always makes you ask questions: "What does the Mothman look like?" "When will we see him?" "What is he?"

What's good about Gere is that you don't recognise him.

From the first second, you always believe that he is John Klein, and Will Patton, in the role of a farmer who claims to be visited by the Mothman, is brilliant. Mark Pellington directed 1999's Arlington Road but has never had his name known.

But you heard it here - Pellington is going to the top. He's an extremely talented visual director who also keeps your attention - and The Mothman Prophecies is more than proof!