10 Hidden Movies Secrets From Director's Commentaries
5. The Tunnel Scene In Blair Witch Was For Real
One of the most unsettling scenes in the Blair Witch reboot is that sequence where Lisa is trapped in a dark, underground tunnel. The sense of claustrophobia is palpably suffocating.
Well, according to director Adam Wingard's audio commentary, that scene was for real. Actress Callie Hernandez had to crawl through an actual earthy tunnel that was designed to be just too tight for her.
To make things even more cramped, she had to squeeze through with her stunt double and a replacement cameraman in tow. Where was the original cameraman? He bowed out following a panic attack... brought on by claustrophobia.
The critics were harsh on Blair Witch, but it should be praised for its commitment to practical effects. All of the creatures and set pieces were created via traditional methods, and the only time CG was used was to touch-up some of the backdrops.