The Mothman Prophecies (2002) User Reviews

Surprisingly entertaining

[SILV3R · 7/10 · 19 September 2002]

Starting off promisingly with X-Files creepy events (deaths and visions) this young persons horror movie has a suitably tense edge. Based on a myth last discussed in great detail in the 60s, this is a modernised version of the legend of the Mothman, a mysterious figure who comes to people to foretell disastrous events. There is an air of Saturday night channel 5 about this film, but don't let that discourage you as its in the upper echelons of b-movie fair.

Richard Gere is surprisingly entertaining as someone who essentially doesn't say much and just gets creeped-out. A lot. His character isn't that challenging for any actor, so there won't be any Oscar gongs headed his way for this. Laura Linney is excellent as the town sheriff, like someone straight out of Twin Peeks. The other characters are pretty much just there to move the plot along, rather than to catch your interest.

The first half hour or so is entertainingly tense, but then the film lulls for the plot in the middle. The ending is satisfyingly and beautifully tidy, with a wonderful action sequence that clears up the vast majority of the weirdness from earlier on. The tight ending, while pleasurable and final is also one of the reasons that the movie isn't better than it is. There is no sensation upon leaving of question or edge. No concerns about turning the next corner for fear of what might be there. This is perhaps why this movie feels like Channel 5, and perhaps why its a 12 not a 15. Essentially its a creepy movie and not an out and out horror.

One of the most beautiful films I have ever seen

[samuelel · 7/10 · 6 June 2002]

The film is simply terrific, fantastic special effects, good plot and a really shocking and surprising ending! This is really a horror film mixed with a thriller that has respected my own perspectives. I suggest it to all the people who liked films like "The sixth sense" and "The others"...It's almost a masterpiece of his genre!

"All kinds of things exist around us that we never see."

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 16 April 2019]

Like a handful of other reviewers for this picture, I too felt that it had the flavor of an X-Files story. Considering all the Monster of the Week episodes that show came up with, it's a bit surprising they never tackled the legend of the Mothman. The closest they ever came was a fifth season episode titled 'Detour', in which Mulder considers the creature that he and Scully are tracking may be related to cryptids like the Mothman, a cryptid being an animal whose existence cannot be substantiated. Richard Gere and Laura Linney in a way seem to be acceptable stand-ins for agents Mulder and Scully in this film, although the entity they attempt to investigate seems to be more of a supernatural aspect than an actual animal or person.

The movie creates a surprisingly effective mood of tension and apprehension following the death of John Klein's (Richard Gere) wife Mary (Debra Messing), following an auto accident and a diagnosis of glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer. A most unsettling aspect to the story is how John found himself in the town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia while en route to Washington, DC ('Detour'), a destination reached within an impossible time frame given the distance traveled by car. From there on, the mystery deepens,as Klein's association with police chief Connie Mills (Linney) encounters a whole host of supernatural-like events, most notably those involving local resident Gordon Smallwood (Will Patton). Eventually, Klein enlists the help of a discredited scientific investigator (Alan Bates), who's cryptic explanations regarding The Mothman only serves to confuse John even more.

With a premonition of impending disaster, Point Pleasant's Silver Bridge becomes the focal point for what might be the Mothman's fatal warning regarding the town. The scenes of the bridge's structure and cabling giving way to stress fractures is really quite well done, and adds to the horror aspect of the story without resorting to the time honored means of a massive explosion. In an apparently ironic twist to a dream Connie Mills related earlier to Klein, the bridge's collapse resulted in thirty six victims perishing, while she was subconsciously warned with the words, "Wake up, number thirty seven".

About as eerie as it gets

[Cujo108 · 4 August 2010]

Based on actual events that occurred in the 60's. John and Mary Klein are a happy couple who have just purchased a new house. The excitement over their new place is short-lived when they have a car accident following the purchase. Mary winds up in the hospital with a head injury, but the CT scans reveal that she has something far worse wrong with her. She eventually dies, leaving a devastated John to discover that she had been drawing sketches of moth-like figures during her time at the hospital. A year passes, and John is scheduled to do an interview for his Washington Post job. On his drive to the interview, he mysteriously winds up in Point Pleasant, West Virginia with no recollection of how he got so far out of his way. Mysterious events are plaguing this small town, events that may be connected to what happened to his wife.

I first saw this way back on opening night and loved it. As someone who is really into the unexplained, myths and legends, this film is right up my alley. The story of the Mothman is one of the most fascinating I've ever come across, and while The Mothman Prophecies takes a great deal of liberty with the story, it's a terrific film all the same.

I've never cared for Richard Gere, but I fully admit that he's very good here. He nails the confused, distraught mental state of John Klein, and is very believable in the role. Laura Linney is also solid, though that's no surprise. The standout, though, is Will Patton. One of my favorite character actors, his portrayal of the rugged Gordon Smallwood, an individual who seems to have a deep connection to the Mothman, is absolutely perfect. This guy rarely fails to impress the hell out of me. He just has an awesome screen presence.

The abnormal occurrences throughout the film certainly produce an unsettling atmosphere. Coupled with eerie imagery and surreal filming techniques, they help the film become quite nightmarish. The use of sound is most effective as well, with all sorts of bizarre noises being heard, including the odd screeching noise that the Mothman was said to have made in some of the real accounts. We also get a moody score that's a perfect fit for the film. Just listening to the soundtrack is guaranteed to give you chills. I know from experience. Speaking of chills, one of my favorite scenes is when Klein speaks with the Mothman entity, having dubbed itself Indrid Cold, on his motel room's phone. It's a wonderfully tense scene, and Cold's voice gets under your skin.

The effects of the occurrences on the small town of Point Pleasant are well explored, as many different aspects and accounts are introduced. The town itself comes off as a bleak and unnerving place. Almost lifeless. The occurrences have basically killed off the town's livelihood. Gere's John Klein becomes increasingly paranoid the longer he stays in Point Pleasant, and when his dead wife appears to the sheriff, he becomes increasingly tortured. It isn't long before he's driven to a distant and isolated state of being, much like Gordon before him.

The climactic scenes do not disappoint either. The scene where Klein realizes what is really going to happen makes for a powerful moment, and the final scenes on the Silver Bridge are as tense and suspenseful as they are exciting. It's a very well-done climax, both dramatically and from a technical standpoint. A fine way to finish the film.

Overall, this is a deeply eerie, surreal piece of work. Nightmarish really is the best word for it. It also has interesting characters and some emotional moments. I'm a big fan.

One of the most overlooked and underappreciated psychological thrillers of all time

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 7/10 · 1 January 2023]

Except for its obvious moments of self indulgence and lethargy, the most of the screenplay's inventive writing was extremely effective. Not only was I emotionally invested, but the film also possessed a hypnotic, surreal quality that kept my eyes and mind transfixed on whatever was unfolding.

I am perplexed as to how works of this quality could remain unnoticed for so long, when works of limited value and output almost always garner the greatest attention from both the public and reviewers. Irrefutably, it is one of the most overlooked and underappreciated psychological thrillers ever.

"In the end it all came down to just one simple question. Which was more important, having proof or being alive? Trust me. I turned away years ago, and I've never looked back."

" You're more advance than a cockroach, but have you ever tried to explain it to one of them? "

[thinker1691 · 6/10 · 5 June 2010]

From the inspired creative mind of writer John Keel comes this dramatic story of the paranormal, called " The Mothman Propheices ". The incident originates with the actual events which took place during the years 1966 and 67, in West Virgina. The strange and eerie tale captured the attention of many avid paranormal investigators and fans of the supernatural alike. The story concerns John Klein (Richard Gere) a serious reporter working for the Washington Post. Believing he has discovered true happiness, he and his wife (Debra Messing) select and purchase a new house hoping to live happily after. Unfortunately, fate intervenes and he mysteriously ends up in West Virgina searching for the original incident concerning the phenomenal legend of the Mothman. Although there is no actual proof of the winged creature, Klein continues to gather all sorts of evidence such as remarkable sightings, appearances and unexplained events. None of which prove the legend or disprove it's manifestations. Finally as he concludes one of manifestations, namely it's ability to predict the future, he is suddenly faced with what to do with the evidence. Harris Mackenzie, Will Patton and David Eigenberg add to the impressive cast and give it a sense of authenticity. An absorbing movie and one which will mesmerize audiences for years to come. ****

The Build-Up of Energy before Something Happens?

[romanorum1 · 6/10 · 5 December 2018]

This motion picture is based upon strange events that occurred in Point Pleasant, West Virginia from November 1966 to December 1967 although the incidents are set in the present. Also, liberties are taken with those events.

Washington Post reporter John Klein (Richard Gere) and his wife Mary (Debra Messing) purchase a new house during the Christmas season. Afterwards, during a drive, a strange moth-like object strikes their windshield, causing an accident, Mary alone is injured. While recuperating at the local hospital, Mary is discovered to have a glioblastoma (temporal lobe tumor), unrelated to the accident. She soon dies, and after her death Klein discovers her sketches of moth-like creatures, apparently human sized.

While driving two years later, Klein, not knowing how, winds up in Point Pleasant, West Virginia on the Ohio state line. Following a disturbance, Klein meets with local policewoman Sgt. Connie Mills (Laura Linney). Suddenly driven by a need to know, and unrelated to his reporting job, he gets involved in the Mothman Prophesies. They entail strange premonitions of upcoming disasters, like local resident Gordon Smallwood's (Will Patton) dream of an upcoming disaster. This dream foretold hints of a tragedy, the crash of airplane Number 9 in Denver, when supposedly 99 people perished. Also, Gordon has a nighttime vision of 300 dying. Then, right after, 300 people die in an earthquake in Ecuador. Later Gordon claims he saw Mothman alive as a man named Indrid Cold (Bill Laing). Connie also has a dream with her floating in the river, with the number 37 as an undercurrent.

Before the denouement, Klein hears voices on his telephone warning him of a catastrophe that will happen on the Ohio River. Discovering that the governor will visit The Edgewater Petrochemical Plant on the river, Klein incorrectly believes that the plant will blow up, taking many lives. His warnings are unheeded. Noticing a heavy traffic jam on the Silver Bridge on Christmas Eve, Klein realizes his error. While the bridge collapses, he warns and saves many folks of the imminent disaster. Connie, on the bridge, is unconscious as she falls into the freezing waters below. Reacting quickly, Klein jumps in and saves her life. The death toll? Thirty six, not 37! Were the fates cheated? The movie ends with no resolution; there is merely a statement that the prophesies suddenly ended. What was the phenomenon? The film doesn't say. In this writer's opinion, assuming that they are genuine, they were the work of demons.

Because of the interest of the mystery and the fine acting, the movie is watchable. On the other hand, the weak ending is like letting the air out of a balloon: it falls flat and disappoints. Then again, the long-timed collapse of the bridge was meticulously well-done. The Christmas scene at Point Pleasant is quite stark, in normal contrast to the season. Although the general local population may be unaware of the Mothman Prophecies, there is an undertone of trepidation. Richard Gere's character, John Klein, is based upon John A. Keel, a paranormal researcher who wrote the book, the inspiration for the movie. Keel was unmarried. Laura Linney's character is based upon Mary Hyre, who was a journalist and not a policewoman. When the Silver Bridge collapsed in December 1967, thirty-seven vehicles plunged into the river, and 46 died. The movie was mostly filmed in Pennsylvania, not West Virginia.

West Spooky Virginia

[yusufpiskin · 7/10 · 19 May 2020]

Mark Pellington's paranormal thriller is apparently based on actual events. Set in and around the town of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, this sees the townsfolk experience strange sightings of a large winged creature with red eyes. Others experience visions and sinister dreams that unnerve them to the point of paranoia and a foreboding of an impending disaster, but what does it all mean? Richard Gere plays the journalist who turns up one night in this West Virginian town with no idea of how he got there. From there the story steadily becomes eerier as sightings of the creature increase and Gere himself is contacted by an entity and then has his own visions of his dead wife. The film is creepy, without ever really showing anything particularly outlandish or scary, it just ramps up the tension with a clever premise and a terrific turn from Alan Bates who stokes the Mothman mythology nicely. Gere is well supported here by both the underrated Will Patton and the ever reliable Laura Linney, but Pellington's direction certainly adds quality to the mix with some atmospheric visuals. Much better than some would have you believe, this has some very unsettling moments and a legend that I wouldn't mind knowing a little more about.

Bad things just happen. We usually can't stop them.

[TOMASBBloodhound · 8/10 · 22 February 2006]

The Mothman Prophecies is a solid thriller. It's supposedly based on true events, but even if it weren't, it would be worth a look. Richard Gere stars as a Washington Post reporter who inexplicably finds himself in a small West Virginia town where a series of strange goings-on have been happening. His wife was killed two years prior in a mysterious car accident, and there seems to be a connection between her death and the strange happenings in Point Pleasant. Holding the key behind the mystery seems to be a large moth-like creature who tends to show up in places where the loss of human life is about to occur. Gere meets up with several locals who claim to have seen the Mothman, and after a while this creature begins communicating with him. The creature warns people of tragedies about to strike (plane crashes, earthquakes), and Gere thinks this creature can even put him in contact with his dead wife. Gere is given a warning about an upcoming tragedy near Point Pleasant, but can he act in time to stop it? Or should he even try? The film is very moody and sullen. The direction and photography are top drawer, and they enhance the mood greatly. The acting is terrific, as well. I usually can't stand Gere, but he's great in this film. Laura Linney would seem miscast as a local cop, but by the end of the film, she will have proved how truly talented she is. Will Patton is outstanding as a local resident who has several run-ins with the Mothman until it drives him crazy.

What exactly is the Mothman? According to this film, he's some type of oracle. He can see bad things that will happen, and he can even see through to the other side. Does he cause these tragedies? The film would seem to argue not. Though he may have caused the fatal car accident that took Gere's wife early on. Apparently the concept of the Mothman has been around for a while, but this film gives a pretty good explanation of it for those of us who had never heard of it before.

The film came up short of its $40 million budget in theaters. I blame this on a terrible marketing campaign, and some bad reviews from the big name critics. Don't let their reviews scare you away. This film is very good. I was hooked after seeing only a couple minutes of it. It was the very effective scene where Gere and Patton first meet up at his home one evening. That was well done! Be warned, however. The film will likely leave you feeling very mortal, and maybe even depressed. There is a really cool new-age rock song during the credits that also adds to the mood.

Consider this film a thinking man's Final Destination. The climactic scene at the end could have even wandered in from one of those movies. The Mothman Prophecies is worth about 8 of 10 stars.

The Hound.

Creepy fun x-files type movie

[Mcduff3601 · 7/10 · 15 November 2018]

I recently rewatched this movie in the spirit of halloween and was not dissapointed.

A reporter played by Gere gets dragged into the mystery of the Mothman, a mythical creature that mysteriously appears before a disaster occurs. Klein (Gere's character) desperately searches for answers as to what the Mothman's prophecies could mean. The movie slowly escalates the tension as we watch Klein try and peice together the clues given to him about an impending doom, that he may or may not be able to stop.

Rewatching this movie led me to different questions and conclusions as to what it is that is happening in the movie, I found that to be highly entertaining and would recommend this one to anyone who likes suspenseful x-files type mysteries.

One of the better thrillers of 2002

[christian123 · 5/10 · 17 May 2005]

The Mothman Prophecies is a creepy thriller that doesn't make as big as an impact as you would expect. Based on true events, the film examines a series of inexplicable occurrences through the eyes - and mind - of one man played by Richard Gere. The plot sounds creepy and the fact that its based on true events sure makes it more engaging. The film looks and sounds scary as well and there are a few scenes that are bound to get underneath your skin. The film is still kind of disappointing as they don't really explain the movie so well and your left with too many unanswered questions. Sometimes its hard to take the movie seriously as there are some scenes that don't make sense or that the scene kind of feels like a joke. Like said before though, the film should still creep underneath your skin. Richard Gere stars and he gives a very good performance. He makes up for starring in that awful film called Autumn in New York. Laura Linney also does a good and these two really keep the film moving. Mark Pellington directs and he does a good job of keeping the film at a nice pace and making the film look creepy. The ending was done decently and it sure makes you think about what happens. The Mothman Prophecies will leave its mark on you and you may have trouble getting it out of your head when its time to go to sleep. The film is almost two hours long so you may start to get bored if you find the film to be stupid. Pretty much if you like the X-Files or The Forgotten then you should enjoy this thriller. The Mothman Prophecies may not be top notch thriller but its still worth checking out and will make a good rental to watch at night. Rating 6.7/10 a sometimes scary thriller that's worth checking out.

In a word- EERIE!

[Nightman85 · 9/10 · 23 December 2005]

Bizarre, well-made supernatural thriller is all the more chilling for the fact that it's rooted in actual events.

Washington reporter ends up in a small West Virginia town where a strange entity is foretelling of a disaster.

Although many critics harpooned this film for its seemingly aimless storyline, it's really a forgivable thing since Mothman is such an atmospheric and slickly-directed film. The direction is artistically stunning, with lots of colorful and frightening visuals. The atmosphere is solidly dark and mysterious, with a number of truly spooky sequences - particularly Gere's phone call from the Mothman. And despite the fact that everything is not explained to us up front, after all who could place logic to this strange true story, the film is a pretty decent gripper. The grand climax is especially dramatic!

The cast is fairly good, star Richard Gere probably being the best as our bewildered hero. The filming locations are good and the moody soundtrack is quite effective.

For those who like their thrillers a touch on the X-Files side, The Mothman Prophecies is a terrific choice.

*** 1/2 out of ****

Not Bad

[Theo Robertson · 6/10 · 14 August 2003]

I remember when this film was first released there was a lot of marketing hype about how this was " based on a true story " , but what wasn`t pointed out was how this " true story " took place in the 1960s and for some inexplicable reason the producers updated it to the year 2000 or there abouts to the detriment of the story . It may have been difficult enough to believe THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES was a " true story " if it had remained set in the 60s but by placing it at the turn of the millenuim it`s impossible to take seriously . For example after an incident a character is seen calling 911 on a mobile phone something that couldn`t have possibly happened in the 1960s . It`s a bit like SCINDLER`S LIST when you know a scene couldn`t have happened like that and find yourself questioning how much else has been invented

Despite this serious criticism I did like THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES . Okay so I didn`t believe this was a true story but there`s still much to admire . Director Mark Pellington brings a bleak atmosphere to the movie and there`s a couple of scenes that made me jump out of my seat . The cast are fairly good but Gere is inconsistent . Let`s face it , he`s a movie star because of his looks not because he has an abundance of thespian talent , but I`ll give him credit for his performance opposite Debra Messing at the start of the film which both poignant and moving .

So a thumbs up from me because it`s a haunting supernatural drama , even though I take the true story with a big pinch of salt

you will mysteriously lose 2 hours and $7.50 on this dud

[CatTales · 1/10 · 6 February 2002]

There's a good 5 minute story buried in this subjectively shot movie that tries too hard and utterly fails to scare. I was filled with dread as the credits appeared over a meaningless running shot of office fluorescent lights and close-ups of everyday, irrelevant, inherently unscary objects. As the film progresses we get more irrelevant close-ups, disorienting angles, hand-held camera shots, rapid editing and fast drum-beat soundtrack. And more close-ups. Soon you'll be wishing you took some dramamine. The movie tries to make EVERYTHING scary, with the result that nothing seems scary. There are a few standard "jolts" when something appears out of nowhere - the usual filmic way of saying "Boo." But after a dozen times of the now-cliche camera zooming to and away from a character, the panicked look he's left with seems probably caused by a sudden camera in the face rather than a ghost. The creepiest-potential moment when Indrid Cole (aka Kindred Spirit?) phones our hero is dissipated by the excessive layering of visuals. Soon any plot or sense of realism is lost - what about our hero's job? what day or night is it? what does he do most of the time in Point Pleasant? why and how does his initial meeting with a young couple happen at night in the quarry instead of the day, and do they really mention all the sexual details we see as they relate their mothman encounter? All the irrelevent camera shots encourage the viewer to ponder irrelevent questions: Is that little guy in the sound lab making a music CD of his glass-lip rubbing? Do ethereal mothfolk really leave slime when hit by a car, and are there accident attorney mothpeople that represent them in mothcourt? To make something creepy or uncanny you need some realism to subvert, as one can see in "One step beyond" and "Xfiles." By becoming more and more erratic, this movie not only seems unbelievable but manages to undermine the credibility of the real events.

A cut down modernized Hollywood version of John A. Keel's famous UFO story.

[simonapro · 22 August 2002]

(**** out of *****)

What a wonderful and rich role for Gere who should maybe experiment more in movies that deal with the realms of the unknown.

A much respected reporter for the Washington Post John Klein (Richard Gere) is about to have his life turned upside down when his wife dies in an automobile accident that seems to have been caused by a mysterious flying creature which he never did see himself. The plot takes Gere to the Ohio/West Virginia border where he meets with the local residents who all seem to be having their troubles with strange lights, weird phone calls and a bird like creature which they call the Mothman. Klein investigates the mystery at the cost of his own sanity and career.

The film is very scary but lacks the pace and fibre that made the John A. Keel's book an awe inspiring read. There are no Men In Black, UFO's, alien impregnated women, phone tapings or a clear resolution to some of the character's fate. In fact only about 10% of the book is actually reproduced in the film. The other 90% seems to have been plucked from an episode of the `X-files'... but what a good episode it is! This is a film that has high production values. The lighting, camerawork, sound and editing are always on top form which is something that prevents the movie from disappearing into the ranks of science fiction B movie hokum. `The Mothman Prophecies' looks simply `weirdly' gorgeous on the big screen.

There is not enough Mothman revealed to the viewer but country folk Gordon Smallwood (the well cast and superbly acted Will Patton) creates a much needed conduit into the effects that the Mothman has on the people of Point Pleasant and this is what the film is really all about - The consequences that the supernatural can have on the psyche of a small backward town's population. Although the ending is Mothman free it certainly does jolt the emotions and evokes a sort of belittling sympathy for the human beings of this planet.

Watch this film and then go read the book for a much better look at really went on. All in all, the film is a spine-chilling riveting stuff and well worth repeated viewing even though it never truly escapes its `X-Files' feeling.

Dark moody atmosphere let down by random ending

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 5 January 2014]

John (Richard Gere) and Mary Klein (Debra Messing) are happily married and about to buy a house. Then he sees a vision and crashes the car. Two years after her car crash death, John is driving but loses track and get stranded in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Strange things have been happening there. Gordon (Will Patton) have had visions, and sheriff Connie Mills (Laura Linney) is trying to make sense of it all.

This is a slow atmospheric moody movie. I like the dark mood, but it moves a little too slow. The problem is that the final reveal is not as compelling as the build up telegraphs. The action is not big enough or exciting enough. It's too chaotic to follow. And there is nothing he could do to predict the outcome anyways. So the ending is very random. And the whole true story is questionable at best.

The Mothman Prophecies is a good thriller that really surprises

[eva3si0n · 7/10 · 8 January 2021]

The Mothman Prophecies is a good thriller that really surprises. Saspence is quite competent to apply, plus with the place of action writers guessed.

A very interesting, if inconclusive, ghost story

[CuriosityKilledShawn · 6/10 · 4 November 2005]

I am not a skeptic, but I do like to look for the most logical explanations of paranormal events. Skeptics, on the other hand, look for equally preposterous 'real' explanations for stuff that humans perhaps just don't understand.

The Mothman Prophecies is full of mystery and subversion. Some parts of it could be explained, but negated by others. It's far-fetched but directed with such sombre timing that the unbelievable slowly creeps up on you. Ghost stories (yes, I am aware that the Mothman is not a ghost but I don't know what else to call him) are, by their very nature, far-fetched and this is probably why most people are eager to dismiss them. But most people fail to remember that their very existence in this Universe is the most far-fetched thing of all. There is an infinity out there than man does not/will never understand. It's arrogance to think that we've got our world figured out already and dismiss anything that doesn't fit in with our day to day lives.

So yes, I am inclined to believe in stuff like the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, the Skunk Ape and Little Green Men. Like the movie said, the Mothman has appeared in scriptures and literature of many cultures worldwide for thousands of years. Apparently the book on which the movie is based has more stories of strange happenings and info on Indrid Cold (who is probably the most puzzling, enigmatic character since the Mystery Man from Lost Highway), so it's perhaps a good idea to check it out if you were intrigued by the movie.

Director Mark Pellington creates a spooky and haunting Xmas atmosphere and uses the widescreen frame brilliantly. Occasionally he'll throw in a subliminal shot of the Mothman (sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle) or use bizarre imagery to heighten the sense of dread or mystery. It's very well edited and has a lot more class and sophistication than many recent corny PG-13 'horrors' like The Skeleton Key or The Forgotten. In many respects, Mothman is a lot like The Ring in terms of moody atmosphere and cryptic messages. But Mothman, while not a perfect film, is certainly the better of the two.

My main problem is that nothing is really wrapped up. I mean I know it cannot be fully explained because no one knows what the Mothman is or who Indrid Cold was but maybe there was more explained or suggested in John A. Keel's book (the man who Richard Gere's character was based on) than the movie featured.

Overall, it's a pretty good film and I look forward to Mark Pellington's next movie as I've been impressed with his work on this and Arlington Road so far.

Eerie Happenings

[AaronCapenBanner · 7/10 · 12 December 2013]

Mark Pellington directed this intriguing supernatural thriller that stars Richard Gere as reporter Joe Klein, who becomes interested in reports of a mysterious Moth Man, after his wife was killed in a car accident, and her last words involved seeing such a figure. His investigation takes him to Point Pleasant, West Virginia, where there have been recent sightings. He meets local police woman Connie Mills(played by Laura Linney) who helps him investigate, and after he receives eerie phone calls from an entity called Indrid Cold, he becomes convinced that a disaster in this small town is imminent, and it turns out he's right... Effective film with fine direction and acting, and a most interesting premise. Doesn't answer all of viewers' questions, and more than a bit vague, but still quite memorable.

Pretty Mothman

[dfranzen70 · 8/10 · 11 June 2002]

John Klein (Richard Gere), a Washington Post reporter, finds himself somehow drawn to a small town in West Virginia. In fact, his car dies, along with his cell phone and watch. He knocks on a nearby house to call for help, and the man who answers the door attacks him, saying Klein's been around three days in a row. But has he?

Two years earlier, John's wife died from injuries sustained in a car wreck, and before she died, in an apparent delirium, she had been etching weird drawings. Could her drawings have some connection with this town?

Based on true events, The Mothman Prophecies follows John through his search for the truth. People in the town report seeing a strange being - are they lying, or are they misinterpreting? Are they simply seeing UFOs, or is there more to the story? Intrepid reporter that he is, John wants to know more - although of course his thirst for knowledge is accompanied by a need to know what happened to his wife (why did the car crash?).

Thrillers such as this one are hard to come by. It's not exactly a horror movie, but there are more than enough creepy moments to send a few chills reverberating through your body. It's a film that relies less on special effects than on such quaint ideals as character motivation and development and atmosphere. In fact, this movie's just brimming with atmosphere. We've all seen those cheesy movies in which a car runs out of gas along a desolate country road, and then BAM - some serial killers make dinner or belts out of the hapless occupants. But in this case, the monster is hardly ever seen, thereby heightening the scares.

At the centerpiece is Gere as Klein. I've never, ever been a Gere fan; it seems to me he has one expression. He's never been terribly emotive and has been known in recent years more for the age disparity with his female costars than for anything else (they get younger, he stays the same old dude). Call him ruggedly handsome if you will, but vacuity is never really appealing.

But this is not your typical Gere at all. He definitely turns in the best work of his career. Sure, he was appealing in Pretty Woman, but it was Julie Roberts' movie. Officer and a Gentleman? Ok, but that was Lou Gosset Jr.'s movie. Primal Fear? Red Corner? Runaway Bride? No, no, no. This is acting on a ledge for Gere. It's a true departure from the romantic comedies and the sly psuedo-mystery/dramas. Ordinarily, I would think such a movie would expose Gere for the terrible actor he is. But I would be wrong. This movie was so well written and directed that Gere rose to its level, rather than sinking it. That's a huge credit to him as an actor.

Now, I need to differentiate between good acting and appeal. An actor can look good or be charming in a role and still be a bad actor; by contrast, an actor can look uncharming and turn in a great performance. But what's key is how the actor draws the audience in - do they sympathize with his plight? Are they on his side? How good of an actor he is will answer that question.

Gere's Klein starts out as an average joe, and then we get to see him slowly descend into madness - we even descend a little with him. That vaunted atmosphere is so vibrant and realistic that we turn when he turns and feel things he feels. This is an absolute hallmark of excellent filmmaking (by Mark Pellington, whose only other big film was 1999's Arlington Road). The writing is crisp and eminently believable, and the acting in addition to Gere (including Laura Linney, Debra Messing, and Will Patton) is simply superb. And don't forget the prophecies part of the title, either; this "Mothman" entity issues warnings to whomever it deems worthy. Which sounds good, as long as one can interpret them correctly. Apparently, many have not.

The story is based on actual events that took place in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, but this is no Amityville Horror story. With Amityville, one could distance oneself from the experiences of the family involved; we could say that it would never happen to us, it was only a movie. This is a little trickier with The Mothman Prophecies. It's a creepy, tingly movie that gets under your skin and crawls all over your heart.

Nice chiller with tension , intriguing events and suspenseful

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 2 April 2023]

A prestigious journalist called John Klein : Richard Gere is very deranged due to the recent death of his beloved wife due to a weird vision. Later, John discovers an assortment of mysterious drawings which she created before her death, depicting a strange black winged creature she saw on the night of the accident. It leads him to a fantastic investigation resulting in fateful consequences . What do you see?. Based on true events !.

A Horror thriller with chills , intrigue , plot twists and fantastic happenings . The film displays an attractive developing , in which thriller , terror , fantasy go on in crescendo until the unpredictable final. The pic is based on real events that occurred between late 1966 and late 1967 in Point Pleasant , West Virginia . Main and support cast are pretty good . Stars Richard Gere as the Washington Post reporter who becomes involved into strange events . Being well accompanied by a fine cast , such as : Laura Linley , Will Patton, Debra Messing , Yvonne Erickson, , and veteran Alan Bates.

It contains a frightening , chilling and sensitive musical score by Tomandandy . As well as colorful and dark cinematography by cameraman Fred Murphy . The motion picture was competently directed by Mark Pellington. He is a prestigious producer and director, known for , Mothman (2002) , Going All the Way (1997) , Jerry Maguire (1996) and this Arlington Road (1999). But, preferably dedicated to television in series as Cold Case , The Enemy Within , Star Trek: Short Treks, Blindspot , and videoclips , in fact he won an MTV Video Music Award for directing the Pearl Jam video, "Jeremy". Arlington Road rating : 7/10 . Better than verage . Well worth watching . The yarn will appeal to Richard Gere fans.

That was it?!

[laptev · 1/10 · 26 July 2002]

This movie started out slow and got WORSE! After really enjoying "The Others", I thought I would give this movie a try. What an extreme disappoinment. To those that claim to have enjoyed this pile - have you tried watching paint dry? I'm sure you would be able to be entertained by that as well!

I'm going to write Richard Gere for my money back.

Another change of vote, another change of heart

[lareval · 8/10 · 26 August 2021]

I didn't love the movie the first time I watched it. But sometimes (and with some other shows and movies happened) I revisit a movie and I must change my point of view. This is a grower, a truly atmospheric, classic thriller that sinks in your mind. Great!

One of the best thrillers ever made!

[markjbuchanan · 7/10 · 26 January 2002]

I am simply astounded at the greatness of this movie. It maintained a high level of creepiness and foreboding, along with being well acted and having some really innovative camera work. Movies where you don't actually see anything but you know something is there are always more scary and this movie definitely ranks as one of the scariest! Watch for the scene where Richard Gere is on the phone and you can see his partial reflection in the mirror. Genius film making!

A Very Third Rate Movie That Shows No Promise / Suspense

[newcastleboy · 1/10 · 1 June 2002]

I had high expectations of Mark Pellington's "The Mothman Prophecies" after his superb thriller "Arlington Road" which I really loved, and hope one day to own on DVD.

The trouble with The Mothman Prophecies" lies with its dreadful script - one of the worst scripts, surely ??? To compensate for the bad script, with slow plodding where nothing happens, Pellington chooses to use cinematography to create atmospheric mood to reflect the supernatural; overall I thought the cinematography was extremely distracting in places and was one of the main factors along with the script, which ultimately makes "M.P's" a cinematic disaster.

Pellington has done much better than this with his superb Arlington Road which had a well crafted and pacey plot which made you want to hang on the back of your seat.

Richard Gere didn't do much for me either... The only film I found his suitably convincing and sincere in was his role as the lawyer in "Primal Fear" which stars the wonderful Ed Norton.

Someone stated that this should be "movie of the year" based on what they've seen so far.. I am going to decry that statement, and instead suggest this movie is on par on par to being "the worst turkey of the year", and one of the worst directed movies I've ever watched. I would not even recommend people watch this movie on video..

If you want to watch a superior film from Mr. Pellington, and haven't seen "Arlington Road", do yourself a big favour and give this movie a big berth, and hire A.R instead.

I was lucky I didn't have to pay the $12.80 ticket admission price to see this 'mumbo jumbo' piece of cod's wallop. If Pellington had had any sense he should have been credited himself anonymously with a 'Smithies' title...

VERDICT: possible the most boring film I've ever had to sit through..