I find it curious that you'd be okay with watching a movie that glorifies Satan and evil, but not a semi-satirical group that uses "Satan" (whom they don't believe exists) as a cover to promote humanistic ideals.
as a filmmaker, I love horror because it's one of the few genres of filmmaking that is made to elicit a range of responses from the viewer. I think some of the best filmmakers dabble with horror, if for no other reason than to play with mood and atmosphere. I love horror, mostly FOR mood. I grew up watching horror with my mother when I was a kid. I just had to turn my head at the gore or the sex. I hate slasher flicks, and I hate torture porn. For reference, Lords of Salem was one of the best horror movies I've seen in years.
FILM is an incredibly powerful tool. Images resonate. A skilled filmmaker can make all of his intent 'on the nose', or get super subliminal and leave you feeling some kind of way after the credits roll, and you're unsure why.
Intent is EVERYTHING for me. Some films are just entertainment. Some are meant to start conversation. Some are propaganda. Some are more...insidious.
I was excited about The Witch because it looks like the filmmaker is really strong in the craft of atmosphere building. It's rare that you get 'The Real Deal', like a Ti West and his House of The Devil, ie, somebody that truly knows what they're doing when it comes to making this type of stuff. That kind of thing really energizes me.
But along with being a filmmaker, I'm also a Christian. My radar goes off on certain things, and like I said, intent is everything for me.
For ME.
Again, I don't impose my beliefs or values on anyone else. But for ME, the imagery and mood and tone of the movie looks strong enough to be taken seriously. The same things that appeal to me as a filmmaker are equally frightening in the hands of someone who is okay aligning himself with the underground marketing of a Satanic group. That makes me question his INTENT.
And for that reason, I bow out.
