Review: Believe it or not I still can’t sit through this dreadfully horror movie. After 30 years of its release I recently brought the video from half.com it was only $5.00. I especially found the commentary to this film quite interesting. Did you know that there were a series of strange occurrences during the making of this film? I learned that there were many unexplained deaths within the cast and those that worked with this crew. How spooky. I also found the making of this movie interesting as well, dolls that looked so real and evil, moving furniture, and the actual thrusts to the floor lead actor Ellen Burstyn experienced by the crewman to make her acting look real. Why is this movie so convincing and scary? What was in the mind of William Friedkin, when making such a film with such horrid contents? William Peter Blatty wrote the novel The Exorcist based on his research and findings of an actual case of demon possession of a 12 year old a boy.
I remember a comment that renowned Evangelist, Billy Graham made about this movie and that was he believed the producers and writers of this movie had to be possessed by the Devil to make such a movie. Well, enough of my ranting. In this movie a 12-year girl is possessed by a demon and her only hope is an exorcism. This movie is written by William Peter Blatty and directed by William Friedkin. ’’The Exorcist’’ was released in 1973, and also known as ’’The Fear of God.’’
I won’t go into a lot of detail about this movie I believe you pretty much know what this movie is about as we remember the movie begins with a dig in Iraq. A Priest (Max Von Sydow, Needful Things) is on special assignment there and is also participating in this archeological dig it is than he discovers his divine mission to confront and combat the Devil after finding a strange stone. He later encounters a horrid statue which later confirms his spiritual quest. The focus of this movie than moves to Georgetown Washington and the home of an actor (Ellen Burstyn, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore) and her daughter (Linda Blair, Born Innocent) along with an ouiji board. With use of the ouiji board her daughter befriends the demon, Captain Howdy.
We would later see many strange occurrences in the house such as, strange noises in the attic, a desecration of the Virgin Mary in a church, a bed the shakes by it self, and the events that ushers the viewer to witness the horrid elements of the demon possession of an innocent child. It is her demeanor and gruesome appearance that becomes more horrifying as the movie moves toward its main goal and focus of its plot. There’s so many moments of horror in this movie to see, I still say 30 years later don’t watch this movie alone.
Final Thoughts On The Exorcist
This indeed the best in horror. It’s a thought provoking movie its reflections of God and spirituality is real and that’s what truly defines its horror. As for the sets, costumes, sound effects, make up, and special effects despite its limitations at that time it is exceptional and very convincing. William Friedkin’s goal is accomplished he wanted the viewer to see the devil win in this movie’s ending it appears that is what happens when Father Merriam, portrayed by Max Von Sydow an authoritative priest is defeated with death. Father Karris portrayed by Jason Miller; a doubting priest becomes possessed by the Devil at his own will. The good thing about this movie is Ragan becomes free of the Devil but look at the price two priests had to pay for the spiritual redemption of this child. Overall ’’The Exorcist’’ is an outstanding cinematic landmark of horror. It’s an excellent movie. The fourth installment of The Exorcist will be released in 2004. I believe the title is called ’’The Exorcist ; the beginning.’’ In this upcoming installment we revisit the origins of the demon, and young father Merriam as he fights the demon.