31 Days of Halloween #11 The Exorcist Revisited

The Exorcist (1973)
Rating: ******** 8 out of 10 Stars
Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, Jason Miller, Lee J. Cobb

“I think the point is to make us despair… to see ourselves as animal and ugly. To make us reject the possibility that God could love us.” – Father Merrin

I first watched The Exorcist at a fairly young age and wasn’t particularly impressed. While it had some chilling scenes, I felt disconnected from its themes. Was it scary? Not really. It seemed simple and slow to me at the time. I was more captivated by action-centric splatter films back then.

Fast forward a few years, and my perspective on this film changed significantly. With age, the themes became more menacing. I could better appreciate the notions of loss of control, powerlessness, and the terrifying prospect of being completely vulnerable.

The film’s potent religious themes are at its core. The more you can appreciate these, the more the film is likely to affect you. Like The Omen (previously reviewed), this film may not appeal to everyone, but it certainly has a strong, stoic pace, and the filmmaking techniques hold up well.

The Exorcist tells the tension-filled and chilling story of Regan, a young girl possessed by a demonic entity. Her mother, Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), seeks the help of two priests, Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Father Karras (Jason Miller), to perform an exorcism and save her daughter from the overwhelming grip of evil.

The performances are extraordinary, particularly those of Max von Sydow (Old Priest), Jason Miller (Young Priest), and Linda Blair (possessed victim, Regan). The palpable tension in the scenes as a spiritual battle unfolds is gripping.

William Friedkin’s direction is potent and menacing. He continually ramps up the drama and suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat, only to ease off and give you a moment to breathe.

The special effects were highly effective and have aged well. A key to a film’s longevity is avoiding effects that will age poorly. This film kept things simple, ensuring its effects remain effective and age-resistant.

Finally, the music is beyond memorable. It perfectly encapsulates the film’s content, drawing you into the dark, cornered world of The Exorcist from the first note.

This classic movie is a must-watch for horror fans, both then and now.