The Exorcist
Few films have become as meshed into the lexicon of Western Civilization as The Exorcist. In order to truly appreciate the impact the film had in its day, one must remember that The Exorcist was released in 1973 and this can be seen as a factor of its success for a variety of reasons. At the time most movie goers had not really seen a psychological-horror film of this kind. Transforming Regan, played by Linda Blair, from a young girl into a hell-beast, complete with projectile vomit, was some pretty extreme stuff and no doubt left audiences completely, well freaked out.
The Exorcist, for those readers who have somehow either missed the film or missed the lore around the film, centers on the battle of a priest, Father Damian, played brilliantly by Max von Sydow, who is attempting to expel a rather innovative and creative demon from the young Regan. It is intense stuff, filled with intense images and the film still works today in creating an aura of terror, fear and lingering uneasiness.
The Exorcist succeeded because it was a well-executed script and concept that scared the living hell out of people. The script tapped into a primal fear held amongst Christians and Catholics of being possessed by demons, who just happened to also possess an excellent grasp of dead and obscure languages. Both the cinematography by Owen Roizman and the fine acting of the cast burn The Exorcist onto our collective pop culture memories and in the process made the film a true box-office draw.
William Friedkin who also directed The French Connection does a masterful job with the film, which along with The French Connection arguably stand out as his greatest works. If, for some reason you have missed The Exorcist, rent it immediately, or wait for Halloween and really shock your system. Perhaps, rent The Exorcist with another Halloween blockbuster of a different sort, Ghostbusters. The Exorcist is scary stuff and masterful all the way around.
Story A (A good script that is truly brought to life via awesome directing, acting and cinematography.)
Acting A (Max von Sydow and Linda Blair really have good times with their respective parts.)
Visuals A (Even in this era of bodies being ripped and blown apart in CG goodness, the visuals in The Exorcist will have a lasting impact and should creep you out.)
Originality/Innovation A (At 1973, The Exorcist this was a pretty original script.)
Enjoyability Grade A
Home Theater/HD Factor A (When The Exorcist is release on next-generation DVD just hope they do a good job with the transfer, for if they do, this could be lots of fun.)
Overall Grade A (This is a must see, just don't let little ones in on the fun. Happy Halloween.)
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