'The Exorcist' based on the book by William Peter Blatty caused a lot of controversy when first released. It is not without good reason that it was banned for twenty odd years, it must've really caused an uproar at the time.
The film starts in Israel with Father Merrin sensing that things are not quite right. He witnesses two dogs fighting and we begin to get a sense dread.
Mrs Chris McNeil and daughter Regan are introduced. Mrs McNeil is a single mother and things at home are fine and dandy (don't get too comfy though!!).
Regan McNeil (played by Linda Blair) is a happy, sweet and innocent child. She doesn't have any worries or problems at all. However this doesn't last as Regan decides to muck about with an ouija board. This story disturbs people who have had bad experiences with ouija boards. Or people who have heard stories about bad things that happened to Ouija board users. It is purely psychological.
Regan's behaviour changes for the worst and its clear that something needs to be done and fast. Her mother Chris gets worried and takes her to a doctor to work out whats wrong. The examinations are of no use and Regan is getting worse.
Chris McNeil reluctantly seeks help from the religious world. She goes to Father Karras (who is both a psychiatric and a priest). He takes his time nelieving the fact that Regan is possessed by the devil. After a lot of convincing the priest is aware that something needs to be done. The scary part is these parts are quite realistic.
The Vatican church sends Father Merrin (the guy at the beginning) and him and Karras group together planning how to get rid of the demon inside Regan.
The thing that worried me about this film aren't the 'scary' parts. Its more the fact that such a young actress- Linda Blair has been allowed to act out such horribly graphic scenes. Some of the language used that by the girl in the film are very sexual and violent. It is a surprise if Blair wasn't in some sort of therapy after acting in this film.
Although the film is called 'The Exorcist' played by(Father Merrin) we dont see him till the last quarter or so of the film. It is clear that this film needed to have good acting by all and cannot rely on just the exorcist to be the backbone of the film. All the actors in the film do a great part in making it come to life.
The brilliant soundtrack of the film is from 'Tubular Bells' by Mike Oldfield. It is perfect for the film and helps create a doomed atmosphere.
If you are easily scared or offended I wouldn't watch this film. There are some incredibly crude and offensive scenes (one which sticks out is Regan masturbating with a crucifix). Now that there are lots of 'realistic' horror films this film can come across as a little dated. But it is not one you will easily forget.
Side A of the DVD has the film and Side B has the extras. The fantastic 'Fear Of God Documentary' is included on side B. It is definately worth watching.
P.s Don't eat when watching this film!!
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Production Year: 1984 - Horror - Director: Joe Dante - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Polly Holliday, Frances Lee McCain, Judge Reinhold, Corey Feldman
Production Year: 2000 - Horror - Director: Keenen Ivory Wayans - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Carmen Electra, Anna Faris, Kurt Fuller, James Van Der Beek, Keenen Ivory Wayans
This movie gave me nightmares for weeks after watching it, lol and yes I am a big girls blouse but I don't think I would want to watch it again - nice review :) Nicola
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Jul 31st, 2001
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