I can understand why this film caused so many reactions back in 1973 now that I've seen the film myself. There are few horror films that attain to be realistic. The Exorcist is one of them and it does it in such a shocking and powerful way that even nowadays, over 25 years later, it has the ability to scare the viewer or at least make him feel very uncomfortable. The fact that the film is based on a true story increases this feeling even more.
The Exorcist is closer to perfection than almost every other movie I have seen. The acting is exceptionally good for a horror film. Especially Jason Miller (as Damien Karras) in his first feature film role does an excellent job and never loses his credibility. Linda Blair is simply amazing as Regan/the demon. Another strong point is the location (Washington D.C.) because the evil is not in a dark forest somewhere far away, it is among civilization.
State-of-the-art special effects (like the spinning head) make sure that the film doesn't get ridiculous, something that often happens when the plot is more developed than the special effects. William Friedkin, the director, demanded the best from crew and cast. Everything that wasn't exactly as he wanted it to be just wasn't used in the film (in the BBC-documentary you even learn that Friedkin threw the original soundtrack over the street (no kidding!) because he didn't like it). That's why this film became an all-time classic, because every single element was driven to perfection.
Everybody should see this film, not only fans of the genre.
My rating: 10/10
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Production Year: 2001 - Horror - Director: Stephen Sommers - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Brendan Fraser, John Hannah, Rachel Weisz, Arnold Vosloo, Freddie Boath, Oded Fehr, The Rock, Tim Murdock
Production Year: 1977 - Horror - Director: John Boorman - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Ned Beatty, Richard Burton, Linda Blair, Louise Fletcher, Max Von Sydow, Kitty Winn, Paul Henreid, James Earl Jones
Excellent movie. Did scare the hell out of me when i watched it as a kid. Though its funny now, especially after watching Scary Movie. jedi_kickass ( ' _ ' )
Director William Friedkin was a hot ticket in Hollywood after the success ofThe French ... more
Connection, and he turned heads (in more ways than one) when he decided to makeThe Exorcistas his follow-up film. Adapted by William Peter Blatty from his controvers...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Director William Friedkin was a hot ticket in Hollywood after the success ofThe French ... more
Connection, and he turned heads (in more ways than one) when he decided to makeThe Exorcistas his follow-up film. Adapted by William Peter Blatty from his controvers...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
The belief in evil - and that evil can be cast out. From these two strands of faith ... more
author William Peter Blatty and director William Friedkin wove The Exorcist the frightening and realistic story of an innocent girl inhabited by a malevolent entity....
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
The belief in evil - and that evil can be cast out. From these two strands of faith, ... more
author William Peter Blatty and director William Friedkin wove The Exorcist, the frightening and realistic story of an innocent girl inhabited by a malevolent entity. ...
Advantages: Great screenplay and caught Friedkin in his top form Disadvantages: remarks about the film that turn away patrons whether good or bad for its publicity
CrutcHead 06.05.2004 (07.05.2004)
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Review of The Exorcist (DVD)