I would normally write a review on a film by going into the story first. I don’t always like doing this as I feel it can sometimes spoil your viewing. After going into the storyline I would go into my thoughts on the film and the cast. Not this time, a classic like this needs its own approach, so here it is.

The films start is a little strange as it jumps around to different parts of the globe, this as the film runs longer, you will discover is done so as to introduce us to the main characters involved in the story. It starts on an archaeological dig in Northern Iraq; no they are not looking for chemical weapons. We are introduced to an elderly man who is involved in the dig, we discover later this is Father Merrin, played brilliantly by Max Von Sydow. During the dig he finds some small pieces that link in with a nearby statue of a demon looking creature. It is a shame that even during the rest of the film we find out little more about this statue and to the link with later events. However you do get a glimpse of the extremely well done cinematography due to come, the shot of the Father against a skyline with the statue facing him being one of them.
The film moves to Georgetown USA, where the rest of the film stays. Here we are introduced to the rest of the main characters involved. Firstly we have Father Karras, played by Jason Miller. Father Karras is a catholic priest who looks more like a boxer than even Sly Stallone did. On the brink of losing his faith, heavy smoker and also a drinker, the character is more realistic than having a holier than now type of character. His background in priesthood is as a psychologist and as we find out during the film he could have made more money doing that than going into the church, as such looking after his sick mother is taking its toll on him and his faith.
The two other characters and are in fact the main characters within the film are Chris MacNeil and her daughter Regan, Chris being played by Ellen Burstyn and Regan played by Linda Blair. Chris MacNail is a successful actress, working in Georgetown on a film. Separated from her husband she is tasked with bringing up her teenage daughter while maintaining a career. Early into the introduction of the characters we find out that Regan has found an ouji board, soon after things start to go wrong. Strange noises start to occur in the attic, Regan complains her bed is shaking, all these bad but worse was to come in the changes to Regan’s personality. Gradually changes occur at the start with swearing, then you start to notice the aggressiveness of her new personality and the physical changes as she starts to wither, if that’s the best description of what happens to her. Loads and loads of doctors and tests later and still no one is certain of what is wrong with her. One of the doctors suggests that she tries an exorcism as this may fool Regan into believing she is cured, they still think she is a nutter at this point. So Chris MacNeil goes to Father Karras and asks for his help. The rest of the film is based around the exorcism, as the title may hint to.

I first saw this film some ??? years ago, ok I can’t remember, as my friends will tell you I have a terrible memory for dates and ages. (Names as well). I can definitely say that I was certainly not old enough legally to watch it. Possibly it was my age back then or the fact it was banned, but I never forgot that experience even to today. The film may not have the edge to it as it did then, but it is still a classic of all time. There are scenes in this film that have effected films throughout the decades since its release and tried to be copied, none matching the original it has to be said. Regan sitting up in bed and her head twisting around to face backward, the scene with Regan and the crucifix (This being one of the reasons it was banned) are two of the more startling scenes. Obviously I can not do a review of The Exorcist without mentioning the scene of Father Merrin as he gets out of a taxi and is lit by only a streetlight with the fog and the house in front of him, pure directing brilliance. The film when released was classified as a horror film; it is actually more of a psychological thriller than a horror. Compared to horror films of today and it may seem tame, but the atmosphere and filming of it puts it still up there with the best. A brief word on the banning of the film, partly down to the controversial nature of the film and certainly some of the scenes in it. I am not a great believer in the church and God, but what I can say is that the film is meant to be a portrayal of a modern day battle between good and evil. You should walk away from watching this film feeling that evil is defeated and how human sacrifice can overcome anything. I have to admit I can see this with the film, even though I do not try to look that deep in to the nature of a film, I just try to watch it for what it is.
Anyway to finish, it is must see film for all, I would like to see some of the additional material cut from it; I watched a video of it from when it was re-released. For those who have not watched it before, close the curtains, turn off the lights and grab a cushion and enjoy…