10p for a 40 minute survey are you having a laugh my days here are numbered
10p for a 40 minute survey are you having a laugh my days here are numbered
Member since:02.07.2005
Reviews:40
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This is my most favourite film in the whole wide world. This film is originally based upon reported events in a place called, Mount Rainer, Maryland in the U.S. A 14-year-old boy was said to be possessed by a demon. Although these were only reports of the priests who performed the exorcism, not real footage.
I watched this film when it was re-released in October of I think 1998, right near Halloween, and let me tell you I slept downstairs with the light on for about three nights,
Anyway the film runs for approximately two hours and stars Linda Blair as Regan McNeal Ellen Burstyn as Regan's mother, Max von Sydow as the exorcist and Jason Miller as Father Karras: the troubled priest who is questioning his future with the church.
The story begins in Iraq where artefacts are found that are linked with the devil such as a stone dogs head. Next we see the normal life of a mother and her daughter that is soon to be torn apart by the possession of Regan by a demon. The events that lead you to the full possession are very disturbing
and subtly done. Such as Regan wetting herself at a party and speaking what seems to be nonsensical, odd events also happen in Regan's room. The most disturbing event that happens for me is the stabbing of the crucifix in a place where I will leave to the imagination, not to mention the head spinning, bile spurting and grotesque phrases that are barked out by the demon.
The law also get the foot in the door while investigating the death of Burk Dennings who is mysteriously found dead at the bottom of some steps in an alley way. Which for me is a little annoying. Although annoying his the acting around this part is phenomenal which is in line with the rest of the cast. It has to be said that the most stunning performance has to be that of Ellen Burstyn, who watches her on screen daughter change and literally rot in bed due to this parasite that has taken over her body. Feeling of general concern for Regan turn into sheer dread, which is an excellent performance by Burstyn, being realistic and believable, and you will really feel for the poor woman who watches her daughter's body nearly destroyed and taken away. The performance by Linda Blair is also excellent in the beginning and the end as the innocent and delightful daughter. Not much can be said for most of her performance as the possessed child as a different character was used throughout most of the possession. Blair was actually asked haw she felt regarding the swearing that is barked by the demon. Which she replied that she did not see herself as saying those words it was Regan who spoke the utterances; which shows her capabilities as an actress to detach herself from the role of Regan. Although the parts that she plays are just as good as that of Burstyn and the rest of the cast.
Max von Sydow as the Exorcist is a believable and he fits into the role nicely, he is somewhat younger in real life than the character played but this is not noticed in the film.
The film is believable on the whole although the make-up is a little shoddy for instance on the head spinning scene, but please do not let this turn you away from the film, remember it is over 30 years old, but for me is still excellent camera work and special effects.
The theme tune to this film (tubular bells) is probably the most disturbing piece of music that I have ever heard, I am not sure as to whether it is due to the fact that it is linked to the film or whether it is eerie in its own rite. My guess is the former.
The film will have you on the edge of your seat or behind the sofa depending on your own personal scale of being scared. The idea that other sinister happenings occurred such as: as the death of Burke Dennings in real life just has his character's scenes where shot, unexplained fires on set and the death of members of the crew and their family. Coincidence or something more sinister is a question that possibly will never be answered, but it cannot be denied that there are many supernatural happenings on and off set. This is an excellent film that has my recommendation and is a must see for all horror fans.
Just thought I'd add this on. There is a new film out soon called The Exorcism of Emily Rose. This film is actually about a German girl called Anneliese Michel; the demonic possession of this girl has never been proven just as much disproven. I have just seen the trailer for this movie at the cinema and I will be there to watch it.
There is a comedy spoof called repossessed which is funny in parts but worth a look even if to soften the blow of the original film.
Just thought this might be interesting to those exorcist fans out there.
This item is £14.99 delivered on play.com; which I think is a little steep, but I am sure you can get this item a lot cheaper on ebay and other sites if you shop around, try www.kelkoo.co.uk, where this site looks around and compares prices for you.
Thanks for reading
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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
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
A massive improvement here, now it is a very good review (by my standards anyway!) If you want me to read any new reviews you write then drop me a note and i'll let you know what I think! Robyn xxx
MAFARRIMOND 28.10.2005 17:02
I remember this when it first came out - very scary. Maureen
robynpennock 28.10.2005 01:16
I think you have covered the plot well, but I think that you need to include more info about the actors and their performances, whether the scences were convincing and just more detail about the film / a concluding paragraph. I will be happy to re-rate for you if you re-write ths, just leave a note in my guestbook. Robyn x
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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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of The Exorcist (DVD)
![The Exorcist [DVD] [1974]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78547387.jpg "The Exorcist [DVD] [1974]")
Oct 28th, 2005
(Nov 4th, 2005)
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