Well as ive already written a horror film review on Scream, I thought I would stick with the horror genre, and review in my opinion the greatest horror film that was ever made. Now there have always been comments on what horror film is the best, and for me this was is simply the best, because it's unique, very dark and chilling and something that was very big when it came out. It revolutionised the way directors and writers handled horror films and it created many paths for other films with the same sort of topic. My review is on the Academy award wining 1973 released "Exorcist", directed by William Friedkin and adapted from the novel of the same name. My first encounter with this film was on my first ever sleep over in high school; I think we were about 15 at the time. I had heard my parents, in particular my father always talking about how brilliant this film was, and how even he a grown man, almost wet his pants, because the film was quite terrifying at times. He had originally seen the film when it was in cinemas, and so I guess when my friend had a pile of DVD's to watch, one of which was this film I jumped at the chance of watching it. Placing it in the VCR, and having our popcorn ready I watched the film, well by watch I mean watched parts of it, looking away at some scenes. I suppose my full watching of this film was when I was about 16, watched it without any looking away.

The film has the same plot as the original book; the film starts off with Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow), on an archaeological dig in the Middle East. It is there that he finds a small stone like artefact that resembled some demon like creature. He stands at the spot were the figure was found, and sees a shadowy figure of a ma, with two black dogs fighting; this sets a tone for the rest of the film.
The film then switches to George Town, America were we see a young priest by the name of Father Damian Karras, who starts loosing faith on god as his sick mother is close to the end of her life. His life that was once devoted to God has now to some extent broken, his mother is obviously very close in his heart, and this makes him question his faith.
Anyway, the main storyline picks up with the life of Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), an actress, who seen sees some drastic, scary changes in her young 12 year old daughter Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair). Regan, starts possessing unnatural powers, which the doctors seem to think it is all mental. However, the conditions of this young girls seem to worsen, voice and mood changes, no apatite, and levitation. One doctor suggests that the only way to cure Regan would be to perform an Exorcism on her, her powers are something out of this world and it is thought to be a sign of demonic possession. Chris enlists the help of father Damian, to help assist with this ritual and make her daughter the normal person he once was. Can Damien, who has lost faith, muster the strength to save this young girl, what's in store for this girl herself and what will happen to this demonic monster that seems to have taken control of Regan?

Jason Miller as Father Damien Karras:

My View: