The Exorcist

A tribute to the great director William Friedkin

The Exorcist is a timeless horror masterpiece that continues to captivate and terrify audiences, even more than 25 years after its release. The film defies genre boundaries, blending shocking images, thought-provoking dialogue and an authentic depiction of supernatural forces, resulting in a cinematic experience that remains haunting and relevant to this day.

The Exorcist tells the story of Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), devoted mother and successful actress, whose daughter Regan (Linda Blair) is possessed by a malevolent entity after handling a dangerous ouija board. The film unfolds at a steady pace, shrouded in mystery at first, as Regan's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and disturbing. With doctors and psychiatrists unable to diagnose her condition, a desperate Chris turns to Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller), a skeptical priest who eventually becomes convinced of possession. Karras enlists the help of Father Merrin (Max von Sydow), an experienced exorcist, to combat the relentless evil that has taken hold of Regan.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its performances. Linda Blair hauntingly and convincingly plays a young girl tormented by a demonic presence, while Mercedes McCambridge's spine-chilling voice lends a strange authenticity to the entity that possesses her. Ellen Burstyn's emotional performance as a mother desperately fighting for her daughter's soul is remarkable, and Jason Miller and Max von Sydow bring depth and gravitas to their roles as conflicted priests battling forces beyond their control.

Director William Friedkin's masterful direction creates an atmosphere of relentless tension and dread. The absence of modern CGI effects lends a raw, authentic quality to the film's terrifying sequences, making the horrors all the more real and visceral. Practical effects, such as Regan's spinning head and the famous pea-soup vomit, are executed with remarkable skill, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer's psyche.

William Peter Blatty's screenplay, adapted from his own novel, tackles themes of faith, doubt and the struggle between good and evil. The dialogue is authentic and relatable, allowing the characters to grapple with their own beliefs and fears in the face of the inexplicable. The story is enriched by the exploration of the characters' personal struggles, in particular Father Karras' crisis of faith and his guilt over his mother's death.

The Exorcist is a film that defies easy categorization. It's a horror film that transcends the horror genre by tackling profound spiritual and existential questions. The film's honest and uncompromising portrayal of possession, coupled with impeccable performances and cleverly crafted suspense, makes it a landmark in cinematic history. The Exorcist not only terrifies its viewers, it also challenges them to confront their own beliefs and fears, making it a timeless and essential work of cinema that continues to leave an indelible mark on all who experience its unsettling power.

The Exorcist
Directed by William Friedkin
Screenplay by William Peter Blatty
Based on The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
Produced by William Peter Blatty
Starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, Linda Blair
Cinematography : Owen Roizman
Edited by Evan A. Lottman, Norman Gay, Bud S. Smith
Music by Jack Nitzsche
Production company : Hoya Productions
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
Release date : December 26, 1973 (United States), September 11 1974 (France)
Running time : 122 minutes

Viewed on August 12, 2023 (video)

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