My son bought us tickets to see The Exorcist in Clarksville, Tennessee last Sunday. The original movie was playing there. I saw it in 2000 when it was re-released and I was ready to watch it again on the big screen.
Seeing this on the big screen changes everything. William Friedkin, the director, managed to keep the dread atmosphere all the way through the movie and never let up. Friedkin worked on this film for the re-release and the colors pop out at you. He just passed away on August 7, 2023. If you get a chance to see it and this doesn’t upset you…do it. The book was written by William Peter Blatty.
At one time I considered this a horror movie but I’ve changed my mind about that. How can I put it in the same category as slasher movies or some of the stupid horror movies? This is a classic movie with horror elements and should be treated as such. Is it scary? Oh yes, it is…in fact, it’s the only movie to really scare and spook me but I would not belittle it by putting it in with some of those movies. That is not a knock on those other horror movies that have their place…but this one is playing in a different league. What makes it so effective is it feels so real. This is not set in Salem or ancient times but in modern times. A normal 12-year-old girl gets possessed…something that feels tangible.
A few years ago I wrote on the cultural impact of this movie. This time I just want to talk about the characters of the movie. It’s unbelievable how many other movies have stolen bits and pieces of this or the whole thing. A lot of copycat movies came out like The Omen (which is really good), Beyond The Door (a low-budget one that I liked), and more.
The characters in The Exorcist are all vital and necessary. There are no wasted moments in the film. I first saw it when I was around 15-16 on a VHS copy and for days I would look around corners. In 2000 I was an adult but it still got to me then. What impresses me about the movie are the characters. Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) and Father Lankester Merrin (Max Van Sydow) finally converge near the end of the movie.
The acting of Jason Miller who plays Father Karras is outstanding especially since this was his first role. Father Karras is a guilt-ridden man who is losing his faith. All of this plays a part in his transformation to help with the Exorcism. Miller was first a playwright and a good one and this started his acting career. Max Von Sydow was only 44 while playing an old Father Merrin and like Blair…if it wasn’t convincing the movie would not have worked.
Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) and Regan MacNeil play mother and daughter and are at the story’s center. Both do a great job and of course, Linda Blair was very convincing because if not…the movie would have died on the vine. Ellen Burstyn ties the movie together with her portrayal of Regan’s mom.
Another character who felt real was Father Dyer who was played by the real Father William O’Malley…he had the experience. Also, Lt William Kinderman (Lee J. Cobb) is super as the Police Detective. He is such a real sort of character that you have known some Kindermans in your life. You can see him softening people up to get information from them in a wise old man way.
It’s worth mentioning 90-year-old Vasiliki Maliaros who played Father Karras’ mother. It was her only acting role. William Friedkin saw her in a cafe and cast her.
No character is used too much or too little and its pacing is perfect. One of my favorite scenes of all time is in this movie. When Father Merrin pulls up in the taxi and walks in the fog with light coming from a street light and the house. You can take away a lot from the ending and it’s all subjective but for me, it’s good conquering evil…you may have a different thought.
The original trailer…it was ultimately banned by film executives over concerns it was too disturbing for audiences.
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I think the last time I saw this movie Max was on VHS tape back in the mid 80s! lol. Smart move to release it before Halloween. What a one time gig for a 90 year old to finally get a job in a movie as well…
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Been a very long time since I saw this, which is my preference. The way you describe the characters almost makes me want to watch it again, almost.
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It is a great movie… one of the classics…but with this one I totally understand. It still holds up great.
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Not my thing, but as far as horror films go, this is a good one.
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I completely agree that this film is not a horror film in the classic sense. It is first and foremost a film about buried evil, about rampant impulses. We must not forget Burke’s drunken and troubled character. We will know nothing of what happened in Regan’s room, and which led him to then throw himself out of the window. What actions? What perversion is at work in this blind spot? Friedkin had the art of cultivating these gray areas, of showing what no one dared to show, of making people say that it was forbidden to say. That’s why this film is great too.
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You are so correct…Burke’s character was important and I like his and Karl’s argument scenes…
I just didn’t want to make it too long a post. Also…who put the crucifix in the bed? Personally I think it was Karl but you draw your own conclusions.
I want to read the book now. Thanks for commenting!
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I read the book afterward and I was surprised how much Friedkin was very close.
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never seen it believe it or not, and not really my type but no question it must be a classic and from all accounts, including yours, better written than typical horror movies. I wonder if the Catholic Church had any official reaction when it came out?
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Yes they wanted it rated X not R because of kids getting in… some of their priests had roles.
It’s a great movie… horror or not… it’s so real
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Same page for this one Max. All aspects of filmmaking come together, direction, cinematography, story, script and fantastic casting and performances. Good take fella.
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Thanks CB.
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A rattling good film. One that the term ‘gives me the creeps’ was made for.
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I’ve only seen scenes of “The Exorcist,” never the entire picture. I’d be curious to watch it. I imagine catching it on the big screen must be quite impactful.
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It made it more intense….if that is such a thing.
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I was scared when I first saw it as a teenager.. I think if you watched it now just for the jump scares it would seem old-fashioned, and some of the more famous scenes and lines are cliche, but as a drama – a story of a mother fighting to save her daughter and a priest wrestling with his faith – it’s superb.
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I think some of it is cliche…but it’s because it’s been copied so damn much…and this was the source. I do look at it as a drama with horror thrown in.
But I say this in truth…I have yet to see a scarier movie for me anyway. The pacing is slower and it actually builds a story…that is the secret of it’s longevity I believe.
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The Exorcist still has the same impact it once did. I was also pretty disturbed for a while after seeing it. Not sure I can rewatch it.
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Seeing it on the big screen only heightens it also.
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I thought for sure I commented on this but WP lost it. I read the book first and it scared the living hell out of me. Never went near a Ouija board again.
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Max, I really liked how you told me this movie is technically a DRAMA that ends up moving to horrific proportions, thus making it even scarier. There are moments in the movie that feel real in a raw way that the (gradual) Satanic infusions just cut you up. I also agree that there is not a wasted moment in the film. Every scene has a reason, and the daunting build up per character is haunting. Great write up! Fantastic movie.
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Thanks Bernie! I started to really break it down before we watched it and listened to the directors commentary… he cleared up a lot. The acting in this was just wonderful.
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“The Exorcist” is an iconic horror classic that has stood the test of time. Its spine-tingling atmosphere, memorable performances, and shocking special effects make it a must-see for any horror enthusiast. The film’s portrayal of a battle between good and evil remains chilling, and the haunting soundtrack adds to the overall sense of dread. If you’re looking for a movie that will truly terrify you and leave a lasting impression, “The Exorcist” is an absolute must-watch. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on afterward! 👻🎥 #TheExorcist #HorrorClassic #MustSee
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Thanks so much for reading!
I will check out your site…thanks again.
Wouldn’t you say though that yes it is technically a horror movie but forget that…it’s just a great movie period. I always thought it was a drama with horror basically.
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I saw this in a College screening in 1978, I was 20 and it totally disturbed me! Walking home in the dark was unusually odd! It also boosted Mike Oldfield, and Virgin Records, and helped create a business empire by mistake!
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It is a great effective movie…great story and of course the horror
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