5 Decades Later, Still Unmatched | The Exorcist (1973) RGP Review
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- It's been 50 years since the release of The Exorcist and nothing has come close to accomplishing what this film did. Today I'm breaking down why this movie means so much to me personally, and trying to explain what made it stick as well as it did.
JJJreact
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Rocklin Graves Productions is a labour of love for the world of horror. With a focus on reviewing horror films, this channel explores what makes the genre so impactful and important for so many people.
Intro, outro and background music is original.
Great job, but one small detail that I quibble with. The St. Christopher medallion that Chris gives to Fr. Dyer in the last scene was the one that Fr. Karas was wearing. When Karas and Regan are wrestling on the floor just before Karas throws himself out the window, you see Regan grab it from his neck and throw it on the floor. It is true that a similar medallion is found in the same hole as the Pazuzu carving in Iraq, but that is, I think, just foreshadowing of the final scene. I've always like the fact that the Iraq scene foreshadows Damien's role in that way. But, as I said, that was one small details and this is a great review. Well done.
Good catch! I try to not make that kind of mistake but eh it happens. Thanks so much for the kinds words!
I agree great video however Pazzuzzu is not a fictional demon. While mythical he is very real.
Summeriañ demon I believe
Yeah that's my bad@@edwardbloecher4563
I appreciate your answer. 😀
I watched The Exorcist the right way : 8 years old, hidden from my parents, alone in a dark room.
It was airing on TV, and I had no idea what it was about. Little by little, the psichological terror had me glued to the tv, in a state where I wanted to get the hell out of there, but at the same time, I COULD NOT stop watching it. I remember watching it completely covered with my blanket, only nose and eyes wide open sticking out.
The effect lasted for so long, that I slept with the lights on for a few months.
Those were the good old days 😂
Oh man that sounds PERFECT
It’s refreshing and reassuring that someone from your generation loves and appreciates this classic film as much as us oldies😊👍 keep up the good work.
Thank you!
Not only my favorite horror movie. My favorite movie period.
I can absolutely see why. It’s definitely up there for me. Thanks for watching the video!
Mine too! 👍
I couldn't agree with you more! 👍 This is a perfectly made film from beginning to end. Amazing director William Friedkin showed just how talented he was.
The movie is a classic. Boring, not scary, funny? Some folks obviously don't know great movie. The movie doesn't just rely on scary parts, but the psychological concept. Acting, storyline, and the way the movie was shot is incredible. Seeing it again in my local theater for 5 bucks. This movie never gets old.
RIP Father William O’Malley (Father Dwyer) who just passed on July 2023 at 92. Not only a dedicated Priest, but an respected author, actor and educator.
My first time seeing your stuff and dude you are a BEAST! Such a thorough and detailed breakdown with the proper appreciation not only of this movie, the horror genre, the original book and the phenomenon and culture SURROUNDING the film but the artistic and fan appreciation of this amazing horror film.
Thank you so much man! I really appreciate that
I’m a huge fan of the Exorcist and this is probably the best breakdown of it that I’ve seen. Great job. I’m looking forward to the comparison video between the original and extended version.
Wow thank you so much! I really appreciate that
This movie scared the crap out of me when I was way to young to see it. I totally agree with you
Nowadays there are so many exorcist movies. Some work most don't
.when you have an all star cast a priest and a crazy director who fires guns and slaps you across the face to get the scene
That's legendary
Ellen back must have hurt a lot when she got pulled back
And Lynda Blair as well
I am glad that jerk Dennings died
A+ movie. Scariest movie of all time. Hereditary comes in 3rd place and the evil dead in second.
It really is one of a kind. Thanks for watching!
Wonderful video essay. This is the 1st video I have seen of yours, and I'm looking forward to more.
Thank you so much! I’ve got the longest video I’ve ever made coming very soon
Grew up on horror, and the Exorcist is the ONLY movie that has scared me (to a LARGE degree, as well). Saw it when I was 8 (1978), and had nightmares for several months. Getting my 4K steelbook, today, in the mail, and cannot wait. Oddly enough, I'm an atheist, but this movie has always made me think...
It’s truly special lol. Thanks for watching!
Proof that a great script, cast, music, etc, basically a masterpiece film does not need an Oscar to be immortalized. How many best pictures do we really remember or best actress whatever.
The Exorcist is still being broadcasted almost every year.
Insightul commentary! My only disagreement - I was one of those people who needed the theme spoon-fed to me, that the possession happened to cause despair in those viewing it, to shake their faith. I saw this when I was 14, and I felt that evil had triumphed because of the deaths of the priests.
Yeah I saw 12 the first time I saw it so all of that went right over my head lol I get it. Wasn’t until a long while later when I read that book and rewatched the movie that it all clicked properly. Thank you for watching!
Still shocking, still an absolute classic. Friedkin was on fire then just after the brilliant French connection… great stuff. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Movie should of swept the Oscars in 74. The reason given why it didnt. The academy didnt want a string of copycat disturbing movies. Real reason. A "Catholic" priest being a hero wasnt acceptable in Hollywood.
I LOVE your video and I LOVE your enthusiasm. I share that. I'm a huge fan of The Exorcist and despite all the awesome movies that we've had released since then, NOTHING holds a candle to this film. Utterly iconic, to say the least. I am 55 and the fact that someone so young can have so much respect and appreciation for this film is awesome!! I watched a video that talked about Mercedes Macambridge, the actress who did the voice over of the demon. She put herself through Hell to do that voice. Chain smoking and drinking to scorch her throat. That's what I call "committing yourself to something".
Thank you so much!
I totally agree completely with your praise of this film. It scarred me and impacted me for many years.
It also never labeled itself as "the scariest movie of all time" it earned that title through genuine horror, and still makes me shiver.
Awesome review. I just purchased the 50th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD version. And the film looks the best it’s ever been. And the sound too. So much-that for the first time, I heard the swarm of BEES 🐝 in the sound design. It was always said that a hive of bees could be heard in the sound design at the beginning of the film. Some say it’s just movie myth, but with the 4K restoration, it’s there… in the archeological dig scene when Father Merrin reaches down and picks up and looks at the Pazuzu artifact, the bees are heard clearly. 👍
Very impressive analysis!
Thank you!
Without Ellen Burstyn's very real performance this great movie would not have worked. She makes you believe everything. What they did to her character in Believer is an atrocity of mega proportions.
Quality review that mate, I always find it funny when I watch reactions to this film and they way reactors all say basically the same when the ouija board appears, little knowing their fear of it actually all stems from this film
Thank you!
Absolutely on point .Awesome movie.
Thank you!
hi, im 58. its my favourite film of all time. i was ten when i first saw it. great to see someone your age loves a great film. dont watch the mess of the new one.
I remember someone commenting the fainting and nausea was actually caused by the scene where Reagan was getting the CT scans and you see blood.
Just for this excellent review I’m subscribing.
Thank you! Welcome aboard
Boogyman ben sent me here.... .great channel my man. Now subscribed 👍
Thanks man! Really appreciate that
Hate to say it, but if people say this movie is "funny" or not scary well....ya might be basic or haven't lived enough to know the true horror that this film brings.
There are two horror movies that are my favorite out of every other horror movie The Exorcist (1973) and The Thing (1982) because I saw both of these amazing horror movies on the TV in the 1990s as a little kid and both of them did a really wonderful job at scaring me and disturbing me so i have considered The Exorcist (1973) and The Thing (1982) the greatest horror movies ever created as well:).
Those are both fantastic pics and easily some of my favourites of all time
One thing that always disturbed me in the movie that nobody ever mentions is the mom’s language. Almost every time you see her, she is uttering some version of “blasphemy”. If you grew up in a religious family like I did, you cringe when you hear that. I was raised that taking gods name in vain is worse than dropping F bombs. It’s in the bible. One of the Ten Commandments, no less. So when she is always saying, “Jesus Christ”, “Judas priest”, “for Christ sake”, etc. it’s a subtle but great detail in the movie. It’s like her indifference to small “sins” makes her vulnerable. This movie hit different back in the day because people went to church more. That’s what scared me most about it. As a kid raised going to church, this was terrifying. I appreciate it for different reasons now, but back then, I was shook!
6:03 it helps that Blattey wrote the screenplay
Absolutely
I saw this movie in a theater in NJ.. I was a freshman in HS and not prepared for what I was about to see.. absolutely brilliant movie.
It’s really something else. I’ll be seeing it in a theatre for the first time at the end of October, and I cannot wait
@@RocklinGravesenjoy my friend
Very very good review and i agree wholeheartedly with everything you say.
Thanks for watching!
new subscriber here , I am really impressed with your knowledge about this timeless classic movie I was 11 years old when I saw this movie in the late 80s as a child … i could sleep for days 😂… but yeah you just gained a fan keep it up , your exorcist 3 review was also great
Oh thanks so much man I really appreciate that
I tried watching this movie when I was 13. I had to stop when her neck distended and she hit her mom. It was just too much. I finally watched it all the way through at 24. And it scared me then too. But I can say I’ve watched it about 6 times since then.
Beautiful production design by Bill Malley and Jerry Wunderlich.
While “scariest movie of all time” is a stretch for me the performances, directing and writing were amazing. For me it’s just a great movie that has horror elements. Tho tbh I don’t find many things scary anymore unless they attack a particular fear of mine (things in the dark for me)
I re watched this movie last week before believer and also read the novel which i loved the research put into that in every aspect be it science, psychology, faith or spiritualism it really shows . Have to say father Karras became my favourite character after the novel the effort he puts to solve Regan's case and even during exorcism he had his doubts portrayed in a good manner . After watching the believer I could say yup the story was not good in depth but it also lacked good characters like the Og Exorcist had.
Ps - I really loved conversation between Karras and Demon Regan
Great review.
I'm still looking for a review from the premise: "There is no demon" and I think on some level the movie leaves this door open to from my perspective this could be the story of a girl abandoned by her father with a busy mother being abused by a family friend and all of this leading to severe mental health issues.
Maybe combined with a fungus in the rental house or something that has everyone high as balls or mass hysteria...
Could be a fun thought experiment to try out sometime…. thanks for watching!
Collative Learning has an older video about exactly that.
I never found the Exorcist to be scary. My nagging problem with the film is, how a devil could be so powerful, and yet be so helpless.
One of the greatest movies ever made.
Agreed
@@RocklinGraves People often say it's one of the best horror movies ever made, while true, it's not enough. It's one of the greatest MOVIES ever made.
I am completely with you on that one
Great Review!! Brilliant Film!
And with this new Exorcist: Believer film coming out this year. It STILL won't match the original. Often nothing does.
It definitely won’t match it, but I’m hoping it’s enjoyable. Just a few hours before I see it
I felt so sorry for Chris she went threw so much you are rooting for Chris to win I wished Reagan father was there to help
The tv show is probably the most faithful and best written exorcism property since the original. Exorcist 3 is good too but the show is just better overall.
I saw this in 1974 as a Catholic some scenes really shocked me it's about faith really a lot of younger viewers think it's tame but a different story 50 years ago
Pazuzu actually isn't fictional. Well... he's IS fictional, just like all gods and demons are. But he was a real demon that Mesopotamians believed in. He was the king of wind demons, and even though he was evil, mothers would wear pendants of him to ward off another rival demon who was apparently a threat to children. He was like the Chris Hanson of Mesopotamia. So it's actually kind of odd that he was the demon to possess Regan, since he was made into an idol to protect children back then.
Oh interesting. I did some research and couldn't find anything but I must've not looked hard enough! Thanks for the info
I would say the scariest. Don't think I was the same after watching it
I know why the Catholic church was mortified. Still am. From the cursing, the church scene, the in worst was when Regan took the cross and we'll you know. I am still am shocked when I watch it yrly.
The citizen Kane of horror the phenomenon the Exorcist 😮
1- Not supposed possession 2-Not fictional Pazuzu
You’re right that Pazuzu isn’t fictional - that’s my bad. But the supposed exorcism I was referring to isn’t the one in the movie, it’s the one that the book was based off of, which is why I said supposed
@@RocklinGraves Well that makes more sense.
I feel like there was truly demonic energy in the room while filming this movie. Whether it was attracted by the story line or was summoned in a ritual…I don’t know. I just know it’s the deepest and most intelligent evil I’ve ever seen in my life and it haunts with little remorse.
There’s certainly no shortage of stories from that set…. could be. Thanks for watching!
God wins in the end so i don't think any demons were involved.
It is the scariest Movie of all time PERIOD!!! cause it was freaking CREEPY!!!
brilliant ♥️
Thank you!
@@RocklinGraves 🙏♥️
I'm 64, read the book in HS and then saw the movie. Thank you for such an EXCELLENT, INTELLIGENT, DIRECT HIT review of one of THE GREATEST movies of all time. It's always nice to see someone like you from the younger generation SEE this Classic for what it is. You are an EXCEPTIONAL young man.
Wow thank you so much! I really appreciate that. It’s a fantastic novel as well
The Exorcist is a masterpiece. One of the greatest movies of all-time, regardless of genre. Bravo to the William Friedkin, William Peter Blatty and the amazing cast/crew of The Exorcist.
Agreed
As a Catholic boy, this movie was especially terrifying. It was written by a devout believer, and I think that’s what gives it an authenticity that might be missing in the rip offs.
The greatest horror film of ALL TIME. Also the darkest and heaviest film of them all...
Well it is at least for those of us who were brainwashed with this bullshite as kids. This movie terrified me and my mom told me it would happen to people with weak minds and that I had a weak mind. I couldnt sleep well for months.
@@realhousewifeoftransylvania1.0possession is very real, only it’s not as theatrical as the movies make it out to be.
To be the greatest horror film, it needs to be scary first. I watched this last year as a 30 year old horror lover and was bored shitless. This movie was (I’m sure) amazing for its time, but it’s time is long past and people just can’t accept that
Crazy story but true... My mum was actually pregnant with me in 1976 when The Exorcist had a cinema re-run here in the UK. My dad saw it on original release and had warned my Mother how disturbing it was. Well, Mum sat and watched it, 6 mnths pregnant with me at the time and it really affected her...yet as a kid I grew up TOTALLY OBSESSED with the movie, even more so because by the mid 80's it was banned on home video in the UK and I wasn't able to experience it for myself. I kept buying the paperback novel from jumble sales - Mum kept throwing the copies away because she said the book was evil!! I finally found a pirate VHS copy of the movie when I was 16 at a market-sale... and it terrified me. Now, all those years on, my living room walls have framed posters, I own 3 copies on Blu-Ray, have every book every written about this great movie... and cannot wait for my deluxe collectors edition 4K to be delivered this october!!
It was always meant to be! What a great story
same story for me, but my mother had to watch in another country, because it was forbidden in mine. watched several hints of it when I was 8, my grandmother forbade it from us watching it. Finally watched it when I was 12, years later read the books, watched alone and eventually never watched it again.... until the Believer came out, and that was a joke. Decided to revisit this again. Only a couple of scenes I cannot watch, it is the lizard/snake tongue scene on the bed. I cant that to me freaks me out.
Fantastic! I also feel that Heredity works on many of the same levels, especially the family tragedy… that is real horror
Thanks so much! I realized I didn’t explain that point much because what I was saying is that Hereditary is a terrifying movie that really sets me off while The Exorcist is a more subdued feel. If that makes sense…. god I need to watch Hereditary again
I read the book before finally watching the movie (in the mid 80s) and was glad that I did. Especially where Father Karras was concerned. What a back story there was with that guy.
The cuts in the movie didn't matter as a result.
It’s such a great read. There’s a lot more detail in the characters that’s really interesting. Thanks for watching!
Father Merrin makes me want to be a better human being after reading the book
I felt the same way
This movie is, in my opinion, far more frightening and works so well not because of what we do see, but what we don't. Your slasher type films are filled with gore and an on screen protagonist we can see on screen. The exorcist plays to that which we can't see, captain Howdy. This is offered to the audience and almost sounds Peter Pan-ish.
That hides the sinister, evil and diabolical intent of an entity that we never physically see on screen (except once when Merim and Carris are thrown to the floor and the demon manifests on the bed as we see from Merims pov).
The demon gradually starts to take control but again, never seen on screen. The bed shaking, Ragan being thrown about on the bed before she sits up, growls and "Keep away. . ." When it possesses Ragan but again, you hear it speak only. Ragan declines in appearance as the movie goes on suggesting the demon is taking more and more control.
The scenes like Damien walking into the room only to see his mother sat on the bed staring at him is for me again scary as hell because we know, and Damien later breaks shouting "your not my mother!"
The demon in saying "would you help an old alter boy, Father" is again chilling as its what the homeless guy asks him on the street and in the demon repeating this offers the suggestion that the demonic are themselves, in a way, omnipresent. The demon is in Ragan, yet it knows where Carris is and who's be talking to miles away.
There a scene that cuts to Ragan, as the demon, just laying there eyes wide open, just staring off into space. I always took this to implay the demon is watching Damien, it knows whrere he is and what He's doing. Its still in Ragan, yet its watching Damien miles away with that fixated stare.
It works so well as a truly frightening film for me because of what we don't see, yet know it's there. Presents itself as a cartoonist Captain, when it's just masking it's intent. Nothing is there, the demon is in Ragan, we don't see it, just the cause and effect if has manifesting via a human host. It's glimpsed once standing on the bed, and once as a flash face on screen. The protagonist is there yet what you don't see is often far more frightening than anything you can!
Very well put! It’s such an effective movie
OMG ! I would have never thought a young man like you could have EVER brought so many good details and such good sense for this MASTERPIECE. I am always amazed, as a 54 year old man, that young generations still appreciate this movie. And the fact that you said this masterpiece has and will always be unmatched is certainly one of the true wise thoughts of yours and your analysis. I have got two words for you : thank YOU
Haha thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it. The movie deserves all the praise it can get it truly is a masterpiece. Thanks for watching!
I was just thinking this too! I’m only (43) but he did a very impressive job here!💯💯👍🏼👍🏼
I thought the same thing. A wise young man
Stole my words! This young man is going places! I'm 54 too and had to sleep with my parents for a month after first seeing it long ago!
It's a friggin masterpiece 😂
Of course it's subjective and related to conventions of the time, but I find The Exorcist scarier than more recent horror films, and I think it has to do with the subdued, matter-of-fact approach you discuss. Frankly, I find the more recent, more "sophisticated" (technologically) horror films less scary because they actually seem less realistic with all of their enhancements. The 1973 Exorcist seems more true to life precisely because of its style. Of course, I am middle-aged, so that's perhaps the result of my being shaped by 1970s conventions; a younger viewer would logically feel differently. However, I do have to take issue with those who find it "funny." Obviously I can't prove this, but I suspect that's at least often a disingenuous reaction, a kind of "flexing" of one's horror muscles ("It doesn't scare me! I'm tough!"), a resistance to the movie rather than a reaction to it. Perhaps I'm wrong, but while I can understand not finding the movie as scary as I do, I think seeing it as humorous may be sometimes be a willful or willed reaction. But hey, I can't prove that, and I understand if people disagree.
I think a big reason there are people who find it funny is because of how many times it’s been parodied and how often images from it are used as jokes, so when people see those images in the movie that would otherwise be scary they already associate them with something humorous. It’s unfortunate, but you’re not at all wrong about a lot of what you said. I’ve seen some movies made since then that make me forget I’m watching a movie like Lake Mungo, but the natural look and feel isn’t as common in big movies these days
Definitely. Excellent point about the impact of the parodies. It's probably very difficult to go in with a "fresh" perspective. I also would be willing to concede that generational differences might play a role, as you suggest in the (excellent) original video in how audiences respond. What I as a middle-aged person see as "realistic" is conditioned by my upbringing (in actuality and in the media I consumed) and is no more based in reality than what someone several decades younger than I am would find realistic based on their experience and conditioning.
@@RocklinGraves
The Exorcist is so much more than just a horror film. It is not only a horror film but rather a film that depicted horrific events. It is uneasy suspense with a buildup that emotionally explodes. Its great story telling with incredible raw performances by all. It's horror/drama that is serious, relentless, and powerful. It's about doubt, faith, guilt, sacrifice, desperation, love, redemption, heartbreaking loss and science versus the human condition.
A mother who has no religious beliefs, desperately seeks help from a guilt ridden priest who has lost his faith. The movie won the Oscar for best screenplay for good reasons.
I love that last paragraph man. Amazing
Nicely done
Thanks for watching!
Blatty and Friedkin were not good friends before Friedkin was hired. They had met only once, briefly. Blatty wanted Friedkin because he liked his style of filmmaking.
Evan, I want to thank you for the amazing analysis of this iconic classic horror film. It’s channels like yours that are rare on this platform. In a sea of grand standing and cynicism, it is a pleasure watching someone with true passion breakdown the elements of a film they hold near and dear. Please keep doing what you are doing.
Lordy thanks so much man that means a lot
I was a toddler when The Exorcist came out, and I was able to watch this in the 80s at the Halloween party my (devout Catholic) grandmother gave for me. This movie has a special place in my heart. A core memory.
Thank you for approaching this movie with the care and reverence it deserves.
Extended version had WAY too much Captain Howdy flashes.
Yep I fully agree
Great exploration of this fin. I was born in 1965, and I didn't see this until the early 80s. It was so good and still hold up to modern viewing. I have seen many possession films since and there's just no comparison. The mold was broken with this one.
Absolutely true
Thank you for this thoughtful review of the exorcist movie. I was 11 years old when it was released and remember everyone talking about it. Saw it many years later as an adult and to this day when I rewatch it still gives me the creeps and I find the movie to be just as powerful and scary as the first time. For me it is the #1 horror movie ever made.
Thank you for watching!
totally agree!
This time next year you should have 500k subs. Outstanding thoughts.
Damn well thank you man I really appreciate you saying that
Saw the movie about 16 ish years ago and again last week. I fully appreciate the movie now that I’m older. The first time watching I was guilty of expecting it to scare the pants off me, I also focused too much on Reagan. You’re so right about the pacing of the movie, it didn’t feel like it was over 2 hours long. Great review for a great movie. 👍🏻
Thank you!
This RGP review is the best (most insightful) of the 20-30 Exorcist reviews I've watched. I was 20 in 1973 when I saw The Exorcist in a terrific, darkened theater in Hollywood. During the sold-out showing, audience members ran down the aisles to the theater lobby to vomit, pass out, and recover from never having been so terrified, shocked, and/or disturbed by a movie. For all the reasons the young man narrating this review accurately articulates, for us 1973 audiences, The Exorcist was, BY FAR, the scariest & best horror movie of all time. Nothing else comes close.
I don’t even know what to say aside from thank you! That’s so kind of you
I would give almost anything to have experienced seeing this movie in a theater and not knowing what was coming. I was one year old when it came out and I didn’t see it till I was 12 or 13 in the mid 80’s. The theater experience must’ve been unbelievable
@@myles_bennett77 What made it especially impactful was that we 1973 audiences weren't desensitized to the special effects, graphic language and images (e.g., the crucifix scene).
Also, this was the first horror movie with top-notch actors, writers, cinema photography, and realistic portrayal of how people in real-life would have reacted to the horrors presented in the movie. That made it seem more real &, thus, more entertaining & more frightening.
Most of all, most of us in 1973 didn't think demonic possession was anything other than total nonsense. However, being the first movie based on a real-life alleged demonic possession, this movie opened our minds to the possibility that it is possible, and that was and is horrifying.
The proof is in the pudding: No other movie has ever had viewers running down the aisles and feinting in the theater lobby - and yes I saw that with my own eyes & it made the experience more fun - like seeing girls feint at a Michael Jackson concert.
@@DalilahR Yes thats what I wish I could experience. The pure cinematic experience that it was on 26 December 1973 with all the things that went along with it. I wish I could’ve done that with ‘Psycho’ as well. I can’t imagine what that must’ve been like because I already knew the twist when I watched it for the first time. But to have that experience with ‘The Exorcist’ must have been pretty much indescribable
As of this writing, this movie is 50 years old. In another two weeks, as this is being typed, we will have a new installment in The Exorcist franchise. People will still be talking about The Exorcist in another 50 years when it is 100 years old.
You’re absolutely right
The restoration of Blatty's favored scenes, which Friedkin cut, did NOT 'cheapen the movie'. What you've said is blasphemy. Blasphemy I tell you!
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Only original 1973
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All 12 minute ..
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Thank you for making this eloquent and thoughtful review! Yes, you did this masterpiece justice (unlike the silly and unnecessary recent installment that David Gordon Green just made. 'Exorcist: Believer' sucked).
Thank you very much! Yeah the new movie wasn’t great
That was really good sir. 50 a go I saw this movie and didn't get sick and sleep good. What it did do was I ask God if was so too belive this ? Yes .Satan is real and hell is real. And read my Bible and books ect. On it. I alot better for it.RIP.evey one that pass away. God bless. Thank everyone for what you did and alot hard work. To make this movie. And Linda Blair. For making us cry and laugh. Be afraid. And for changing us both for the better. You are a hero to alots Dogs. That our Thank full. For you. and everyone that works for you. And California. Really make a difference. Really not the best movie in 70's . But one of them. I still don't like ending this. Just go to CALIFORNIA Really people? And this a man thing? More caring for both them. What should of done was go to them both see karras ect . Also don't make 2 just go back to ending of this. World of been better. Also not long ago Regan need it huge more anything else. I feel. And what gets me Ms Blair was down they when did the seen at end of stairs. Why
Not do it.? Regan need it be they. I know can't do over again. To better movie 🎬. Also God bless and keep you stay safe and mighty. And Linda Blair I hope someone check on you as well.
The Exorcist is a tour de force of film making. It is, IMO, Friedkin's masterpiece. It is as though every actor was _born_ to play their respective parts, in particular for me, Jason Miller. It is a shame that he didn't go on to further acclaim as an actor after The Exorcist, because he was enormously talented, but he's so good as Damien Karras, it's almost hard to separate the actor from the role. He is actually the beating heart of the story and Jason is perfect. An additional shout-out to Mercedes McCambridge who was superb as the voice of the demon. What she put herself through to channel and harness the rage that the demon feels was extraordinary.
An excellent, thoughtful and insightful review from you, but in all my many viewings of the film, I must say I've never picked up that Damien was _desirous_ of Regan being possessed (as a means of reaffirming his faith). When I watch it again, I'll keep an eye out for hints of that. I also agree with you that the original is the superior version. The only scene I might have included was actually the scene you included here - Damien and Fr Merrin on the stairs outside Regan's room. The spiderwalk was a bit OTT and the extra subliminal shots of Pazuzu's face were unecessary and diluted its original impact.
It is a film that can't be matched or surpassed, in my view, because the genre itself has become something of a joke - horror now seems to be mainly about gore and jump scares. The human element is sacrificed in favour of these parlour tricks, and the stories (if you can call them that) aren't designed to stay with you and haunt you in the way that The Exorcist does.
I’m sort of borrowing the idea that Damien’s hoping the possession is real from the novel. It’s not really mentioned in the movie since it’s just something on the inside of his head, but I found that idea interesting enough to include in the video. Thank you!
@@RocklinGraves Ah-ha. It's been many years since I read the book, but I'll re-read one of these days.
I don't consider it a horror film but a faith film. Proabaly the greatest film ever aswell. If anyone is interested the greatest 3 faith films are:
1, The Exorcist
2. The Ascent (Larisa Shepitko)
3. First Reformed (Paul Schrader)
This video is the first one of your works that I've seen, and I have to say BRAVO! You nailed the ambiance, the feeling, and the psychological impact and significance of what this movie did to fans and audiences everywhere. I was just a kid when this movie was released. I had heard all of the "rumors" of the things that you mentioned, people 🤢🤮vomiting🤮🤢, running out of the theater screaming, and some others going directly to a church. Now back then I was a kid who attended a Catholic grade school, so we knew about the devil and evil, and it was scary to a little kid. That said, everyone was talking about this movie, so I decided that I would somehow get in to see it. In early summer our local Drive-in Theater, the 41-Twin, was showing it. Now they had multiple screens. One huge one in the middle with showings on both sides. Also two others that were opposite of the original two on opposite ends. I can't remember exactly if they had built them at this time, I think so. Anyway the Exorcist had been out for a while, so it was the last movie shown that weekend night. Since it was the last movie it wasn't one the Marquee sign outside which showed the movies. Again I can't remember exactly what else was playing. I know that either a Dirty Harry or a Charles Bronson movie was one of them and that was my "IN", since my Parents loved both Bronson and Eastwood. So I lied my way in to see it without them knowing it. I do remember almost getting busted when the Ticket guy asked my Dad, "Are you sure you want you kid to see this movie. My Dad must have thought he was referring to the other movie. Again I can't remember exactly what else was playing. Anyway I got in. The last movie was next. The 7 minutes to go till showtime scenes played. The🌭🌭Hot🌭Dog🌭🌭 jumping into the Bun, etc. My Mom asked me if I was tired? NAH! And the Exorcist started. Needless to say my Mom was p*ssed off at me. My Dad who didn't watch much TV didn't know about the movie. When the bed started bouncing and the movie got into the evil aspects, I realized I made a HUGE MISTAKE! But when Regan took the Crucifix and began stabbing herself and then forced her mother's face into it and told her to lick it, my Mom GLARED AT ME. She told my Dad, THATS IT, LET'S GO! I said back, OK! By now my Dad was aware of my shenanigans and told my Mom, "He wants to see this so bad? He lied about it, he's going to watch it!" So I was caught in my lie. In the end a lesson may have been "taught", but I ended up having nightmares for over a year. Where that hideous girl would be on the top of my bunk bed, and as I tried to sneak away her face would appear in front of my face, hanging Upside-Down inches from me. Glaring at me laughing, and I'd wake up screaming! That shows you and it showed me that no 7 year old kid should have NEVER EVER SEEN THIS MOVIE!! The idea of a demonic possession terrified me. In a odd way to this day it still gives me the creeps, and it's 50 years later. This one movie scared me in a way that NO OTHER movie had done. It was extremely terrifying. Especially because these sorts of things had happened before, and to a 6-7 year old kid, who's imagination had the uncanny ability push the limits, this movie scared the sh*t out of me!!
Oh man that’s amazing haha. I think I was 12 when I first saw it and I thought that was young! Also thank you so much for the kinds words I really appreciate it
Feel free to watch The Exorcist lose the best picture award to The Sting, Oscar channel you tube clip 1974.
My sister took me to see this at the drive-in when I was 11-years old... this is still the most disturbing possession movie ever made... more like a documentary due to the expertise involved. This is an exceptional review, imho. Subbed.
Wow thank you so much I’m glad you liked it! Also that’s a great way to have seen the movie for the first time I envy you!
My parents went to see this in the 70s uk there were priests out side saying dont go in
Oh wow that’s insane!
I saw it during the premiere. A friends mother had to buy our tix because we were only 12. I also read the book soon after.
How weird
I have been looking for this movie on Netflix and it was on BBC4
Great review .. Kermode would be happy with this insight unlike his review of the new one believer don't think he likes it much 😂
When u said 43 years old i thought "fek me im 43, hes had one tough paper round lol. Then u said he was made to look older".
3:08 Pazuzu is not a fictional demon, its an ancient Mesopotamian demon (wind demon to be exact)
What I was trying to convey was the feeling of being in the theater with a packed house experiencing something that had never been seen in film before. Two other movies in the 70s had that effect. Jaws and Alien. Your synopsis is great. What did you study in school??? I'm curious to see what they do with Believer. I'm hoping for the best but I would really be psyched if a more esteemed director were involved like a Ridley Scott or Ari Aster.
I’d LOVE to see Aster take on an Exorcisr movie. And yeah I totally get that the theatre experience makes a huge difference. I didn’t study film in school, I’m just a nerd for storytelling lmao.
I was 11 in 1973. I remember it well though did not see it originally on the screen as I was not 17. Saw it later on a re-release to the theater on a very limited basis. At 61 I still think it was one of the scariest films I've ever seen.
What a shame! What a shame! An excellent analysis spoiled by two things. Why, oh why, did you feel the need to swear? Now, I’m not a prude, but the quality of your analysis and presentation stands well in itself. What need was there for swearing? It just diminishes your professionalism somewhat.
The other thing is the preemptive apologising in which you ‘mimicked’ an apparent upper class English accent. Come on, no need. You’re a good presenter, with excellent analytical content and superb insight.
By the way, I completely agree with you re the additional scenes put in to the ‘director’s cut’ etc. In particularly, my dislike is the so-called ‘spider walk’. Completely unnecessary and - like you - I feel it cheapens the movie somewhat.
Well I appreciate the kind words, but I'll also address the issues you brought up. I swore because that's how I talk, and I don't want to sound like a robot in these videos. I've gotta just speak in my own voice, also... I mean we're talking about a movie filled with swearing and incredibly grotesque moments, so I don't think that's anything out of left field. The other thing was just that I want these videos to feel personable. If I'm just analytical and clinical for the entire video I don't feel like it's very interesting, plus that's just not me. I like to be silly and goof around... it's fun. But again I do appreciate what you said, and I hope the explanation makes sense.
My nightlight got some good use for 2 months after I saw this.
Knox was only forty-three when he did that I now know I'm old
one the greatest movies ever made The Exorcist. I discovered this movie back when I was 12 years old (I am 43 now) I seen it on a pirate copy that a school friend had stolen from his father as you know it was banned in UK. I have never gotten over this film, and to this day I am still like you every time I watch it, there is something else and different about it. I recently again have gone back into a deep dive of this masterpiece with the news of a new direct sequel (ala Halloween 2018) that is due this October, while I am sceptical I am interested as Ellen Burstyn is making an appearance again. And also the remarkable Exorcist 3: Legion.
I mention this as I have learned of the very sad passing of the films director William Friedkin. I just wanted to join you in my sadness at the loss of one of the greatest and most daring film makers of our time, I am just remorseful that I will never get to meet him. Rest in peace sir, William Friedkin.
It’s the common place scenes that add so much to the film…Chris washing and ironing millers sweater..kinderman’s subtle but tactical small talk….what a film!
I really appreciate your insights!! Subscribed! 👏🏼
Thank you so much!
My favorite scene in the movie is the scene between Kinderman and Karras. I’m not sure why, but to me that’s true acting and writing, and a true movie scene. It just sucks me in.
I honestly might be with you on that one. I love how Blatty writes dialogue