Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Max Von Sydow, Kitty Winn, Barton Heyman and Linda Blair
Director: William Friedkin
Release Date: 1973
Running Time: 2hrs 2 minutes
Genre: Horror
Rating: 18
Format: Amazon Prime UK
Synopsis:
A young girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help from two priests in the hope they can save her before it's too late.
Twelve year old Regan (Blair) begins to show violent changes in her behaviour, numerous tests are done, even doctors are baffled by her behaviour and have no explanation as to why she is acting that way. As a last resort Regan's mother Chris (Burstyn) turns to exorcism. Father Damian Karras and Father Lancaster Merrin are selected by the church to perform the exorcism. In one last attempt to save Regan from what they believe to be a demonic spirit Based on the book of the same name by William Peter Blatty. The seventies was a magnificent time for film. We were introduced to "Jaws" and the likes of "Texas Chainsaw Massacre", however a film that really took people by surprise was "The Exorcist", at the time one of the most terrifying horror films to ever be made, so much so it was even banned in some parts of the world.
The film is actually based on true events, supposedly the exorcism of a demon from a young boy, living in Maryland, USA. A priest was called in after reports that normal conventional medicine was not helping his anger, his foul language or his violent episodes. After spending two months with the boy, the priest claimed that the boy not only spoke Latin but that he saw his bed shake time to time throwing the lad around as he slept. How much of it is true is another matter, a journalist took a further look into the story when the film was released, still to this day very minimal evidence actually came forward about what really happened to the boy.
The Exorcist is a film you do have to be patient with, although this will be boring for some, it does explain a few of the characters backstories. Regan is seen playing with an Ouija board, is it thought to be this is where she becomes possessed? Just when you think the film isn't going to get exciting, all hell breaks loose. Regan's bed begins to shake up and down, throwing her about! Doctors believe it to be a symptom of a seizure. No real explanation as to why she is behaving in such a bizarre and violent manner.
At the time there had never been anything like it, the storyline is really quite magnificent. There was an awful lot of controversy over the film at the time which led to it being banned. Linda Blair's performance as Regan is absolutely superb. Incredible characterisation, performed in a very convincing manner. Her mother played by Ellen Burstyn, delivers a very genuine performance, worried sick, what has become of her daughter? Who is controlling her? The most terrifying thing about the story is what happens to the characters, the way in which Regan reacts, the way in which Linda Blair stairs into the camera is enough to scare the socks off anyone. The worse thing you could do with this film is go in expecting to see demons and ghosts, the fear comes from what you can't see.
Tremendously shot with horrifying special effects. The rating of "18" is accurate, certain scenes are truly terrifying, most of which wouldn't even be aloud to be shown in film now. It is however, what makes the film stand out from other horror movies. Director William Friedkin wasn't afraid to take risks when it came to directing the film. It really does put all horror movies to shame, without the use of a single jump scare. The fact that director William Friedkin hasn't had to rely on much of a soundtrack to build suspense in his film is very impressive. Absolutely terrifying! One of the best horror movies ever made, this is one film you don't want to miss this coming Halloween.
5/5 stars
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