31 Days of Spooky- Day 5
If someone were to ask me what the best horror movie of all time is, it's unquestionably The Exorcist. I grew up (yes grew up) watching the movie with my parents and even though I may have been too young for a movie like this, it signifies the beginning of my personal love for horror. The older I got, the more of the movie itself I also "got". While I initially thought this movie was simply about Reagan and her possession, it truly goes deeper than that. It's not just some "jump scare" horror movie, it's thoughtful and impactful even years after its release. This classic film was directed by William Friedkin and is also based on the novel by William Peter Blatty. I figured now would be a perfect time to rewatch this movie as a new installment into the franchise has just been released.
The Exorcist is centered around a bright and spirited girl named Regan (played by Linda Blair) who becomes possessed by an ancient and malevolent demon. Her mother, Chris, enlists the help of Father Damien Karras who is a priest who is struggling with his own crisis of faith after the death of his mother, and his detestation for his career choice. This movie allows the viewers to form a deep emotional connection with both of the protagonists, which intensifies the horror when they face this unimaginable evil. The themes of faith and doubt, good versus evil, and the vulnerability of the human spirit are what make this movie more than your surface-level scary movie. People REALLY believed in the power of this movie to the point where it caused mass hysteria upon its release. Audiences were shocked and disturbed by the graphic and relentless portrayal of demonic possession. Reports of fainting, vomiting, and even heart attacks among viewers were not uncommon, something you rarely hear of today. Religious groups protested the film, fearing that it would lead to a moral decline in society. While all this is humorous to me personally, the controversy only propelled the movie to the top of the box office and inevitability made the movie a cultural icon. Even behind the scenes, the making of the movie was honestly just as terrifying as the story it portrayed on screen. The production was plagued with a series of mysterious incidents that some attributed to a curse. Actor Jack MacGowran, who played the role of Burke, passed away shortly after his scenes were filmed. Ellen Burstyn sustained a back injury during a violent possession scene, adding an authentic touch to her character's pain. Even the star of the movie Linda Blair says she's never been the same since she starred in the film. Due to a mechanical failure while filming the scene, she sustained a slight fracture of the spine that later developed into scoliosis. Director William Friedkin determined that capturing genuine reactions from the actors, such as firing a gun to startle them added an eerie layer of authenticity to the film.
The Exorcist will always be a timeless masterpiece that transcended its genre. It's a cinematic gem that continues to haunt and captivate audiences, reminding us of the enduring power of great storytelling in film. Some like to laugh at the pea soup and the vulgarity of the movie, but its impact makes up for all of it. Overall Rating: 10/10 Rewatchability: The movie will never get old.
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