Excavating the Exorcist (film analysis)

A very in depth study of the excavations opening scenes of The Exorcist and how those scenes relate to the rest of the movie.
Be sure to check out my other vids on The Exorcist as well.
The even darker underbelly of THE EXORCIST • The even darker underb...
Death awaits • THE EXORCIST - Death A...
6 creepy things hidden in THE EXORCIST • 6 creepy things hidden...
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[@alexfurnas1263]

The Iraq scene gives the film a sense of scope. Regan's possession is scary, but the prologue conveys that it's just the tip of an iceberg of ancient evil.

[@1956blueeyes]

There is a dialogue in the middle of the movie where 2 priests talk about who to get for the exorcism. One mentions Fr. Merrin and says that he had had previous experience. In his Iraqi dig Merrin comes across pieces of a statue that is supoosed to represent a demon. It reminds him of the confrontation. Then he starts seeing signs that Pazuzu is coming again to harrass. He is seen throughout the Iraqi sequence coming to terms with the fact that he will face Pazuzu again and he does not want to.

[@franciscodiaz3028]

Also I think its meant to convey that this is truly a possession not merely mental illness.Further, that this possession has some history.

[@tracyb64]

And shooting this in Iraq, especially with the government unrest and risk taken filming there, lifts this narrative way beyond any convention “horror” films released in the 70s. In fact, Friedkin continues to refuse any attempt to label The Exorcist as a “horror” film. To him, it was intense psychological drama that happened to include “supernatural” elements. That highbrow prestige that lifted it beyond convention horror is prolly what allowed it to compete against The Sting and others Oscar nominated films that year. Too bad it won only 2 (best screenplay and best sound), but seems it was The Sting’s year to sweep.

[@astarshiptoguidemeby3741]

+@Trevor Martin Yes! Reagan was possessed. 81-89.

[@tonywords6713]

Yes! I love that opening. It’s what made the film a great film for me, and much larger than the average horror fare

[@jimmycrackkorn1596]

Almost 45 years later, and I still think that this film is a cinematic masterpiece and it still holds up to this day. People dismiss it as just some outrageous horror movie with head spinning, vulgarity, and vomit. But its actually a great film about evil, faith and redemption.

[@KnowThyself619]

Yes that is true. Horror movies of today may have better visual and audio effects but the rich symbolism in The Exorcist is unmatched.

[@davidmayberry3190]

I don't know everybody (obviously) but I don't think I've met a person who appreciates film that doesn't appreciate The Exorcist.

[@jimmycrackkorn1596]

@Junior Mudd Wrong word "redemption", granted. Damian Karras regains his faith.

[@roxanneweichinger9318]

Roger Gonzalez, I read “The Exorcist” years ago and it was so much better than the film! I still thought the movie was phenomenal though.

[@Waffletoasters]

I rewatche dit a short while ago I forgot how good it actually is

[@jjarichardson]

For me the Iraq sequence emphasizes the universality of Pazuzu's evil. The opening is set in a completely different environment, society, language, and the prayers (I assume) are Islamic rather than Christian. Yet Pazuzu''s malevolence transcends even the theological differences between Islam, ancient Middle Eastern religions and Catholicism. It signals to the viewer that the evil is inescapable, implying that Regan's possession is real and not just a culture bound phenomenon.

[@wouters1180]

Interesting observation, Jacob. I agree.

[@jjarichardson]

Thanks! The idea I'm getting at is reflected in Carl Jung's concept of the "collective unconscious". The same experiences and archetypes being reflected across different societies.

[@wouters1180]

Yes, I see. I have always found the Iraq sequences very unsettling for some reason, but couldn't quite articulate why.

[@rumblejungle5590]

Interesting to bring Jung's archetypes into the picture. Perhaps the similarity of Regan's paper-mache model of an anthropomorphic, upright bird with the hybrid-bird Pazuzu suggests an innate human fear of a bird evolving into a human-like creature to rival mankind, acquired as a result of an intuitive awareness of mankind's evolution from mammals, while birds are evolved reptiles.

[@AspieMediaBobby]

@Rumblejungle Birds are not evolved from reptiles,they are reptiles just as humans are primates that share a common ancestor with other primates.

[@gaagsl]

There's something absolutely terrifying about the opening sequence . It's unsettling and you don't know why. Even the call to prayers feels like a warning. It's like, is telling the audience that something.wlicked , ancient and unholy is taking roots. It still haunts me. Absolutely brilliant.

[@ishmael2586]

I always read it as a dig at Islam. Early Christians viewed Islam as heresy, and even demonically inspired

[@paulheydarian1281]

​​​@@ishmael2586 Not much has changed since then. They just couldn't handle the spiritual competition imposed new religion.😅

[@davidhallett8783]

@@ishmael2586no one had a problem with muslims in 1973 people who respect other religions just saw them as other religious people except for israelis who haven t treated them well since 1947 and the british and the french (sykes picot ) 1916 and the armenians since the 1915 genocide Until muslims started blowing everything up

[@cosmosadorabilis7677]

Because Friedkin is a known Islamophobe.

[@paulanthony5274]

@@paulheydarian1281 Christianity and Islam both came about at the same time. The reason I say that is because the new testament wasn't written untill 400 years after the events supposedly took place as I when christ lived. There's no literature within those 400 years either to write the new testament from, so it's a work of fiction as is the Koran. Religous nonsense!!!!

[@damienholland9244]

Most films aren't done with this much creativity and intelligence.

[@burliertomato6855]

Yea i can agree that this is a cool movie

[@devorah935]

Only kubricks

[@letthemeatcake3854]

@@devorah935 I was literally going to say that.

[@davina3358]

Because they care about jump scare today

[@easyenetwork2023]

And for a horror movie, it actually is intelligent.

[@spartan2188]

This film is a masterpiece. I think it's one of the best movies ever made. Brilliant in all aspects!

[@yvonnerubenacker7039]

It should be recognized that the Pazuzu is a demon he is not the dark lord should one even exist. In many instances I find that people are confused. There are demons yes many if you believe in that sort of thing, however there is only one dark lord! It's important to recognize when you're dealing with demon but if you're dealing with the dark lord you're there for eternity and if you have faith and believe in God and then you will believe that an eternity with the dark lord is a possibility.

[@angelareele858]

@@yvonnerubenacker7039 Mathew 15 :22 = Christianity is a fake religion

[@frankonolfi1966]

And don't forget the bone chilling soundtrack Tubular Bells

[@frankonolfi1966]

@Junior Mudd Indeed it still is

[@dante666jt]

I can't seem to blow the hair from me screen

[@passuoutnw]

You neglected to mention the facial expression by Merrin as he uncovers the artifact. It's part horror and part recognition...he knows this demon.

[@jakel6473]

the possesed girl says his name (backwards) before he arrives at her house

[@coinraker6497]

And part weariness. Max von Sydow really does a great job of portraying a much older man in the movie.

[@nshorus5001]

hence, exorcist the beginning

[@matthewmccarty4892]

"Neglected"

[@looney1023]

I particularly like the instant where Merrin is confronted with armed guards. He waves them off so casually, not even afraid or cautious of the fact that he could be shot dead. And then we see the the thing that truly strikes terror in him is the statue. It implies that the threat of this statue is greater than any material, human danger, preparing us for something cosmic and beyond our comprehension.

[@eddyfromouterspace7308]

"cosmic"

[@badlefthook624]

Alright rodney

[@easyenetwork2023]

He knew that was the devil’s vessel at the time or a warning.

[@jannettekirwin4530]

I think he waves to them. Period. He doesn't wave them "off." These sciences challenge you to think about what YOU ate afraid of. Why do you assume Merrin is afraid?

[@jannettekirwin4530]

Sorry meant scenes and are. I hate stupid text Sorry

[@marmcd2003]

It's so crazy to think that Max Von Sydow was only 44 when he played Father Merrin and he looks to be about 74. Very well done.

[@bakewithela8327]

Marcus McDonald Bloodraven!

[@raindrops21_9]

Yes - Dick Smith did the make-up and Max did the rest - the way he walks, it's just an astonishing piece of acting.

[@halfcolombian72]

Leslie Nielsen was 64 when he made "repossessed"

[@kidofsteel0362]

Lor San Tekka. Searching for Jedi relics but stumbles upon an ancient Sith Tomb

[@donna25871]

Marcus McDonald we all thought Max was 70 for three decades. RIP to the great man.

[@darthcheeseburger]

The Iraq opening has always been so creepy to me. The whole thing just gives me the shivers. Have always loved it.

[@SuperRobertoClemente]

Am I missing something-- isn't it Islamophobia? The first "dialogue in another language" is "Allahu Akbar," "God is Great" in Arabic. It's ostensibly "pagan" religions prior to Christianity, but what we HEAR is a prayer from one of Christianity's major competitors. Hollywood in the 70s and 80s repeatedly used "Oriental" locations in the most racist, colonialist way possible-- the source of evil "Others" and demons.

[@jannettekirwin4530]

Why are they creepy to you?

[@darthcheeseburger]

@@jannettekirwin4530 I said the sequence and the way its done is very creepy. Not the people.

[@jannettekirwin4530]

@@darthcheeseburger I know I think the point is that we, fail to see how "creepy" our society is. Friedkin cuts directly from the Iraq sequence to Georgetown, and the audience sees a nice big house and all the comforts of home,....... where daddy is totally absent, mommy is a narrcasistic celebrity who throws herself a party but does nothing for her little girls party but swear at the telephone operator and surmise that her problem is her unwanted daughter. Now that's CREEPY.

[@jannettekirwin4530]

@@darthcheeseburger kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaKkh3aerNmWq7M Do you not find that scene creepy? I do. The superficial regard of her child, the oblivion of her empathy for this innocent child that she shortly thereafter declared that "thing" up there isn't my daughter. Never once does anyone love that kid. Nobody loves anybody. Evil is not the existence of demons it's the absence of caring.

[@zoeee4939]

This film is nearly 50 years old and it's still one of the best films ever made, in my opnion

[@greatdelusion7654]

You say it as though movies depreciate with the passing of time. Quite the opposite - if anything, most if not all of the greatest films were made arguably around over even over 50 years ago (think The Godfather, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, 12 Angry Men, It's A Wonderful Life, Casablanca, etc...) In the words of Peter Jackson, "Film Is Forever".

[@zoeee4939]

@@greatdelusion7654 no I simply mean, in the years following this movie, no other movie especially of this genre have managed to top it!

[@greatdelusion7654]

@@zoeee4939 Oh! Of that there is no doubt 😉 P.s. RIP Friedkin!

[@healthyliam6803]

Scar face, goodfellas, your mom just some of the best movies

[@danieldevito6380]

Still the scariest movie of all time

[@BochaChang]

In the past, many blacksmiths lost sight in one eye as they constantly peaked into the furnace to check the condition of the metal and fire, causing visual damage to one of their eyes. In fact, the Japanese blacksmith god 天目一箇神 is one-eyed.

[@sscrystal10]

Also Vulcano the greek god is a one-eyed blacksmith

[@deantaylor1512]

In the kingdom of the blind .. the one eyed is king…

[@surfrescue3232]

Never heard of protective glasses ?

[@shawndorisian1857]

10 years before he died William Blatty contacted me about information on his great uncle (He contacted me because I am an historian of the Eastern Catholic Churches and a Maronite) who was a Melkite Greek Catholic Archbishop (we would say Archeparch). He wrote in an email to me that the demon in the movie was based on the demon his siddou (grandmother in Lebanese Arabic) told him about. Also Fr. Merrin's name was a nod towards his Eastern Catholic roots since Maron is a very popular name for Lebanese Christians. Fr. Merrin's first name is an homage to an archeologist he had met. I thought you would get a kick out of knowing this.

[@geraldmyers6618]

Thank you for sharing it gives more life to the movie.

[@Charlesputnam-bn9zy]

I recommend Mr. Blatty's book for reading, not only as a horror novel, but above all as a beautiful story OF Deep Faith IN GOD'S GRACE, in the face of unspeakable evil.

[@Charlesputnam-bn9zy]

@YSV Rao Yes, but the desecrations are spoken about only, and the black mass is read about by detective Kinderman in the ''scholarly volume on witchcraft''.

[@ligeiaztomb2755]

Interesting. Thank you!

[@rickrolledtruth5834]

Shawn Dorisian can u upload that email on your channel ... be Kool to see they way he put it

[@ShipperTrash88]

I love this detailed analysis. I always found the "Iraq scene" to be one particularly eerie. Ancient evil. The long shot of Father Merrin facing Pazuzu just represented mankind's never ending battle with evil

[@nagone11]

A never-ending fight with evil and that you can lose if not on the spiritual right track.

[@devorah935]

The greatest trick the devil ever played was mankind not thinking he's real

[@brutonano9521]

My thoughts exactly after analyzing this film on my own. Iraq is one of the most ancient civilizations on earth, so they, along with other ancient civilizations, they have knowledge about ancient evil in a raw form. I believe it was in existence in a more pronounced and pure form back then because mankind was not as advanced (hence myth). Now. Its probably pronounced in Smartphones (the market of the beast). Any are welcomed.

[@christinefilas9392]

Evil is a subjective idea. Don't bother them, they won't bother you!

[@ShipperTrash88]

@@christinefilas9392 Please stop talking.........

[@KatherineUribe-1]

I've always thought that the scenes of the Iraqi archeological dig were meant to represent ancient evil, something plaguing humankind from time immemorial.

[@enprise7335]

Katherine Uribe in ancient Sumeria and Mesopotamia UDUG demons were worshipped as far back as 1243-1518 bc. Pazuzu May have been one of them.

[@ryorta]

You are right

[@TablaSmagdarina]

Google: Saddam's Stargate The reason why the CIA Manufactured the First Gulf War

[@ArtofLunatik]

Well it is the cradle of civilization. So that makes senseless

[@bloodtimemaximusfullthrott226]

Katherine Uribe excellent point

[@billg3356]

The Iraq sequence is great because it really speaks to how ancient this evil is. It has been around for eons, waiting for a worthy adversary. And it has found one in Merrin.

[@sclerismockrey8506]

yet it had already met and fought with Merrin years before.

[@JV-ie4rh]

@@sclerismockrey8506yes and Merrin beat him so this was round two. In the book I believe Pazuzu said “I was winning” when merrin died. So he didn’t want to kill Merlin and Damian but break them so that they would stray away from god which is what the devil wants to do. Everyone has to die at some point so murder becomes cheap, but making people turn away from god is the goal. Instead of playing games like he did with Damian, it was time to stop playing and be serious once he knew merrin was back for another round of battle.

[@tense99]

I was also struck by the Iraq sequence and I really liked it. Theres a certain alien-ness all around Merin. Hes a Cathlolic priest in a Muslim world. The architecture, the people around him, the dig, the sense of something ancient. The dogs, and most of all the scene with Merin staring at the statue of Pazuzu. It's like hes saying, remember me, I never left because I've always been here and always will and you're just an old priest, with his head in the desert because spreading the word of Christ isn't in you anymore.

[@casebarreoltt5990]

Muslim, Catholic, Talmudic....all Mystery Babylon. Same dark force.

[@JeffCfreeradiorevolution]

That opening scene is one of the best it horror movie history.... the suspense is so palpable. Wonderful performance by Max Von Sydow! Great breakdown.

[@Slechy_Lesh]

I remember first watching this downstairs secretly as a teen. It merely took that opening Iraq scene for me to conclude "Fuck this..." I got as far as Regan being posessed and that was it, I had to turn it off. It was the Iraq scene that had originally unsettled me, really.

[@superchitownhustler]

Candy ass.@@Slechy_Lesh

[@Aman-nk5uq]

yes unbelievable acting. What talent

[@TreforTreforgan]

I've been to Georgetown loads of times. There was a pub I used to go into. The barman used to call me the exorcist, coz each time I went in I'd rid the place of spirits.

[@TreforTreforgan]

RTHA300 I’m playing at the British Legion just down the way from you. I’m there all week!!

[@khh1964]

I like dad jokes. Good job

[@TreforTreforgan]

khh1964 hey, thanks! I do a line of creepy-uncle jokes, too.

[@alcosmic]

Bahaha

[@cinibar]

Not to make light of a truly serious issue but....you know what happens if you don't pay your exorcist?....................................................you get repossessed! :)

[@Lambis7]

In an older interview with Friedkin, he talks about his fondness and impact of sound and noise in film. This is exemplified perfectly in this movie

[@MrSmokincodz]

i agree the sound in the film is incredible

[@JohnInTheShelter]

It gives Hollywood at least SOME credit that they awarded this an Oscar for sound.

[@madrushian]

use of sound is almost a character on its own

[@baruchben-david4196]

The symbolism of the fly is a connection to a demon or to the devil. The name Beelzebub literally means, "lord of the flies" in Hebrew.

[@robertlevine2827]

I'm surprised Rob didn't mention that.

[@funkworthrollin4959]

Aeon Flux.

[@Tom-re6zo]

A lot of people know the literal translation, but very few know that it really is intended to mean "dung pile"

[@easyenetwork2023]

Flies also represent the plagues of Egypt and other important Christian or other bad events in religion.

[@herbtarlick12]

The Priest in the Amityville Horror movie when blessing the house for the first time . I assume the flies represented the evil presence in the house.

[@bigbadseed7665]

Two thoughts I wanted to add 1. The man leading along the blind man might represent Father Merrin having to lead Father Karras to his doom later on. 2. The winged lion drawing might be a biblical reference. In the book of Daniel, the prophet Daniel sees a vision of several horrifying beasts, the first of which he describes as a winged lion.

[@legoodagoat]

1 makes sense since father karras looses his faith ..and maybe the leading man aka MERIN ,is him guiding him back to faith.

[@broadsword6650]

The Exorcist was made by westerners primarily for western audiences. From a narrative point of view the Iraq sequence is there for two reasons: to emphasise the alien nature of the background to the story; and to disorientate and shock the audience, plunging them into a (to many of them) strange and therefore nervously scary world. It presents Merrin’s background as an archaeologist, giving him more depth and worldly knowledge to add to his religious standing. Sound is used brilliantly in The Exorcist (the film won an Oscar for Best Sound), and the (to most western audiences’) unfamiliar chanting, calls to prayer etc are used in place of music to heighten tension and drive the unspoken narrative. The blacksmiths’ hammers are jarring but hypnotic. The clatter of horses’ hooves and the barks and yelps of dogs are harsh and shocking. Added sounds are amplified, brash and unnerving; sudden silences even more so. The film very effectively establishes its atmosphere and authority, separating the audience from the familiar and immersing us into a somewhere “other”. It makes us pay attention, even though on first viewing it’s impossible to be certain what we’re experiencing. Much symbolism can be seen amid this flurry of deliberately confusing action - some intentional, some accidental, much utter bunk - but it all adds layers of intrigue that mean we are still fascinated by it almost 50 years after it was made, the mark of a true classic. .

[@TheJoeyboots]

Well said. Agree completely.

[@hannibalburgers477]

Asian here, people in where I live don't believe in Exorcism. ( In fact, they don't believe in demons at all. There is one demon, Satan, and possessing is beneath him, I guess) For that reason, Exorcist never was scary to me and I never understood the movie. They explain why the demon subsequently named Pazuzu possess Linda Blair, sure, but there are more practical ways to utilize such abilities. Here; people get "harassed" by "Evil eyes", lost souls, hexes and other things, but simple prayer is generally implemented for such things, not a ritualistic dispelment. And the people here told to be "possessed" has visual generational deformities caused by inbreeding. by that I mean they look like dumbasses even before so called event of Possession. Not talking about Schizophrenia, of course, as the first movie mentioned and made it clear for everybody.

[@broadsword6650]

@@hannibalburgers477 Good to hear about your experience of the film. Thanks! I'm in the UK and I've seen Asian horror films - the cultural differences can be confusing - but they are also usually pretty scary! The question of why the demon chooses to possess a young girl in America: the film doesn't spell out the mechanics of possession, or the motive of the demon, which adds to the disorienting, illogical mysterious atmosphere. The demon wants to fight and mentally break Father Merrin (and Father Karras also) and Regan is simply a random tool to get at the priests. There is a suggestion that the Ouija board opens the way for Pazuzu to get at Regan. Is her mother's lack of religious faith another weakness to be exploited? No wonder the Catholic Church approved of the film! But all this is left vague and open to interpretation. Regan, her family, and Father Karras are unwittingly drawn in to an ongoing battle, and it feels to me that this could have happened to anyone: their "power" - fame, wealth, intellect, faith - are useless here. Ruthless Pazuzu wanted a rematch with Fr Merrin and used whatever tools necessary to bring that about. But the demon's shock and disappointment when the old priest dies of a mundane heart attack is significant; Pazuzu relishes the challenge of tricking and horrifying and testing the faith of the plaything humans.

[@ravenswp64]

SPOT ON

[@davidnelson7786]

It’s not chanting FFS.

[@westonmj14]

It makes me happy to know there are those that love this movie like I do. Still the best movie ever made. Music, effects, and so well acted, but the writing is top tier. Great video

[@philipthomson7460]

The sound editing in this movie is also brilliant, and designed to startle the viewer. For example in the opening sequence, when Merrin drives up to the ruins. This begins as a long shot taken in silence, then it suddenly cuts to a close-up, with the loud noise of the Jeep engine. Later on, when Reagan and her Mother are playfully wrestling in the lounge room, the camera slowly pans in, then abruptly cuts to the subway scene, with the deafening roar of the train. These are just two examples that come to mind, of the outstanding skill of Friedkin as a director. He uses these cues to make the audience feel uneasy, and to plant in their minds the sense of an approaching horror.

[@deantaylor1512]

The film is very subliminal… not just in the now obvious demon flashes… but in the sound track and the juxtaposition of opposing scenes… which is what you were saying I think.. it all just builds a inner scene of dread … it’s a masterpiece…

[@katb1145]

I found the opening to be quite beautiful, unnerving, but gorgeously shot and composed.

[@seearyari]

The opening shot had the Muslim call to prayer which is very peaceful

[@meganstewart6318]

@@seearyari lmfao. Nothing peaceful about that crowd.

[@EmeraldJade66]

Kat B ... I felt the same as well. Glad to know I'm not the only one. Interesting fact: Damien: Omen II (opening scene) starts off the same way in the Archaeological sense as follows ... A week after Robert and Katherine Thorn are buried, archaeologist Carl Bugenhagen learns that their adopted son Damien is alive. Confiding to his friend Michael Morgan that Damien is the Antichrist, Bugenhagen wants him to give Damien's guardian a box containing the means to kill Damien. As Morgan is unconvinced, Bugenhagen takes him to a local ruin to see the mural of Yigael's Wall, which was said to have been drawn by a monk who saw the Devil and had visions of the Antichrist as he would appear from birth to death. Though Morgan believes him upon seeing an ancient depiction of the Antichrist with Damien's face, both he and Bugenhagen are buried alive as the tunnel collapses on them. I just wish there was a movie made like these two movies but keeping with the historical back story and in another culture or country like the middle east and have the evil events to take place there and not in America or any other English speaking country. The cinematography in the opening scenes of The Exorcist is quite beautiful and perfectly shot I do agree. I've always found the middle east to be very intriguing and mysterious compared to most other countries anyway with it's people, history and religion.

[@nobull9541]

@@meganstewart6318 Get off yer high horse and stop generalising. You are what's wrong with the world. 😤

[@radonpq99]

I watched Exorcist in 1977 in Karachi. The first 10 minutes of Iraq sequence was truly intriguing and central to the theme of movie. After so many years the appeal, mystique and power of this film remains undiminished.

[@rasheed12th38]

I'm sorry, but alot of what he's trying to make into something really deep, and hidden are just people in Mosul going about every day life.

[@bienvenidovelasco6834]

@@rasheed12th38 Your mind didnt capture what he means. I guess you are not a perceptive person

[@MarbRedFred]

@@rasheed12th38 typical Muslim response

[@Cousin-Barnabus]

William Friedkin "If you believe that the world is a dark and evil place, that’s what you will take out of ‘The Exorcist.’ But if you believe that there is a force of good in the world that is forever combating evil, sometimes winning victories over evil, but never an ultimate victory... if you believe as I do that that’s the case, then you will take that away from ‘The Exorcist” In an interview about “The Exorcist” in 1973, Mr. Friedkin was explicit about his intentions. “The film,” he stressed, “is primarily about the mystery of faith.” In an interview in 2018, Mr. Friedkin was asked about his own religious beliefs. “I don’t know anything,” he said, “but neither does anyone else. No one knows anything about the eternal mysteries, how we got here, why we’re here, is there an afterlife. Is there a heaven and a hell? Who knows?”

[@paulheydarian1281]

​​​​@@MarbRedFred But he's right. Go live anywhere other than the anglo-sphere. Different cultures have different norms. This was filmed in the early 70s, when things were really different. Not the same homogeneous crap we have today.

[@celticwinter]

The audiobook read by the author (also on YT) gives me goosebumps every time. He speaks every one of the characters with so much fervor. And he has that raspy, booming voice. It's a special pleasure. The audiobook made me acknowledge the achievements of the movie even more.

[@26michaeluk]

I know right? It scared the shit outta me the first time I listened. He did the demon voice justice.

[@TZRogan]

I enjoyed the book, but there were so many similes in the book and I couldn't deal with it lol

[@TZRogan]

I enjoyed the book, but there were so many similes in the book and I couldn't deal with it lol

[@AGoodJoe]

During the excavation, the way Merren swallows hard, like he knows what he's about to break off the rock. This film is absolute brilliant artistry. I agree, this is one of the most important and best parts of the film.

[@DamianLoved]

As powerful as Blatty's novel/manuscript is, I'm not so sure that we'd still be poring over every detail 40 years later without Friedkin's masterful cinematography. Hell of a partnership.

[@user-jXuELydMX4rX]

I really believed Max von was real old aged actor at that time.

[@rickrolledtruth5834]

yes same here. And look at him now, he looks exactly the way in the movie. Make up artist, great eye

[@brucewayne1662]

The first movie I ever saw Max Von Sydow in was Minority Report in which he was 75 yrs old. I then saw him in The Exorcist ten years later and was really confused.

[@worldclassmediocre9275]

Well, may he rest in peace

[@reneperez2126]

ha ha right mate

[@alext8828]

I'd have sworn to it in court.

[@shikawgoh]

It’s no wonder this film won an Oscar for sound design. It’s amazing all the way through it.

[@sabertig3489]

The beggar in the subway is an implied reference to Karras fading faith. Karras’ expression is one of indifference, a characteristic foreign to any dedicated priest... Later in the bedroom, Pazuzu throws the subway encounter at Karras’ face..

[@malleebull75]

I've been a big fan of the opening sequence for years, but not quite sure why. Thankyou for articulating the reasons why this part of the film is so important.

[@MerkinMuffly]

Although was never considered the most benevolent of supernatural beings in ancient Mesopotamia - and was certainly regarded as an evil demon - he was not evil incarnate and was frequently invoked for protection from evil. He was particularly powerful in protecting pregnant women and children from the demon-goddess Lamashtu who preyed on unborn and newly-born babies. The term "demon" in the modern day always carries with it the connotation of evil but this was not so in the ancient world. The English word "demon" is a translation of the Greek word daimon which simply meant "spirit". A daimon could be good or evil, depending on its intentions and the results of a visitation. In ancient Mesopotamia, as in other cultures of the ancient world, demons were often sent by the gods as punishment for sin or to remind one of one's duty to the gods and others in one's community. Demons were not always evil and even those who were, like Pazuzu, were still capable of good deeds.

[@RavenWolfDrum69]

I thought there were no female spirit.. God made spirit sons the ones fallen made THEMSELVES demons

[@alloneword7427]

@@RavenWolfDrum69 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamashtu Pazuzu's demon enemy was the female demon, Lamashtu. She was the daughter of the sky God Anu. Not all demons were the fallen angles of God and that was only in Christianity. Other religions have demons.

[@toddallan7086]

@@RavenWolfDrum69 i hope this is sarcasm haha

[@orgyhepburn2761]

Fascinating!

[@enterbalak]

Totally! Only a few know the true wisdom, everyone is blind by modern religion and atheism.

[@terryolsson4145]

Living alone at the time I viewed this on TV, i was very afraid to go to bed afterwards. I remember i had to leave my nite lite on, but was facing a fake tree I had in the corner of my room where the lite threw shadows on my walls. I was terrified I was going to open up a portal to the underworld. It took all my strength to avoid staring at it. It was a fear that to date, 45yrs later, I have never felt before. This movie is not like any other horror movie. It stands alone and will never be forgotten by many.

[@gazmendsubrahimi8360]

I agree with many of your great points but like to add some more ...plus some of the scenes in the beginning of the sequence are of culturally middle eastern beliefs and superstitions. 1). The clock stopping is a metaphor that supernatural forces (maybe even God himself) is telling Merrin that his time's- up. 2). The man with the Cataract is a cultural Mediterranean/middle eastern metaphor of the evil eye (basically, ill will is being put father Merrin's way). 3). The woman crying in the buggy is morning the death of a loved one, it's symbolism that Merrin is going to face death. 4.) The men praying is an Islamic timely prayer of the day -to Night, that is a religious tradition some believe to keep the devil away. which symbolizes Merrin facing the devil (note: it would have been impossible to film Merrin walking infront of them, because it's considered badluck in Islamic beliefs to walk infront of someone while they are praying). 5). The two wild dogs fighting is from Islamic beliefs and various legends that stretch back into ancient middle eastern folklore, that the wild dogs represent Jinn (demons) and them fighting is another message of a coming battle. 6). Then the last part of that scene Merrin facing the statue (his adversary) ... then we see a similar scene when Merrin comes to the house when it appears that both the demon and Merrin can feel each others presence as if their minds are touching, facing one another -two adversaries in battle.

[@urzikovaful]

Well put

[@crystallynngrove4004]

Thanks so much for this!!

[@TuckerSP2011]

Better than watching the whole analysis and much more on target.

[@MerkinMuffly]

The Exorcist Temple came under control of ISIL in 2014 and they destroyed the sculptures and engraved images but the walls remained mostly intake.

[@malbig2344]

I was thinking about that whilst watching...wankers... Why???

[@rubenashleywesterhoff2664]

so ?

[@it15]

@@malbig2344 Because Islam cannot tolerate sculptures and images, they go against their beliefs. Why do you think Taliban destroyed Buddha statues in Afghanistan?

[@malbig2344]

@@it15 I'm perfectly aware of this. I was being rhetorical

[@meghanmcclamma1662]

Can those be rebuilt?

[@1967DIF]

R.I.P Max Von Sydow, what a great actor you were!

[@davidcopson5800]

you were

[@1967DIF]

@@davidcopson5800 Glad someone noticed after 2 years... 🧐

[@davidcopson5800]

@@1967DIF My pleasure.

[@Bule42]

No idea if this has been commented on before and sorry, but we don't have time to read through all the 3.5k comments. However, we just wanted to say, the 'chanting in a foreign language' during the beginning Iraq scene(s) is, in fact, the Muslim 'Call to Prayer' in Arabian language. We, my wife and I, are both Muslim, and that's how we know what I just said is truth and fact. Thank you. Assalam U Alaikum! (May God's/Allah's Blessings be Upon You!!)

[@유황불못]

Allah is Satan. Do not be deceived by Allah and go to hell. Salvation comes only from Jesus Christ your Creator.

[@nosuchthing8]

Thanks, most people know from Indiana Jones

[@Greenmountainferns]

@@nosuchthing8 is that a joke?

[@nosuchthing8]

@Z no, there was a scene where they were doing a morning prayer.

[@manlyhallresearch9785]

Interesting. What is this demon called in Islam?

[@Sammyandbobsdad]

Even as a kid I loved the Iraq sequences, it set a great ominous tone even though I couldn’t have said why.

[@ihatethebloat395]

The blind guy being led also has his ears and mouth covered, could this represent the old saying, hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil?

[@gavinreid8351]

I know nothing.......show me the way.

[@terrycrotts2522]

And then I met a blind man who showed me how to see!! EPIC. Steven Tyler

[@maxhardcase]

I took this shot to be an image of suffering, commensurate with the pain and suffering that is always associated with evil entities and that will soon be visited upon Regan.

[@alanmorris7669]

Nathan Joseph It's quite simple. A desert is very dusty. The old man has his ears and mouth covered simply to keep the dust out.

[@johna8973]

I think it mirrors the later roles as Father Merrin "leading" Father Karris thru the Exorcism scenes , and of the Demon possessing the young and innocent Regan

[@Lap09q8]

I thought your synopsis of the film was very interesting and enlightening. I was 23 years old when I saw the film at its original release. One important element not mentioned was its effect on the audience. You would have to have been of the pre-CGI generation to appreciate the shock value of the SFx; the head turning around and the vocal efx, not seen before in movies. Up to that point; I had seen every Horror film I could, so I thought I had a pretty tough skin. But this film scared the hell out of me and most other viewers, with some fainting in the theater. I had to sleep with the lights on for a month! What made it so terrifying was that the “monster” wasn’t a physical being, like Frankenstein or Dracula, which you could hide from, but an invisible entity capable of catching you anywhere, anytime. I’ve seen the film many times and learning more each time. Your analysis made me think more deeply into the story line and the director’s use of religious metaphors, particularly, the pictures and other items placed around the house. Back when the film came out, we had little knowledge of the Islamic world and its influences on Christianity. The Iraq imagery Friedkin used went over my head but I became intrigued and began to research more on this subject. Years ago, I read a book I think was called Legion, which is the true story; the Exorcist is based on and has a “play by play” transcript of the exorcism. The hospital where the second exorcism took place had closed down that hallway. During renovations, a worker found a book that was a log of the exorcism. This book made its way to Blatty, who developed it into the movie. It scared me so much that I threw out the book after reading it. Throughout your presentation, you were sometimes conflicted about whether some images were placed purposefully or not. As a film student, I learned that everything shown on camera is intended, unless the film is so low budget that certain physical elements, like a plane or car going by, can’t be managed. This was no low budget film. As a side note; while I lived in D.C., I visited the house and the stairs from the movie, a few times but found them not scary, at all. As you probably know, they’re in different locations. Back in the 80's, I was in a Syracuse Univ. stage play, The Butterfingers Angel..., directed by Arthur Storch, the psychiatrist who had his balls grabbed by Regan in the living room scene. Sometimes, when we passed each other around the stage, I'd say, bolloxed?" under my breath and he'd chuckle. I got to ask him about how they shot that scene and he said that it took many takes because of the rigging used to get the camera to follow him in a static close shot as he fell backwards and to have it a controlled fall. Anyway, I thank you for your insights, which helped give me a better understanding.

[@easyenetwork2023]

Legion is the origin story of Merrin and based on the true story I believe.

[@OfficialMaxMinelli]

Funny you said you threw out the book after reading it… true story, my sister, her husband and I watched this on vhs from Blockbuster in the 90’s, and after it was over, I ejected that tape and threw it in a canal that was behind the apartments we lived in at the time. I didn’t even want it in the house with us 😂

[@24kirp]

I have watched the exorcist at least 100 times and read the book a dozen times and you analysis brought up ideas I’ve never thought of! Mind blown!

[@jonnytheboy7338]

I've noticed that in so many movies you can find your own metaphors etc if you dig deep enough

[@zigzagbigbag]

I've never forgot these scenes. The dogs fighting is brilliant.

[@blaineedwards8078]

I was just thinking that when I read your post. What is your take on the dog fight? I see it as representing the fury and ferocity of the evil unleashed and the coming battle against it.

[@Articulatekarein]

@@blaineedwards8078 🤣

[@mitocorleone4845]

@@Articulatekarein what’s your take on it, Michael Vick?

[@mitocorleone4845]

@@Articulatekarein what’s your take on it, Michael Vick?

[@noname1st139]

The bit where Reagan screams MERRIN! When he turns up at Reagan's home, was 1 of the scariest watching as a child, I can't believe I watched this at 13 😂

[@davidarmitage289]

I watched at 13 too and didn’t sleep for 3 days after lol

[@chrisholt4804]

I grew up on this at age 3 😂😂

[@hectorzamarron9484]

I watched this damn movie when I was 6 idk why

[@anthonyhorsey3369]

l think l slept with the lights on and with my eyes open for an entire week😂😂😂 age 8

[@moeloehoe]

I remember the scene when Reagans mother came into the bedroom. Hallway was lit, bedroom dark. And a face can be seen on the wall next to the door. It's the face you see in the exorcism.

[@Aman-nk5uq]

yup incredible scene

[@taraelizabethdensley9475]

That always gave me the creeps

[@japhetzayas7194]

I read Blatty's novel in one night. I couldn't put it down nor fall asleep out of fear. I saw the movie premiere in Manhattan in '73. At the conclusion of the movie I observed several movie goers who were visibly affected by the film. I was too young then to fully grasp the prologues significance but I was aware on a visceral level that the artifact was symbolic, a foreshadowing of the evil to come. I can see why the opening sequence is of greater interest to you than the rest of the movie. The symbolic subtlety of the early scenes versus the more overt horror of the rest of the movie is more interesting on an intellectual level. My favorite symbol is the wall clocks pendulum coming to a dead stop. To me it says that evil and our struggles against it are a timeless concept and of course it is 12, high noon, (like the title of the old western), the fight between good and evil is on! This post references the fine movie but it's worth noting the fine writing in the novel. Hemingway said that good writing does not purposely insert symbols, it "breathes symbols", (he was referring to the fisherman Santiago carrying a mast across his shoulders up the hill to his shack like Christ, the cross he bore, and Calvary Hill). The Iraq scene masterfully conveys how our fear of evil is universal and can possess any of us to do wrong at any time, even a priest, who occasionally doubts his calling and ability to combat evil. Btw, one of the scarier moments in the novel was when Regan descended the stairs like a spider. I was disappointed that it was not in the original movie but was happy to see it in this post. Thank you for this detailed and well narrated analysis of The Exorcist. I will use it as a teaching tool for my creative writing students. I will check out your other vids on the subject. God bless you and keep up the good work.

[@bassputz]

Damn, this film still gives me the Shivers.

[@Emmet72]

One of the weirdest and disturbing scenes is when Det Kinderman is staked out in front of the McNeil home and sees a shadow floating around Regans room😬

[@MrWaeseL]

When in the movie was this? I must've misesd this.

[@jakel6473]

its just after the young priest leaves the house for the first time.

[@MrWaeseL]

@@jakel6473 Thanks, I found it based on that! Love the accompanying sound effect, very haunting.

[@mechinate]

That moment genuinely gives me the chills.

[@thehiddenretina]

At least one more thing you didn't take into account, Rob: Yellow, Blue and Red. If you watch the movie again with these 3 colours in mind you will realise they are consistently present along the entire movie (wardrobe, walls, vehicles, props... EVERYWHERE). This is of course, no coincidence. These 3 colours have a powerful esoteric meaning which you can trace back to Alchemy. This connection is ratified by the Sun and Moon symbolism you mention at the beginning and that appears on the ouija board. These two symbols are present in every alchemical illustration, meaning duality or opposing forces: light/darkness, male/female, good/evil, above/bellow.... The poster you mention in min 36.15 of your video could possibly be as well an alchemical illustration. The 2 lions in front of it, by the way, represent in my opinion the guardian lions you find on either sides to the entrance of every temple of almost every religion in history, past and present (buddhist, babylonian, summerian, hindu, shintois,, etc), protectors of a sacred realm.

[@lee-daniels]

This is the only movie that frightened me on every possible level of fright.

[@archlich4489]

After it came out, church attendance spiked briefly.

[@MetrivusMusic]

Thanks Rob, longer-form uploads always appreciated.

[@luislizard2626]

I’ve always thought that father Merrin was actually played by an old actor But I’ve learned that he was wearing make up That’s how great make up artist were then!!!

[@jerryroach7281]

That's exactly what I thought too.

[@eugeneariz5932]

Max Von Sydow was an older actor at the time. He was most certainly NOT a young actor although he doesn't seem to have aged much between The Exorcist and Game of Thrones

[@jamesbaggett7223]

@@eugeneariz5932 he was 44

[@theprinceoftides6836]

@@eugeneariz5932 holy crap, I've never notice that. He practically looked the same. And The Exorcist was made almost 50 years ago. Merrin must have made a deal with Pazuzu 😜.

[@davina3358]

I discovered him first in The Tudors prior to the Game of Thrones. I was wondering why he always looked the same and that's when I realized that he was wearing makeup in The Exorcist

[@shawnhensley4884]

The Iraq scene where Pazuzu and the priest are separated by a trench or chasm. As if they were combatants in war. The war for Reagan's soul.

[@maddalena5708]

I don't think the fight is over her soul but her life. The real victims, as explained in the book, are those around Regan who are costantly attacked, belittled, and psychologically tormented.

[@shawnhensley4884]

@@maddalena5708 do you think Reagan could be a metaphor for psychosis. She may be a composite of various neuroses, the demons I mean. And perhaps the killing of the friend of her mother's represented a part of Reagan's sanity, falling away. Her mother is her consciousness watching it all fall apart. Her victims are her own fragile psyche. Or, maybe I'm just high.

[@maddalena5708]

@@shawnhensley4884 If I have to choose yes, i think you are high. :) the only underlying theme in the Exorcist is sense of guilt, period. If you try to ignore the horror and all the climax it is only a very very, very, sad story. A son not able to help his mother a mother about loosing her daughter, everyone is deeply lonely, and the demon is omly trying to create more separation, desolation and mistrust. Cheers.

[@LeoCoot]

7:11 the demon also only apears as a child later in Regan, btw are those the only children featured in the film?

[@LLaffss]

There's quite a few children in the film. The young boy who runs to tell Merrin they've found objects in Iraq is one and the kids running along the street dressed as ghosts and witches for Halloween are others. There are also children in the Iraqi scenes in the background. And children playing in the new York Street when karras goes to visit his mum.

[@11007733]

WHAT IF… We knew exactly how Regan killed Burke Dennings? He heard the front door open and close as Sharon left to get Regan’s medicine. “Bloody well could use a drink,” Burke muttered as he walked to the study and removed the top of the crystal decanter containing the Crown Royal. Grabbing a rock glass from the oak cabinet above the drink stand, he poured himself a double and then sat down in the brown leather loveseat near the fireplace. The smell and taste of blended whiskey sent him into ruminations about the filming schedule. The exterior Georgetown scenes for “Crash Course” were almost complete and the next phase would be in New York City. The script was still a problem however. He doubted his summoning of the writer from Paris would achieve anything but more delays. “I’ll worry about it tomorrow.” BOOM!! “What the fuck was…” BOOM!!!! Two tremendous blows, like the sound of heavy furniture crashing to the floor upstairs reverberated through the house. Leaping from his chair, Burke spilled his drink and stood still for a moment looking…and listening. The house remained silent but the lights flickered for a second. Remembering Regan, he walked from the study into the foyer and gazed up the stairs. Nothing but silence and dark. “What was that damn noise?” Puzzled, Burke wondered if Regan was awake. She was supposed to be sedated, but maybe she got up and stumbled into something. Not wanting to disturb the sick girl, he hesitated at the base of the staircase. “Oh bloody hell” he thought, “I promised Sharon.” He ascended the stairs and saw the white paneled door to Regan's bedroom down the hall. It was ajar but the room was dark. Something wasn't right though. He felt a draft of cold air sweep past his face. He walked to her room and entered. It was freezing because the window overlooking M street was wide open. The curtains billowed slightly and he could hear traffic noises from down below. “Regan? Regan? Are you ok? It’s Uncle…” He never finished the sentence. At that moment Regan emerged from beyond the door and smashed the back of his head with a two-handed punch. Burke saw stars and went crashing face first into bookcase by the open window. Groaning from the blow, he tried to get up but Regan quickly grabbed his shoulders and spun him around with impossible speed and strength. A deep,demonic voice thundered from Regan’s throat, “Fuck my mother will you? WILL YOU!!???? YESS!!! YESSSS!!” A powerful right hook then sent Denning's crumpling face first into the polished oak floor. Regan drove her knee into his back and yanked his head back violently. With preternatural strength and purpose, she slowly twisted his head around. Semi-conscious, Burke tried to scream, but the merciless torsion popped and splintered his neck bones until the spinal cord itself was transected at 180 degrees. Releasing her grip, the back of Burke's head thudded on the wood floor. The murderous deed now complete, Regan lifted Denning’s corpse over her head, and threw it out the window onto the steep M Street stairs next to the house. Nobody saw or heard.

[@mechinate]

Holy crap. Did you write that yourself?

[@11007733]

Yes I did. At work no less!!

[@mroosie7488]

That sounds so credible

[@otterwithagun1982]

My God.....

[@thepiperchile]

Thank you! It was great!

[@flamencabeats9879]

As soon as the words "The Exorcist" comes up on the screen at the beginning of the movie , the first word you hear is who the true Exorcist is. The one that rids and has control over all the evil spirits.

[@anniethenonnymouse]

What an amazing analysis! I've long wondered about the meaning of the Iraq sequence in the context of the rest of the story. All I could glean is that it etablishes Merrin as scholarly and sophisticated in his spiritual practice. It also establishes his waning strength, physicially and spiritually. I appreciate your examination of the subtler cinematic cues that introduce and reinforce the subtext throughout this film-- namely, that independent women are weak and vulnerable to the influence of evil; additionally, men lose their divinity (or their connection to God) through their connections to women. Your thorough analysis inspires me to further develop my interpretations and insights. Thank you for sharing such high quality content!

[@M1tjakaramazov]

It's all part of the Horror In Plain Sight approach of that era - as used in various ways in films such as Rosemary's Baby, The Omen, The Wickerman - and many others. The point is to present the evil as something almost casual, in broad daylight, simultaneously ancient and modern; and visually blur the line between the fantastical and the mundane, thus making it all the more terrifying through its insecapability. In this context Pazuzu becomes not only something unrelatable from a Christian point of view, but also something the priest brought on himself and the girl by digging in the wrong place. This makes the end conflict all the more desperate.

[@radonpq99]

Very good analysis mate

[@erich1308]

When this movie came out back in the day it was traumatizing ! Scariest movie I’ve ever seen. Made you sleep with the lights on !

[@daleandrews3552]

I was a mere lad of 21 when I first saw this film. It even scared ME as a grown man and gave me nightmares. Even then I knew there were subtleties to the movie and nuances that I couldn't sum up at the time that added up to create a such an impact. It without doubt did the same to countless others without almost any of them realizing WHY it worked so well to create this impact. Very nicely done in your summary of the film and the PSYCHOLOGICAL reasons it had such a profound effect on its audiences.

[@14478100]

I just watched this film for the first time in my life, and I share your response. The first ten minutes were easily my favourite. The whole was excellent, don't get me wrong. But the opening sequence is Something Else. The atmosphere conveyed by colour, editing, sound, facial expression and the use half stone faces - this is pure M.R. James territory. But it reaches deeper than the 'antic-demonic' to something more universal. In that sense it pulls together the eerieness of e.g. the James tradition of ghost story with the cosmic-horror of another. The warmth and quiet brought to mind the Great God Pan. This exceeded my expectations... The images of this sequence alone are going to be with me for some time.

[@robertbusek30]

Has there ever been a film version of Machen’s novella “The Great God Pan?” Because that could be terrifying!

[@garycoates4987]

another reference to "Pazuzu" in Regan's drawings with the winged lion, in Sumerian mythology a winged lion is a guardian, I believe the Ishtar gate has figures carved of winged lions with human heads

[@iamtheangiechrist1090]

Almost dude. It's not a lion, it's a bull. Von Daniken has ruined this part of history.

[@michaelcullen5308]

Have to love all the people saying “There’s no significance to the men bowing away from Merrin, that’s just how Muslims pray”. Do they think this is a documentary? Do they not know that scene was planned, the camera placed, the movement rehearsed? It like saying “There’s no significance to the snow globe falling in Citizen Kane, it’s just what happens when you let go of something. It’s called gravity.”

[@Biosynchro]

I think some people are too clever for their own good!

[@canefrogfury]

+Karim Ghantous yes and for some poor souls there is a heavy price to pay for their intellect.

[@michaelfadian]

Of course there's significance to it. Artistically and aesthetically it adds to the movie. There's something in almost every scene in the background that plays off of Merrin and the feeling he's giving off. But what I mean, assuming I'm one of the people you're referring to, is there is no deeper meaning behind a lot of the stuff in the video relating to the plot, including the praying Muslims. Aesthetically, it looks good in the shot and that adds to the overall creepy quality of the movie, which I think you're getting at. But as far as meaning, the praying Muslims and a few other things mentioned in the video have nothing to do with Pazuzu, Merrin or anyone else in the movie. There's plenty of other symbolism in the movie that actually does mean something that was mentioned in the video. I think if the video was cut in half it would be better.

[@KermitHitler]

You're right, but this is also a testament to just how brilliantly directed the film is. It completely looks and feels like natural, unplanned, incidental, background documentary footage. It looks real and unscripted, neither acted nor planned nor orchestrated, so it's perfectly understandable that a lot of people would take such things in the film as insignificant and/or merely accidental.

[@plasticweapon]

Michael Cullen REALLY BAD comparison.

[@shaindarkart5412]

the buzzing sound heard when Merrin see's the pazuzu head is actually the sound of bee's in a jar, then put up to a microphone.

[@nicolelabram5575]

I think that the buzzing sound is also symbolic of the devil. Remember in biblical lore the devil was known as the" lord of the flies."

[@DATo_DATonian]

46:46 The children shown in the clips are depicted playing. The shots are shown to emphasize and contrast the normal life of a child to that which Regan is enduring. As I recall at this time in the film Regan is enduring a battery of tests to determine what is wrong with her. 10:20 Merrin did not defeat the demon in the first exorcism in Africa, the demon relented. When the other two priests are talking one states that Merrin's previous exorcism "damn near killed him". The demon does not want Merrin's life, it want's his soul. If the demon had persisted in the previous exorcism Merrin would have died. In the book when Karras finds Merrin dead the demon screams at Karras to save him. It is enraged because Merrin had died before it could force him to despair and win his soul. The demon never wanted Regan - why would it want Regan she is not a choice target, but Merrin and Karras are. She was the bait to draw Merrin. The demon now attempts to take Karras' soul by having him kill Regan. Karras has expressed issues regarding his faith or belief in God if he dies in this state he will lose his soul. He, like Merrin, is a prime target, but Karras thwarts the plan of committing murder (in the Catholic faith this is a mortal sin punishable by eternal damnation) by committing suicide. Suicide is also a mortal sin, but he confesses before he dies and is thus saved.

[@azurephoenix9546]

But it wasn't a suicide, it was a sacrifice. He gave his life, willingly, to save another, emulating the sacrifice of Jesus for the salvation of others. You are still correct about his state of belief at the time for death being something he had to have corrected before he died, and about Merrin's situation. I don't think the demon lost the battle before, I can't remember if blatty explicitly stated that or not, that the demon wanted merrin's soul and not his death, but the demand to save his life at the end displays that, but I can see how people who aren't catholic or orthodox, or who don't actually know what the devil is supposed to be after probably wouldn't immediately go to making him despair and die in that state like judas did.

[@friendofthechannel-i6i]

oh. your explanation makes it so clear & bright. the battle bwtn reagan & the demon is a mismatch. the demon really wants karas & merrin to question their faith, using reagan has a pawn in the game, like Job being used as a pawn in the game btwn God & satan in the book of Job in the old testament in the bible.

[@azurephoenix9546]

@@DATo_DATonian You're assuming that Jesus sicced demons on him and that they weren't already present and made worse by his betrayal and despair. If the devil wants your soul, what better way than to drive one to despair so that they give it over to him? I believe the lesson in judas is that all can be forgiven of one seeks such. He was remorseful, but he didn't seek repentance. Instead, he fell into guilt and despair, and in that state he took his own life, which is why he was both tormented and condemned.

[@azurephoenix9546]

@DATo DATonian What Christian historical scholars believe that?? That is a massive speculation and not backed up by the texts at all. They are then making assumptions about how rabbis and their disciples operated at that time, also not backed up by any texts, much less the biblical texts. I absolutely challenge that assertion as having no known basis. Especially as rabbis were sponsored largely by wealthy people, not always other Jewish people, but often by wealthy romans who had become attracted to Judaism's "Sola mentes" worship, employing no idols and thus being rather confounding to pagans. Judas is never identified as the treasurer of the group, and indeed it rather goes against what is known of how the apostles operated their ministries, as well as rabbis and their disciples at the time. A rabbi would have had a very close assistant who would have handled things unrelated to his teaching, but yet again, none is identified as that, and certainly not Judas. If one were to make that assertion, John the beloved would be the most likely candidate. Hell, even Mark or Matthew would be more likely candidates to be the ones handling the logistics. That is simply a 'leap of faith' to assert a narrative which has no known basis. My basis for the forgiveness narrative is that judas is juxtaposed against Peter, who denies Jesus 3 times, is also remorseful, but seeks forgiveness, whereas judas does not. Peter goes on to be an apostle, judas ends up condemning himself to hell. Third point, if judas were just going to introduce them to Jesus, in the middle of the night no less, why would he take a payment to do it? He may not have known they wanted to ultimately crucify Jesus, but he certainly could not have thought they had no ill intent since he took a bribe to do it. Fourth, Judaism was by NO MEANS a unified religion in Judea at the time. In fact, Daniel Boyarin and Stephen DeYoung both assert that the nazarene sect was the most open to what Jesus said he was, expecting exactly what Jesus said he was as their messiah. Segal also discussed the 2 powers theory later expunged from midrash and declared a heresy post-jesus. The simple fact that the pharisees are knkwnto have been, at that time, a fringe sect that went around proselytizing the people of Israel to "build fences" around commandments and there in the text of the Bible are rebuked for such, would be natural enemies of the saducees who believed the temple was absolutely solid and valid. Then there are the essenes, who thought the temple was valid but the priests were not, and on and on we go. These were not a cohesive group of people by any means. In fact, we use "the jews" incorrectly because only those Israelites in Judea were called jews, and in particular the priestly class. It goes again into forming up a neat and tidy narrative of the time and place, of the factions, the politics and the power struggles at the time, which is simply not true.

[@azurephoenix9546]

DATo DATonian Lol, no. That is absolutely false. The concept of a divine god-man messiah predates Jesus by at least a century and was absolutely what Jesus said he was. It's literally written right there in the texts, so whoever didn't believe that at nicea was just plain wrong, idgaf who they were. I would think all the near eastern theological scholars who keep pointing this out would have done away with that idiocy decades ago, but here we are again. In 1st century Jewish texts, there is plenty of evidence that the god-man messiah was an expectation, and as anyone would expect from Jewish philosophers, they argued about it which is how we know about it. Second, why would the sanhedran declare him guilty of blasphemy for saying he was the messiah?? Do you have any idea how many messiahs were all over the place in the first century?? A shit load, and that's the joke in life of Brian when his mum says "hes not the messiah! He's a very naughty boy!" Because there were so many self-proclaimed messiahs that it made it in as a joke in a Monty Python movie from the 70s, dude. That's how well known the myriad messiah situation was, and still should be for anyone who pays attention to it. Why was Jesus guilty of blasphemy if he wasn't saying he was god? It's a completely nonsensical argument against him if he wasn't saying that. Next, there are at least 84 canonical texts. Nicea applies to the Greek church, but all the other churches kept their canons as they were. The Canon for the Greek church was already set before Constantine was ever born. I highly suggest you read borderlines by Daniel Boyarin, a Jewish scholar, and get your facts straight about how the church, and by extension rabbinical Judaism, became what they are, including the declarations of various heresies and refinement of beliefs. He gets into rather extreme detail in the Jewish gospels about exactly why Jesus was absolutely asserting his divinity, and anyone who understands 1st century judaism would not have missed that for a second. Hell, dude. I'm not even a believer, I am a student and I sure as shit didn't miss what he was saying when he said "I tell you, 'you will see one like the son of man seated at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds'." And WHY that was an incredibly shocking and blasphemous thing to say. I guess I'm stumped as to why you don't know why that would be so blasphemous and as to why you would ever come away thinking Jesus wasn't saying that he's god.

[@TehRebolt]

Reagan’s drawings of the kids talking to the wolf and the kids talking to the evil witch are also representative of her talking to the demon with the ouija board. Just like in those stories the kids believe they are talking to good beings (who ultimately try to harm them) the same way Reagan thinks the demon is her friend.

[@pauliedibbs9028]

Perhaps! I think all the animals signify the make-up of Pazuzu for sure. I also feel like there is _a lot going on_ .... when looking at that wall (17:34), and with the rest of her room.

[@pauliedibbs9028]

Next to the Eyes Wide Shut pieces, this analysis is one of my absolute favorite pieces of Rob's work. Excellent example of how in-depth Rob gets, while making the info easily presentable and fun to follow!

[@11007733]

Maybe the man leading the blind man is meant to convey Merrin's (or Christ's) faithful leadership to the blind man Karras - the one who has lost his faith (a blinded shepherd perhaps?). Now this is really a stretch but the blindman's headscarf slightly resembles that of a boxer's headgear. Karras is a boxer.

[@FLICKOFF1000]

very clever!

[@james1967uk]

I always thought the blind man meant to be lead blindly

[@thaneyoung]

jim blake I think the priest motif. Same with the fighting dogs.

[@threestoogesfan2]

Oooohhhh, that’s a good one.

[@dancrosby9991]

Jim Blake: I never thought the man was blind, just old and infirm. I’ve seen old Muslim men being led by the hand by younger men, something you’d rarely see in Westrrn cultures as it’s thought to be too effeminate. As for the mouth covering, it’s not too hard to see that in an arid, desert environment a person with respiratory problems would want to prevent himself from breathing in blowing sand or dust.

[@johnedwards4394]

The archeologistical theme, of the priest-scholar, doing field research in Iraq, is the best part of the movie.

[@mudlark4099]

Very enjoyable analysis. I adore the opening sequence of this film and I appreciate your work dissecting it. All of your videos are top notch.

[@dawnfinch8873]

agreed no other horror movie can compare

[@jarls5890]

Very good analysis! I get a slightly different "feel" from the opening Iraq sequence. The overall atmosphere conveyed is that of man and humanities fragility. Disease (pills, blindness), frailty (old age, ruins), violence/brutality (searing sun, smiths, noises, dogs, armed guards), loneliness (camera angels, relation with the crowds) and the brevity of life (dust, ruins, old age). This is contrasted with the everlasting, ever present and far superior (to man) demons/spirit world.

[@jeffdintexas]

This movie has been one of my all time favorites since I saw it when first run in 1973. It is rich with symbolism that is so artfully filmed. One thing I noticed as you break down the Iraq scene is the service of tea in the cafe. Most of the people in the cafe are served tea by the man carrying the unusual metal pitcher that you describe as having a spout shaped like a hybrid animal. However, Father Marin receives his tea from a waiter and does not drink any that is poured from the pitcher. Ideas?

[@jeffdintexas]

@Quiche Lorraine I believe he is aware that there is a spiritual provocation. He seems sort of melancholy which I interpret as his knowing that he is destined to battle again.

[@195511SM]

I hadn't heard any of the hype about this film when it was first released......because I had just entered Marine Corps boot camp. It wasn't until the late summer of '74, that a Marine buddy dragged me to a theater to see it. He didn't tell me anything about it, other than it was kind of scary, and that I had to check it out. In retrospect.....NOT knowing anything beforehand, made it THAT much more intense.

[@cciccone61]

I couldn’t sleep for two nights after watching this movie. That’s what makes powerful cinema.

[@plymouth491]

The pills noted at 23:39 are likely nitroglycerine, as he appears to be taking it sublingually, under the tongue.

[@terrycrotts2522]

It is. Merrin had a bad heart! Ended up having a heart attack during the EXORCISM.

[@neptune2644]

in the book it says its aspirin.

[@neptune2644]

@Stephen Murphy fair enough

[@johnfkennedy8281]

@@neptune2644 you only live once. Those nurse's are also smart enough to realize that everything will kill you. Too much sunlight, to much water or not enough. EVERYTHING will kill you.

[@neptune2644]

@@johnfkennedy8281 you're not wrong.

[@wk3820]

The key to understanding The Exorcist is to not treat it as a horror movie at all. It's more of a faith movie or even a classical, good-vs-evil heroic movie. The purpose is not to scare the audience but to affirm that the scary things ultimately will lose no matter what.

[@azhash3]

A faith movie? thats so weird to say that. The director btw is agnostic

[@vaibhavgaur5268]

Lol most retarded take ever

[@Tamlinearthly]

No, dude, the line of men are just praying toward Mecca.

[@chaffeyable]

This is what I was thinking.

[@mckelsupreme]

Mecca is badass

[@Greenmountainferns]

I was thinking that too, there are Muslims where this guys from right? A lot of good analysis, but an odd and ignorant comment

[@chaffeyable]

@@Greenmountainferns It makes me lose a lot of confidence in this guys options, frankly.

[@Greenmountainferns]

Drinkin' Bleach totally, it kind of made me disregard every other cultural comment he made in this video relating to Iraq, because apparently he has no idea what he’s talking about in that regard

[@dynamo127]

I was hoping to find more on the St Joseph medallion found in the same dig as the Pazuzu amulet. It's the same that Father Karras wore and that is ripped off by Pazuzu before it can possess his body. It's perceptible a few times during the film. The archaeologist in Iraq said it's from a different time period to the other articles found so maybe deliberately buried with the Pazuza amulet in Iraq to stop him coming back to the real world and once removed from the burial spot, Pazuzu was able to free itself?

[@lucaponti3066]

The exorcist can be understood well reading William Peter Blatty's book!At the end Regan was just a way to obtain Father Merrin presence

[@MrRondonmon]

The movie does the same thing, but with the other Priest Father Kerras. He could have been a pro boxer and taken good care of his mother, instead he chose to be a poorly paid priest, thus Satan guilt-tripped him. Then he uses the girl to get Kerras to renounce his faith and ask the Demon to come in him. Who the Demon is, is not really that relevant, they are all evil, tbh.

[@frankonolfi1966]

So he could be killed?

[@iranforever1566]

@@MrRondonmon Sorry, pazuzu demon that moves with the wind, but the captain howdy is a demon who appears through the ouija board! It seems that two evil demons had conquered the girl's body !

[@justinthyme5730]

I think you draw a long bow, my friend... but still, very interesting.

[@imalwaysright]

Yeh some things aren’t really things

[@debgib007]

Ok Justin Where is your video?

[@kevinjapan]

WF himself said the shoemaker scene at 22:10 had no relevance to the story, he just liked it so he put it in. This is the brilliance of cinema, and art in general. It means what the experiencer decides it means. The artist's intentions, to the extent that there are any, are not relevant. If they were relevant, then the item would not be art. Artists are not critics. But critics are artists, and the critic's job as an artist is not to enlighten anyone, it is to create a completely new work of art using someone else's art as a catalyst. And RA's art is spectacular. That is all.

[@justinthyme5730]

@@debgib007 Are you suggesting that viewers cannot comment on a KZbin video unless we present our own video. If so, then most KZbin comment sections would be empty.

[@wolfbeard834]

That's what I was thinking. God forbid someone formulate their own opinion on something up to interpretation. Why should he have to provide a video because he disagrees? Stop white knighting content creators and grow the fuck up.

[@charlescarpio8403]

The man that Dennings was talking to in the courtyard filming scene was none other than William Peter Blatty.

[@supperdopplereffect]

Charles Carpio yes. He is the producer of Chris’s movie.

[@jamesrobbins1243]

Many years ago, I had a vhs of the Exorcist, I paused the scene with the old woman in the carriage who almost runs over Merrin. I believe it's part of the subliminal editing that the face is absolutely supposed to resemble Regan's possessed face. I can't believe its paused in this video, it's one of the creepiest things I've ever seen.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

24:00 that scene always reminds me of the old story "An Appointment in Samarra" where Death is surprised to see the protagonist in one city, when they have an appointment in another.

[@Wyqno]

I was quite expecting you to draw a parallel between the dogs fighting in Iraq and the kids playing. In the doctor's office there is a light haired child and a dark haired child; on the car is the same thing, a black child and a white child, with light and dark hair respectively. And despite the fierceness of the growls of the dogs fighting, there is very little fur flying and not any blood shown. Does Pazuzu see the battle between good and evil as a (deadly serious) game? Also, for the blind man, I think it could be worth noting the cane is shaped much like a shepherd's crook. If the man in green is representative of Pazuzu in any capacity, then the deaf, blind, and dumb man must be Father Merrin being lead away from (or maybe even to) his flock, or perhaps faith. Though maybe you have addressed these in your longer analysis. I have yet to purchase any of those yet.

[@ajwithnoname5527]

If that’s the case, then the dogs should have had fur flying off and blood being drawn...that would then show that shit has gotten real.

[@zer0tzer0]

Perhaps the possessing demon is Lamashtu, and thus the association with Pazuzu. Lamashtu was known for stealing children from their mothers. Also Pazuzu was used as a counter against Lamashtu, so that could also be symbolic of the Evil Against Evil theme.

[@crystallynngrove4004]

Wow.... Great job!! I believe thats definitely a possibility!! One that makes complete sence to me! Thanks for opening my eyes!

[@pauliedibbs9028]

Very plausible, meaning Lamashtu could be using the Pazuzu symbology to cause deceit..... Then again, why the snake wang? 🍏

[@Thiago6656]

yeah, agreed. From all I've read about these sumerian deities, Pazuzu was not entirely evil, maybe not even evil at all. However, Lamashtu was, and Pazuzu was in fact used to fight back her evil nature of kidnapping children and possessing pregnant women.

[@PrinceZappa]

@@pauliedibbs9028 Penis envy.

[@PrinceZappa]

Yes Lamashtu does seem quite evil but not quite evil enough. More like Dr Evil

[@shieldmaiden1318]

I"ve been on a demonoglogy movie streak lately. I'm Catholic and can't get enough, probably bc I have bipolar disorder and i feel like i'm in the tug of war of good and evil and it's just more obvious for me.

[@jweathers131]

if I am remembering it correctly; the buzzing sound you mentioned was in the making of special feature on some editions and it's just a bunch of flies in a jar

[@grandmasterkaiju3821]

R.I.P Max Von Sydow you will be missed but remembered fondly by us all.

[@themmstudiopodcast7501]

Actually the more I think about the involvement of the people around him in the opening sequence and how every person seems to serve as a symbolic reference to the demon, the more it feels possible to me that this might have been a deliberate sacrifice on the part of the people. If the demon demands that sort of thing, who better to sacrifice than an old archaeologist? I mean he was pretty much led to the statue, and all the sounds and visuals representing pzuzu all have something to do with the people there.

[@DitchBankBandits]

bencases I like this especially with that guy leading the blind man.

[@mudlark4099]

bencases Very interesting!

[@lickitysplit3575]

Bingo

[@stephenkormanyos766]

Fascinating analysis. One of the most ancient “fairy tales” in humanity is about a blacksmith making a deal with the Devil. In the most ancient version(s) of this story, the blacksmith actually wins against the Devil and is able to pin the Devil down with a metal stake using metal tempering skills he acquires from the Devil. Perhaps the blacksmith with the damaged eye predicts the priests’ ultimate victory against evil but at a cost, though much higher than the loss of an eye. Thank you for the superb video.

[@stoicthirtythree3770]

Brilliant insight that everyone should watch before they rewatch this masterpiece movie. By the way, the drawing of the bats in the tree that Regan draws, when turned upside down are the image/silhouette of Fr. Merrin when he arrives at the MacNeil house to perform the exorcism, indicating the 2nd battle was subliminally foretold to Regan before her possession. Great work and a brilliantly put together docu/insight to an often overlooked part of the movie 👍🏽

[@markferguson3745]

Yeah, the opening is the best part.When I first saw this, I remember the fighting dogs, and their ferocity, making quite the impression .

[@rhysperegrine5100]

The key line is 'evil against evil'. I think we're meant to believe that the Mesopotamians were aware of two demons. One which was absolute evil and one which existed to fight against it. This concept is represented visually every time the film returns to the shot of the two dogs fighting. The struggle between the two dogs represents that of the opposing demons. One of the demons, Pazzuzu, is absolutely evil while the other is, for want of a better word, the 'good' demon. In the process of digging, it might be that Merrin unearths both demons: both Pazzuzu and the other demon that exists to combat it. I don't think that Merrin becomes possessed by Pazzuzu. Instead, I think he is possessed by the 'good' demon - the one that exists to fight against Pazzuzu. The film hints at this in the shot where Merrin stands directly across from a statue of the demon, like two fighters eyeballing one another before combat. Merrin, possessed by the good demon, is preparing himself to fight against the absolute evil of Pazzuzu.

[@danielanunez3556]

I think that the two evil is Karras’s death versus Pazzuzu As a catholic, I know that one of the greatest sin is taking a life, including committing suicide Though Karra’s did it as a sacrifice (which is accepted in God’s eyes) it is a grave sin to take a life. Karras killing himself (evil) taking Pazzuzu (evil) with him was what ultimately finished the exorcism even if it was a failure

[@iranforever1566]

Sorry, pazuzu demon that moves with the wind, but the captain howdy is a demon who appears through the ouija board! It seems that two evil demons had conquered the girl's body !

[@iranforever1566]

@@danielanunez3556 Sorry, pazuzu demon that moves with the wind, but the captain howdy is a demon who appears through the ouija board! It seems that two evil demons had conquered the girl's body !

[@matthiasfreiburghaus4202]

Finally someone who shares my appreciation for the iraq scenes. The ominous feeling that lingers in those scenes gives me goosebumps. Much more so than the rest of the movie.

[@deepalall647]

"Evil against Evil" statement from the beginning part always stood out for me.

[@rickrolledtruth5834]

Deepa Lall Man's evil

[@MrHEC381991]

The best comment I ever heard about The Exorcist was like "it's not someone jumping out at you and going BOO! It's a slow finger up the ass."

[@SuperAlfern]

"There is not a day in my life i dont feel like a fraud, priest lawyers i have talked to them all" I think the airplane noise suggest that father merrin is on his way to help because he is the priest who still has faith

[@DavidThomas-fk4hj]

When I read the novel, I found myself getting watery eyes because the possession is more of a side story to Father Karras’s loss of faith. It is very much a story of redemption and sacrifice for the greater good.

[@joeycusack8314]

Enjoyed this analysis and spot on about the use of wind. I wouldn't read too much into praying in the courtyard. They would be praying towards Mecca rather than the man. The man sitting in front most likely had already prayed; hence, sitting it out. Also, it was easier for Merrin to walk behind the congregation than in front in order not to disturb the prayers.

[@octagonseventynine1253]

because the shot is aesthetically pleasing.

[@l6318]

Best guess(es): They're a group of faithful men with their backs turned to Merrin. Merrin later meets Karris who is questioning and considering turning his back on his - and Merrin's - faith. Second thought: the lighting suggests that it's late afternoon, which is one of the 5 times of day Muslims pray. At that time of day, the sun might be close to setting, which might be a subtle foreshadowing of Merrin's death within the context of a religious activity. Honestly, though, it seems tricky to try to tell what time of day it's supposed to be in these shots because they seem to jump around a little. I would just guess that the filmmakers had to make do with the natural lighting they had available, because filming in a foreign country can be a strain on time and money.

[@Nickster188]

Laura Butler the entire sequence foreshadowed his encroaching battle and death.

[@Nickster188]

Srithor Rob reaches. I do too at times. The Director explains in commentary it’s a synchronic timing thing. They’re bowing as he walks past because of the holy presence he carries with him. They’re unaware of it but bow as he walks by.

[@djmotise]

@Srithor Idiot. They didn't raise their behinds. They are bowing! Can we please stop with the insanity?