The Exorcist Review - Off The Shelf Reviews

(Re-uploaded) This week Gary and Iain review and discuss, The Exorcist (1973) by Director, William Friedkin. Starring, Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair and Jason Miller.
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[@TheSlammurai]

It's amazing how Sydow had tons of makeup put on him to look very old and then when he actually got old many years later, he looked almost exactly like he did in The Exorcist. It's uncanny.

[@hombresalpha007gabrielperez]

Agreed

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Very true.

[@michaelb.42112]

EXACTLY, it shows how damn good the make up artist was. I bet he or she could've been an FBI profiler like the make up done for the guy who killed his entire family in the 70's and the age progression was EXACTLY how he looked even down to the big rimmed glasses due to his ego.

[@taliaprice1909]

The greatest horror film every made. And many people do not understand that this film is not about demon possession nor the devil. It's about idea of losing faith.

[@jondishmonmusicandstuff2753]

Oh I beg to differ. It's about both.

[@jondishmonmusicandstuff2753]

If we go by your assertion then don't make a demon movie. Just wright about a person losing their faither due to selling drugs or being prostitute. The demon, the posession and losing ones faither parell each other. They go hand in hand.

[@irshadmohammed6539]

It's about child abuse, the director guy who gets killed is molesting Regan. Her possession is the aftermath of the abuse.

[@zoltanverdon8426]

Jon Dishmon Music and STUFF!! He's right. It IS about losing faith and ultimately regaining it. The possession is very secondary to the whole point

[@zoltanverdon8426]

irshad mohammed IT IS NEVER CLARIFIED THAT ANYBODY IS MOLESTING ANYBODY. REGAINS CONDITION IS A DIRECT REACTION TO HER PARENTS SEPERATION

[@DVDandFilmBloke]

From what I understand a lot of the deleted scenes put back into the director’s cut were done as an apology to William Peter Blatty. However the reason the spider walk scene wasn't included in the theatrical cut was because the wires were visible and there wasn't a satisfactory way to remove them until CGI.

[@97warlock]

The Last 30 minutes of The Exorcist hits like a Locomotive. I believe it intentionally kept that slow pace all thru the movie, which adds even more impact to the last 30 minutes.

[@Richie-Scarface]

Oh god Iain’s entry to the synopsis made me laugh and Gary’s reaction is priceless, great review

[@leerollins]

Thanks for mentioning Mercedes McCambridge's performance as the voice of Pazuzu. I don't believe the movie would have been nearly as good without her. If i recall correctly she was originally not given credit for her work in the theatrical release. That voice scared the hell out of me as a kid and it's still deeply unsettling.

[@chrisevans5259]

This is a cinematic masterpiece, without out doubt the greatest horror film ever made, it shocks, and is explicit and it disgusts in its putrid and explicit depiction of demonic possession of a innocent little girl , its graphic content is brilliantly done which leave's an unsettling feeling within you, and its a film that hits your emotions like an hammer to the head, just an epic horror classic that stands head and shoulders above all in it greatness

[@cookiesontoast9981]

There are many horror movies I like more, but this film is amazing.

[@sabbithablood5219]

You really nailed it in you description!👍

[@BroodingPsycho]

Gary's reactiom when Iain goes FUCK ME at the very end of this is priceless.

[@Rilyn666]

One of the most disturbing parts of this film fo rme was when Carris walks into the room and he see's his mother sat on Reagans bed and the room is completely white and she is just staring at him. To this day that frightens the life out of me and as somebody who has lost their mother personally, seeing that just makes it even more disturbing....

[@Sammydx1]

Agreed

[@Dinvadbhatmarathi98]

May God , Allah grant your mother peace and a place in heaven ,Ameen

[@funkhowser1296]

That scene gives me goosebumps everytime, her voice is perfect a well

[@edsmith1757]

This movie will make you immune to all other Horror movies. Possession is demonic ownership of the vulnerable. whosoever told u not to watch it has already seen it so draw ur own conclusion. The movie stands up even today a the greatest ever horror movie because it happens to the girl next door in a middle-class neighborhood in a street near you. Stunning acting by Linda Blair and the priests Miller and Von Sydow. Superb direction music and photography a total masterpiece. Very scary and thought provoking .

[@donmills10]

I saw this movie when it came out. I was 16 and went with 4 other male buds. The line was long and the theater was crowded. I had read the book first so I had some inkling of what was coming but my mates were clueless. Once the film was over we all got back into the van we had come in and began the trip home. I'll never forget that trip because the film had jolted everyone so much all we did was fight and argue all the way home. Those were the days. Great film.

[@dakotajensen181]

That's how my buddies and I were after the watchmen film came out. Constant bickering and arm punches for not agreeing with one another lmfao.

[@angelmcgovern116]

Max Von Sydow is not British - he is a famous Swedish actor - one of Bergman's favourite.

[@scarlettepunk2087]

Angel McGovern and he was only 40 at the time...now that’s makeup

[@PandyBong]

Indeed. Funny how he always looks "old" in films. Great actor

[@jackminton352]

A.D. he unfortunately died on March 3rd 2020

[@kentxx12]

Yes he is,sorry he was,R.I:P Max Von Sydow.

[@bchick7598]

@@scarlettepunk2087 you know it was Dick Smith also who did the makeup on Brando for The godfather who was also 43 at the time aged them both about 25-30 years -was pretty good! Have you ever seen the magician and ignore Bergman movie with von sydow it was called thethe magician, or the face I called the thinking man's horror film but it was also had a lot of unintentionalhorror but a lot of intentional humor as well it was a different movie I think you know Bergen was like the David Lynch of swedish film directors although I must admit Bergman was a little morecoherent although I'm sure Lynch's coherent to Lynch I don't really know what Lynch ever tries to say but I like the way he says some of it and I fear the way he said some of it and I have restless nightmares by the way he said some of it but back to Max von sydow, oh what a sexy sexy man he was playing chess on the beach with death in the seventh seal. Like Heston said in the Omega Man, nope, they don't make pictures like that anymore.

[@MisterFugginRomero]

I hate all the fucking prequels and sequels and tv re-imaginings that attempt to demistify or extend the mythology of The Excorsist. Some films should be left alone.

[@Geospasmic]

I was raised with strict Christian beliefs and I was warned against ever watching this film, as it was said to have satanic influence. I've since changed my beliefs a lot, and when I finally watched it it became one of my favorite films of all time. It's so wonderfully made.

[@Darek_B52]

sorta of the same with me and my family....now the first three Hellraiser films are my favorite movies to watch every halloween

[@Donutsoverdosed]

Geospasmic i agree 100% and for anybody who has not seen it , they should see it alone in the dark with the volume up .

[@boomstickcritique902]

lol the film is about the regaining of faith though an god beating the devil i dont see anything satanic about that

[@Geospasmic]

BoomStick Critique With fundies it doesn't matter what it's about. It's all about the superficial aspects of the thing. Religious fanatics are too scared of this movie to really think about it hard enough to understand what it's about.

[@boomstickcritique902]

Geospasmic lol i guess you are right about that

[@TheUballe]

Another great review! You guys are criminally underrated.

[@MegaAtomium]

I loved your review of the Exorcist. I saw it in the theater when I was 13 yo. It had a huge impact on me as a kid. There has not been a horror film since that is as thought provoking. I got to meet Linda last month at a local con. She looks amazing still.

[@Vlatka211]

I saw it when I was 12, I am a girl, I have ptsd from it, am 56 now. I am so pissed that I saw it. I hate it . I admit it was a good movie, but it damaged me for real. If I was in us, I would sue their assess. My lawyer will sue you ass, a quote from bcs. Bless you Jimmy.

[@lizziebrown6058]

My absolute favourite movie, this review hits the nail right on the head as to why I love it. People should watch it at least once in their life, it's a horror fans staple!!

[@5jerry1]

~ I've always seen this as a drama with some horror elements. But it is a favorite in either genre.

[@1805movie]

I think _Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde_ (1931) was the first horror film to win an Oscar (Best Actor: Fredric March), let alone nominated. But _The Exorcist_ was the first horror film to be nominated for "Best Picture".

[@dropkicksmurfy8144]

Exorcist and Exorcist III...just skip Exorcist 2. It isn't even in the same class of film.

[@sabbithablood5219]

Completely agree!👍

[@bchick7598]

Oh I agree and I agree more to the nth degree p please tell me it was a film. That would be upgrading it.when I saw it I thought somebody said let's have a worst story worst acting worst everything contest and there's the the winner I tell you I don't know what John boorman was on, but I tell you I hope he was able to detox after after this fiasco known as exorcist 2 p

[@TheSlammurai]

I have to say III is even better than the first, mostly because of Brad Dourif and George C Scott.

[@nenabunena]

Yes! Besides you won't miss anythi g by skipping exorcist 2

[@bandfromtheband9445]

Absolutely! Never, ever watch Exorcist 2. The first and third are the true masterpieces!

[@AarenJable]

First saw this flick as a young lad and it scared the shit out of me.

[@rosemaryfarell5264]

Loved the Jesse Ventura and Mean Gene snippet from Repossessed

[@theblackflame4002]

In the book The demon-as Dennings-admits the head turned all the way around was an accident from getting caught in an angle in the stairs. Read the book, rewatch the movie...all the 'random' things the guys are discussing are fleshed out.

[@andreraymond6860]

The book is partly autobiographical. Father Karras' mother is based on Blatty's own mother. He discusses it openly in his book 'I'll Tell Them I remember You'. At the time of his mother's death Blatty was an un successful screenwriter in Hollywood (Hence the film milieu that Regan's mother circulates in). Blatty's mother died miserably in hospital like Karras' mother. She promised her son that she would send him a sign of the afterlife. According to him, she did. That precipitated his interest in the occult. Discussions with friends in the clergy brought him to stories of possession and exorcisms. This was only a few years after the second vatican council in 1962, so the church was very cagey about its history and some of its more arcane practices. The Church was trying to re-vamp its image and modernize. One thing led to another and Blatty wrote The Exorcist. Re: The house. It is implied that the McNeils are living in Georgetown for the duration of the film shoot in a house provided by and paid for by the production. As the film's star the actress would be provided with a very nice home. Re: The party scene. Blatty thought of that scene as the true starting point for a sequel. It led to his writing Twinkle Twinkle Killer Kane (made as 'The Ninth Configuration' a few years later). RE: The Detective. Kinderman had a much bigger role to play in the book. His friendship with Karras comes about during his investigation of Burke's death.

[@stefanfilipovits9221]

You guys have been really at the top of your game in the last few reviews. Another funny & insightful film analysis. I hope u guys do the sequels. Either way keep it up and thanks for the reviews.

[@EgbertWilliams]

The "actor" that Friedkin slapped was a real Jesuit priest, btw.

[@DrMontague]

The problem of the death of Burke Dennings in the film is that the area is not cordoned off and there is no crime scene investigation. Further it is not likely that anyone being pushed from the window would hit the bottom of the steps because there are at least 2 or 4 platforms on the steps.

[@Wolfsheim23]

Why does everyone talk about this movie and totally ignore exorcist III? which is actually the true sequel to the first book/movie. Its far scarier and still one of the scariest movies ever. Its got many samples put in dark music as well.

[@waw0wa]

I saw this movie when I was 7 with my dad. I cried for weeks, yelling at my dad for letting me watch it. I told him it "ruined my life". I used to watch it weekly with my best friend, and we wouldn't be able to sleep. We told ourselves we'd watch it til we were "over it". I am still not over it, and still utterly fascinated by this film.

[@lexytroon672]

Mimosa.. I cant believe your father let you watch it... thats just bad!

[@waw0wa]

Oh dear me do I know that now! I'm sure he didn't mean to harm me by it, he just thought "what's another horror movie", you know? In a way I'm glad this happened as I feel my fascination towards the film just strengthened due to me seeing it at a very early age

[@midnightsoftware1904]

when Iain screamed FUCK ME, Greg legit got spooked out lol, Great video Mates!

[@railimarotto2561]

I find possessed Karras scarier than possessed Regan. As Pazuzu was in Regan's body for a short time, he couldn't do alot. Then he possess Karras for 15 years which makes possessed Karras incredible strong. See the differences in the exorcism scenes in The Exorcist and The Exorcist 3, Regan procrastinates in a way but Karras gets the job done gruesomely when fighting the priest.

[@rickykilby4672]

Great film.I remember when the film first came out in the uk in about 1974 ,my in went to see it and I asked her about .She didn't say very much but did mention the head spinning scene which totally freaked me out ,just her description of it.Needless to say as an adult I watched the film and was totally blown away by how brilliantly made it was.The direction,acting,special effects and sound all fantastic.A cinematic masterpiece.

[@gaymichef90]

These two have the best reviews n recaps anywhere on KZbin! Love it!!!

[@Michelle6998832]

Probing the situation. Not " poking the situation." 😂😂😂 👍

[@IntermezzoR]

I remember watching this when i was 14. I had rent it and during that evenings dinner (before i saw the movie) my parents said that they went to see it in the cinema together when it was released. I asked how it was, but all they said was that they didn't want to talk about it even though I kept asking. Ofcourse this made it extra spooky and mysterious even before I had seen it. That evening I watched it in a dark room on my own. I didn't sleep for 2 weeks...

[@IntermezzoR]

I love that my parents let me watch whatever I wanted. It made me the mess I am now!

[@terrycrotts2522]

@@IntermezzoR I completely understand. This had a cultural impact like no other! This movie will never be duplicated. It's a masterpiece that will last forever!

[@dominick253]

That's so weird. I watched it and just thought it had bad makeup and special effects.

[@locoluck777]

Another fantabulous review. Thank you guys for continuing in your high class reviews. Yes, The Exorcist, is must watch fare, regardless of what genre one considers it to be.

[@davidj.thompson]

"Exorcist III" also had a great performance by Miller (plus those by George C. Scott and Brad Dourif). It helped me forget "Exorcist II: The Heretic", which was a waste of film stock.

[@sabbithablood5219]

Spot on!👍

[@plasticweapon]

exorcist 2 is a sadly misunderstood/underappreciated film.

[@jerryvinson7592]

Imagine watching this film alone in a dark attic of an old house.

[@paulanthony5274]

I'd be more afraid of stepping outside to fight a hard bastard to be honest

[@jdogjohnson9038]

I wouldn't want to

[@sabbithablood5219]

Wouldn't watch it alone in the broad daylight!

[@rojopo1971]

Hell no

[@eriktruchinskas3747]

My family took me to see this when I was in the 3rd grade. I didnt sleep in my own bed until 6th grade after that

[@kristennelson3190]

OMG, WHY would they Do that?!?!🤣🤣🤣

[@robsmsh]

Detective Kinderman poking around, asking questions about what happened to Dennings makes Reagan's mother realize that her daughter probably killed him. That's another reason she goes to the priest. If you notice she never let's the detective see her in the room, she doesn't want him to see her in that condition.

[@lars-fenin]

yap, it was more clearer in the book, that the mother somehow knew from early on that regan killed dennings.

[@hadara69]

Mercedes McCambridge was also "fed raw eggs" by Freidkin during the recording. This, he said, had the bizarre effect of "producing double and TRIPLE voices" gurgling out of her. Haha I've always thought this description sounded slightly sexual. BDSM succubus pron.

[@gowkie3940]

R.I.P Max Von Sydow, forever immortalized in some of the greatest films in history. EDIT: Amazing shirt Gary

[@MegaMyrow]

This Movie Still Scares Shit Out Me Also As I Got Older I Came To Appreciate The Cinematography The Plot and The Acting

[@MegaMyrow]

Oh and the lighting was another great thing along with the sound too

[@jackgoodman6328]

Stay away from Captain Howdy...

[@bchick7598]

Oh yes Captain howdy, he'll tell us what to do!

[@obscureentertainment8303]

When the two priests are discussing Father Merrin, one of them mentions that he performed an exorcism 12 years ago in Africa. This would mean he faced Pazuzu in 1961; but Exorcist the beginning and Dominion both take place in the 1940's. So either the people who made the prequels fucked up the continuity, or Father Merrin returned to Africa and performed yet another exorcism. Or maybe the prequels just aren't canon.

[@giggitycore1982]

Obscure Entertainment Yes... just yes. I noticed also.

[@gran-roan]

This was (I believe) my second OTSR review I watched. And, what a classic. Anyway, since then, I have come to appreciate the way both of you bounce each other. After the intro, Iain sometimes meander around parts of the movie (specially when the film evoked strong feelings on him) but he somehow always finds a way to return to where they left. And Gary makes sure to prod and keep the pacing of the conversation agile (while delighting us with the trivia bits or reacting to weird opinions). Other guests just don't have such level of synergy (nevermind having something interesting to say, to begin with). So.. when Lake Mungo? When the wind blows or The Road? Also, have you watched the Russian series "To the Lake"?

[@pattynielsen5506]

I remember waiting in line for the movie premier and the anxiety level was high. When the crucifix/masturbation scene happened, I left. I thought I was going to faint. The detective in the book is just as integral as in the film; he is actually the one who absolves Reagan (in my opinion) of her sins by choosing to close the case of Burke's murder without resolution.

[@braunhausmedia]

Actually, according to Friedkin's autobiography-which I highly recommend-the spiderwalk sequence was only left out because they didn't have the technology to hide the wires the stunt double was using. The other omitted scenes, however, were left out for the reasons you state.

[@WhiteTrash2993]

Braun Haus Media, LLC I remember either reading or seeing that the director cut the spider scene out because there was already an ending to the scene and he didn't want two endings

[@martinsorenson1055]

In addition to The Godfather (which someone in the comments already mentioned), Dick Smith also aged 30 year-old Dustin Hoffman to be 121 years-old in Little Big Man (1970) and 44 year-old F. Murray Abraham to be in his 70's for Amadeus (1984) for which Smith won an Academy Award.

[@davidgray2805]

Absolute Masterpiece

[@EgbertWilliams]

Friedkin slapped the actor who gives Karras the Last Rites and that actor was an actual Jesuit priest. Also, Karras wasn't a psychologist, but a psychiatrist, a medical doctor.

[@donna25871]

12:48 sorry I have to disagree with you on that one - if I hear something in the attic I’m not going to go ‘oh there’s a demon in my attic - better call the Catholic priest’. Of course she is going to assume the logical thing (that there are rats in the roof). That’s the beautiful thing about this movie - the psychological terror as she comes to the gradual realization that her daughter is possessed. Also Max von Sydow’s makeup is amazing - he looks now as an old man pretty much how he does in the film.

[@Chrisfromtheglen]

So glad you put this back up, I watched the movie yesterday and always love your guys' opinion

[@joncerda351]

13:40 when people say they "fainted" etc etc, it wasn't the exorcism. It was that exact scene, the doctors and the blood.

[@avalangrin4904]

This film is terrifying. I have read several horror novels: The Omen, Jaws, Books of Blood, The Stand, It. However, I avoided the novel, The Exorcist and have only watched the full movie once because to me this could happen in real life. In fact I don’t watch any exorcism films. They freak me out. 😳😳😳😳

[@braunhausmedia]

Kinderman is an even bigger character in the book.

[@RainBird88x]

The most chilling thing about this film is the 70s decor.

[@brutefarce1593]

Wonderful review, lads. Don't have the slightest idea why Friedkin would think he wasn't making a horror film! Hey... not to be picky but... wish you could get a handle on your volume levels. They spike when you're shouting at each other (maybe use some sort of limiter), spike with some of your quick cuts, and some of the movie clips are nearly inaudible.

[@jordonrweinhold]

I am SO happy you have finally reviewed this film! Awesome review! Any chances of reviewing BATMAN (1989) and/or THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS?

[@jordonhillhouse167]

Excellent review! I mean, the respectful discussion that you gave this masterwork of cinema (sorry for sounding so pretentious).

[@jdzencelowcz]

I hope y'all plan to do the other Exorcist films, as well as Repossessed & Exorcism of Emily Rose.

[@Rob-sk1im]

Emily Rose is the only demonic film that comes close to The Exorcist. Jennifer Carpenter was phenomenal.

[@jdzencelowcz]

@@Rob-sk1im I consider Repossessed on the same level for 2 reasons, possessed Linda & the great Leslie Nielsen were a great duo (young priest was just...there), & I was just entertained, which was the whole point.

[@AyeGeeYT]

My favorite (and the best) horror movie of all time, simply unmatched. New subscriber to the channel, been working my way through y’all’s reviews, great job guys, love the reviews

[@lazarethneptune6969]

Here's why Regan reacted to the holy water. Karras was a priest and that ordinary water turns into holy water

[@dejabu24]

12:40 Lol it depends of what kind of rats you are talking about I've seen pretty big ones

[@Snailbarf]

I think the director stated in a documentary on the film that the spider walk scene wasn't filmed up to the standards he would have liked, so he cut it. I've seen both versions and like that it was left out.....it went a bit too far to where if I was the mother I would have just bought a shotgun right there and end of movie you ain't my daughter.

[@lb8471]

He also said that the Chris had just received the news of Burke's death and the thought that it was too much for her to react to the news of the death and then seconds later, react to seeing her daughter spider walk down the stairs. He said what he should have done was let her hear the news then immediately before she has a chance to react, see Reagan come down the stairs.

[@jamiefarrell6049]

Ouija is a board game owned by Parker Brothers. It was never meant to contact spirits or demons! This movie changed all that!

[@angelus1uk]

check out the 40th anniversary edition of the book. The detective is integral to both the story of the family and the priest. Worth a read, or listen to the audiobook. Adds a lot to the story that is not in the film.

[@mrsanatra1]

FINALLY! A new video lol, im hooked, keep up the great job fella's

[@Filimaua13]

Should review The Omen, if you haven't already. I mean the 1976 original, not the 2006 remake. Well, actually do both lol

[@dimmuborgir82]

should of kept the original spider walk scene.

[@kevinbremer3581]

They should have kept the spider walk scene out of the movie. Ruins the pace of that scene.

[@LondonPredatorAngler]

Iain keeps rocking the 'An American Werewolf In London' T shirt, come on guys... the second best movie behind Jaws, really needs to be reviewed by you both, so so much to talk about and it would make a wicked 1hr review, not many on KZbin, I know you will both do it justice!!!

[@michaelb.42112]

The Exorcist was more than a movie, it was an experience and some evil came out of the screen, thanks to Bill's documentary background. This video is 7 years old (it's 2024 now) and it's still as relevant. Like you said, when was the last time a horror movie got 10 Academy Awards ?

[@lacyinmon1004]

I can't watch it at night because my brother made me watch the whole movie at 3 years old.I am still terrified of the movie to this day.

[@BacknMetro]

I watched it when I was 13 and I still can't watch it to this day.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Your brother sounds like a piece of work.

[@cookiesontoast9981]

Eh, I showed my little brother a tonne of horror movies while he was growing up, now he's 10 and he's not scared of a thing, nothing he sees in films scares him one bit. Might also be because he lives in this generation.. When violence and stuff is much more prominent and acceptable in video games and movies.

[@lacyinmon1004]

@@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017 yes, I agree

[@theinternetgavemeaids5393]

You know how u can tell this is the #1 horror film of all time? Because this film will scare u in ways you’ve never been scared before..

[@handsomestik]

Love the film but as skeptical as most of the characters were of Regan's issue, like you guys pointed out this is the first exorcism film. It is like pointing out Jamie Kennedy's don't get killed rules from Scream but without the decades of films to back that up.

[@aleaanderson6600]

How about reviewing William Friedkin's overlooked masterpiece "Sorcerer" someday?

[@Private-Hudson]

I can still remember the Samaritans outside the picture house handing out leaflets to everyone ..Those we're the days

[@apollyon9-11]

The laugh at 34.35, kills me everytme

[@teenspirit9012]

I can't believe you haven't reviewed An American Werewolf in London!!!!

[@donnagosdantian4932]

My favorite film, it just because grabs me (you, too ?) on so many different levels, w/o shoving pat answers into my psyche. The weariness of just being human, causing a presumed loss of faith in God then the relentless testing of a faith that's unrecognizable to the person that's fighting that awful ancient evil and then the sad victory, really a redemption in itself, over that evil, is a beautiful testament to the power of a true faith in God, and life itself, really.. doubt isn't a loss of faith, it's just a temporary state, the symptom of living amongst people, facing a real evil, while in that state of doubt and willing to die physically while kicking evil's ass makes this more than just a horror film. Can you tell Father Karras, is my favorite person ? lol Jason Miller, as Father Karras, is the reason I love this movie, and that's the reason I'll never get tired of seeing this film ! I first saw this movie when I was 12 or 13, I'm 50 now, my love for The Exorcist, just grows deeper as the years fly by... RIP: William Peter Blatty and of course RIP: Jason Miller

[@davidj.thompson]

Also, in the third film, Blatty showed himself to be a great director.

[@RealityDysfunction85]

Tubular bells never fails to chill me, but in the modern times, the movie comes across as funny, it is so over the top.

[@Rob-sk1im]

The Exorcist is undoubtedly one of the best films of the 70s. Though I suppose when I reflect on it now, it seems that the ouija board being the gateway for this powerful demon coming through was a bit unimaginative. Jason Miller, Max Von Sydow and Ellen Burstyn were tremendous. Sidenote, Roy Scheider had auditioned but lost out to Miller. Even though Roy was amazing, Miller sold it.

[@harrypothead42024]

I was raised completely unreligious so this movie is not scary to me in any way. I saw it for the first time when I was about 14 years old. I could tell right away that it was the best made horror movie I had ever seen.

[@takayasu2009]

My favourite 'Exorcist' film is Part III starring George C. Scott. To me, it is the best 'Exorcist' film.

[@Beholderz]

My favourite Horror movie.

[@charlesheck6812]

this was a fun analysis and review I laughed a lot. You guys are funny. I’m going to nitpick a little because I revere this film so much… It wasn’t the spider walk scene that split Blatty and Friedkin up, it was all of the excised scenes, especially the conversation between the two priests on the stairwell at the end regarding “why a little girl”and also the epilogue with the detective walking off with the priest which lets you breathe a little bit and realize the world is not thoroughly as bad as we’ve seen for the last few minutes.

[@pamliconero]

Talking about the soundtrack to the movie, the Tubular Bells album had just come out in 1973 (the same year as the movie) and it's one fine example of perfect timing. Thanks, Mike Oldfield. Thanks, Richard Branson (no record company wanted to produce the album, except for Virgin Records. Their first record ever produced).

[@MrPrice2U]

Guys, love aour stuff but pleasse ,for the love od god, treat a movie as a stand alone product. Pazuzu etc works for a novel but not for the movie. It makes the demon less scary because you don't know who you are dealing with....I think Karras was "Demetrios Karras" and then changed it to "Damien". That's why his mom calls him "Demi".

[@26michaeluk]

Couldn't agree more. I always pretend it's an nameless entity.

[@madizzle90]

0:51 Years back, I once scared my grandmother with this prank video.

[@guitarheroplayer-fs5js]

you mean the maze game?

[@nenabunena]

The writer is a devout Catholic and got many of his ideas here from an exorcism a Jesuit teacher of his had in the past. He didn't write this to make a horror film, he wrote it and wanted a film about faith on film.

[@marcfield1234]

Lights off,Volume up in it's original extended cut. They way it was ment to be seen.

[@MrRondonmon]

The Detectives plot in the scenes taken out then added back in, had a mishap, they could not find any of the soundtrack of good enough quality, so it just ends kind of stupid. But, it was meant to be a continuum from the Detective and Father Kerras going to movies together, to the Detective now going to the movies with Father Dyer. And when they are crossing the street, the scene should have said, you know Father Dyer, I think we have the beginnings of a beautiful friendship or relationship, or something close to that a la (Casablanca).

[@lastcall3544]

"...That bitch is possessed!" Classic.

[@ultimatewarrior6826]

oh yeah please review the exorcist 2 so I can see the look on your faces

[@FerDeLance06]

That stupid psychiatrist in it: "I think the exorcism made the problem worse." Well of course you'd think that ...It wasn't your Kashmir sweater she threw up on It wasn't your Persian rug she pissed all overIt wasn't your crucifix she -But you get the gist, right?

[@dawnfinch8873]

40 odd years after i first saw it the crucifixion scene shocked me to the bone i will never know how they got away with it

[@5jerry1]

~ They intercut footage of Linda Blair with a stunt double. They told Blair to hold the cross a certain way and say certain things, but to keep it an R rating, only one thrust was permitted. Eileen Dietz (the stunt double) was the one doing the inserting on camera, expertly spliced with the Blair footage, and the film rating company said only one thrust was permitted; any more and it would receive an X rating. That's kind of stupid, but censorship always is.

[@rebeccas4899]

By far, the scariest thing I ever saw. I refuse to rewatch it. I am kind of surprised I set through this. Still remember the terror I felt. Saw it in 1973, the first week it was out. You did a great job on review.

[@porkflaps4717]

No, her and her mother could NOT have gone anywhere to escape the demon. The demon isn't possessing the house, it's possessing the girl.

[@dkpqzm]

The book has even more layers of the story that they couldn't put in the movie. You should read it before making assumptions about the story.

[@budmangt2]

Even though a child was in it, this movie is not for children! It's a thinking man's film