The Exorcist (1973) is unhinged

[@Belleplainer]

To understand just what an amazing actor Max Von Sydow was, he was 42 years old when he filmed The Exorcist. There is no way when watching this that you don't believe that Father Merrin is in his 70s. It's not about how they made him look older for the role, as effective as it was, but how he perfectly displays the mannerisms and voice of an elderly man.

[@Karaokuma]

Apparently, the brilliant Dick Smith's make-up work made him feel like he was actually that old.

[@jelo742]

And he was the OG exorcist in The Greatest Story Ever Told

[@Stogie2112]

Max Von Sydow made every film better. King Osric in "Conan the Barbarian" Dr. Novotny in "Dreamscape" (an underrated movie) The Tracker in "What Dreams May Come"

[@Lethgar_Smith]

Seems like I remember reading somewhere that the role actually hurt his career because many producers believed he was actually a frail old man and offers for parts began to dry up after that for while.

[@JDMC13]

It's pretty incredible to compare pictures of Max in makeup to what he looks like at the actual age. The makeup artists were basically prophetic.

[@aatragon]

I saw this in a theater in 1973 which was absolutely packed. There were zero empty seats. I happened to be seated next to this stranger girl about my age (~20). By the middle of the film, we were holding hands, and that human, real touch held fast until the end of the movie. I do not know who initiated it, nor do I know when I actually began to realize I was holding someone's hand at all. When the lights came up at the end, we released the hold, looked at each other, said nothing, and went our separate ways. It was unreal. Every once and a while I reflect that there is a woman in her late sixties or early seventies somewhere in the area who tells a similar story about this strange guy she held hands with during The Exorcist.

[@30AndHatingIt]

Should have got her number. Would’ve been a real weird story to tell at your wedding.

[@BDogg2023]

Had a similar experience on the GA floor at a U2 concert in LA, with Perry Ferrell’s girlfriend’s friend. She was really cute, but short and couldn’t see, so I folded up my leather jacket for her to stand on. She stood on my jacket the whole concert and held my hand for balance. At the end of the show she left and we never talked. Always regretted not talking to that one.

[@park3r61]

craaazyyy story, thanks man

[@LuckyBastardProd]

Dude, a golden opportunity. That’s the real horror in your story🥸

[@joannepinnow6929]

That's an amazing story. I thought you were going to say that's how you met your wife. But still an awesome story, making your movie experience all the more unforgettable I'm sure. :)

[@Hellseeker1]

BeetleJuice "I've watched the Exorcist 167 times and it keeps getting funnier every single time I see it"

[@joeycaston6242]

I just thought of that a couple minutes ago. Haha.

[@Karaokuma]

I first saw The Exorcist around the age of 10-11. I had nightmares for over a year, no exaggeration. Imagine when I came back to this movie as an adult and how happy I was to realize it's not only still genuinely scary, but brilliantly made in every way. The acting, the writing, the direction, the make-up, the special effects, the emotional weight of the story... Perfect.

[@gubiks]

Saw this when I was 10 and had nightmares until I was in my 30s.

[@existenceisrelative]

You know, same. Except my nightmares stuck with me for a couple decades! One of my most often repeated nightmares would be of possessed regan, with her face a foot away from the back of my head, waiting for me to turn around and look. Then i would wake up and not want to turn my head!

[@Karaokuma]

@existenceisrelative Oh God that sounds absolutely horrifying!

[@SnaFubar_24]

I saw it in a theater just before my 10th birthday and had nightmares for months. My mom had been in the hospital and my dad had promised my sister and I a movie without knowing what was playing. Dad kept his promise thinking it wasn't that scary and mom fussed at him every time I woke with a nightmare. All he could say was "I made a promise honey, I didn't know it would be that scary". I miss that man so much and remembering him saying that makes me smile.

[@Captianjim]

Lol I literally just typed the same exact story before seeing yours. I didn't have nightmares but it definitely stuck with me forever. This movie really is that great!

[@robertrouse4503]

Lee J. Cobb, the detective, started acting in 1937. A great part was Juror #3 in "12 Angry Men".

[@genekent2391]

And what many do not know, Lee J Cobb was who Sly Stallone had in mind for Mickey when he was writing Rocky.

[@magicbrownie1357]

I loved Lee J. Cobb as the heavy gangster in On The Waterfront (1954). Marlon Brando does outshine him though, he is absolutely brilliant in that film.

[@michaeldavid6284]

Do a little dive into his career, which started in 1934...when you've got an hour or so.

[@FantasticBabblings]

Cobb was the original Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman on Broadway in 1943, a legendary performance.

[@Instantphojo]

….and “Our Man Flint” too.

[@LibrarianMichael]

23:33 You're watching the extended edition. The crab walk down the stairs wasn't in the theatrical release.

[@mathewluby9896]

That bit really got me

[@hnchmen34]

Correct... this is The Exorcist (The Version You've Never Seen) In this version, Director William Friedkin and Producer/Screenwriter William Peter Blatty revisited The Exorcist to integrate 11 minutes of scenes and images deleted before the film's 1973 release and they digitally restored the picture and audio elements. The result is an experience more gripping than ever.

[@TooBokoo]

There is so much fluff that the extended cut doesn't need. I wish they'd have made a Director's Cut with just putting the crab walk back in. Everything else can go, but they never should have cut the crab sequence.

[@Lethgar_Smith]

I think the crab walk is a bit over the top, frankly. However, the face of Pazuzu appearing everywhere is very effective and more realistic to actual paranormal events.

[@Cbcw76]

It was in the 1973 original release. It was in the original VHS release. It was on the first DVD release, too. This "edited out" version started showing up in the 1990s, claiming it was The Real Version. No.

[@tigqc]

In the beginning of the film, Father Merrin uncovers the head of a little figurine of the demon Pazuzu, whom he recognized because he had previously exorcised the demon years ago. So then he has a premonition later that another battle with Pazuzu is coming, with the clock randomly stopping and him almost getting ran over by the carriage. So to confirm his suspicions he goes to some old ruins where there is an old statue of Pazuzu and knows for certain when he sees the dogs fighting each other (the dogs of war have been unleashed). The dissolve to Georgetown right after is to show you where this battle between good and evil is going to take place. The pills Father Merrin takes are nitroglycerin to prevent him from having a heart attack.

[@Ragbab84]

Pazuzu is only mentioned by name in the god awful sequel.

[@Cloud_Strife0811]

Pazuzu and the demon that possessed Regan are not the same. Pazuzu is an ancient Persian god. The demon that possessed Regan is nameless and also the one he fought in Africa that almost killed him. Part of an exorcism is finding out the demons name, as knowing it and saying it aloud to the demon gives you power over it. If the demon was Pazuzu then Merrin would have used it's name. Even William Blatty, who wrote the book, said he doesn't know who the demon is.

[@ad61video]

​@@Cloud_Strife0811pazuzu is a demonic god

[@Ryan_Christopher]

@@Cloud_Strife0811Him seeing the silhouette of Pazuzu’s statue during the exorcism confirms who the demon was. All pagan gods, Persian or otherwise, are considered by Christians to be demons. Hence the prohibition against offering sacrifices to “gods” by the faithful in ancient times. _”You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons. You cannot eat at the Lord’s table and at the demon’s table._ (1 Cor 10:21)

[@Cloud_Strife0811]

@@Ryan_Christopher That's your interpretation. If the person who wrote the story says they don't know who the demon is, then how can you? That scene can be interpreted many ways. Remember the effigy that Merrin found in the beginning of the movie? The man referred to it as "evil against evil". Pazuzu is known as the protector of children. So Pazuzu is a demon that battles demons. Always battling a demon called Lamashtu. This demon loves to corrupt pregnant women and children especially. So it could be Lamashtu inside Regan and Pazuzu was there to battle her. This movie is heavily subject to interpretation so saying you know for sure who the demon is just by a flash of the statue just makes you come off as a liar.

[@jpoptop]

This is not only my favorite horror movie but one of my favorite movies of all time. William Friedkin was a genius director. He had just come from winning the Best Director Oscar for The French Connection when he started this film. I'm so glad you were appreciating all the skill and technique that went into this movie.

[@Divamarja_CA]

“This is no time for spelunking” may be the best reaction line of ALL time! 😂

[@NicholasRamos]

Ames, you had a very thorough understanding of the story the filmmaker wanted to paint in The Exorcist. You UNDERSTOOD Chris was in Georgetown to film a movie on location, Chris and Regan DIDN'T own the house (the studio leased it for them while on location), they DIDN'T BUY the Ouija Board game (Regan just found it STORED in the basement by the homeowner), and many other minor things. You also were spot on regarding the difference between watching this movie, when it first premiered in 1973, in the theatres, and today where it is now viewed in the comfort/safety of your own home/space. It was MUCH SCARIER watching it in the theatre in 1973. The theatre was sold out, you sat in a cramped seat, and everyone in the audience was screaming. Watching it in a theatre, with an audience, you CAN'T PAUSE the movie and try to catch your breath, go get a snack in your kitchen/ and go to the bathroom. Finally, the U.S. was far more religious back in the 70s, compared to today where the religious population has significantly DROPPED. I RESPECT your sharp observations and reactions to The Exorcist. Thank you, Ames! 👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@philliptucker4788]

Agreed! A lot of reactors miss many of the subtleties and clues throughout the movie, but you were spot on, Ames!

[@Lethgar_Smith]

She also picked up on the fact that she was speaking in Burke Denning's voice when she turns her head around.

[@blakebufford6239]

Yep She's awesome!

[@rodrigovega-v2i]

fun fact, since the late 1800's and early 900's people had oija boards in their homes, due to the loss of family members in the civil war etc. spiritualism proliferated in the United States, everyone had an oija to communicate with their loved ones and they were seen as a harmless toy. This movie started the fear of oijas, the film was so popular that people really thought they were evil, this idea still exists today thanks to this movie, just like te film evil dead and the necronomicon There are people who think that this book really exists, well yes it does, it was written by Lovecraft but people think that there is a book made of human skin that is used to summon demons.

[@almari222]

Well said.

[@Kick278]

This movie is a master lesson in how to build horror from just... everyday life! Amazing!

[@LibrarianMichael]

This movie is terrifying but the script, practical effects, acting, etc. Is all amazing.

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

It's great filmmaking.

[@mikeroberts1483]

Some people talk when they're nervous. After about 5 minutes I realized you had not stopped talking and did not stop talking throughout the entire reaction. Great reaction as usual. Thanks.

[@TroyBrophy]

It's funny that nobody really thought twice about ouija boards until this movie came out. Now as soon as people see it in the movie they get so scared. This movie is what did that.

[@thepopcultureconnection2840]

Another fantastic observation and review. I always enjoy watching you disect movies. What sets The Exorcist apart from other possession films is the slow burn and treating it like a drama rather than a horror film.

[@yapeseguy9261]

i remember as a child watching this movie and Max Von Sydow as an old man and thinking hes probably 80 or something. I was surprised to keep seeing him in movies throughout the years like in Shutter Island, Star Wars Force Awakens, Game of Thrones and thinking "does this dude not die?!"

[@skrounst]

The "gear up" scene wit hFather Merrin, and Father Karras is my favorite scene in maybe any movie. Merrin giving Karras (and the audience) the run-down of what to expect during the exorcism, while also gearing themselves up with the tools they'll need, is just brilliant. It's like in action movies where the hero grabs guns and bombs, "gearing up" for the final showdown.

[@nealrepetti2396]

The song is called Tubular Bells. Not the opening song but the main theme.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

There isn't a single piece of original music in the movie. Everything was repurposed from existing material. Lalo Schifrin was slated to write the score, but ultimately none of his music was used. The same happened with Alex North's score for 2001: A Space Odyssey several years earlier.

[@rachaelhogan7850]

Mike oldfield

[@benjamansharer7969]

The radiology technician who was prepping Regan for the brain scan was Paul Bateson, a real life serial killer that was captured after this movie came out

[@joecarr5412]

Director Friedkin visited him in prison & his 1980 movie ' Crusin" staring Al Pacino is inspiried by those murders.

[@bobtnner]

Just to clarify, Bateson was NOT the one who performed the actual procedure. He was not the one with the glasses who stuck the needle in Reagan's throat and told her she would feel a little stick. Bateson was in the background and had a beard. Sometimes people get this confused about who the serial killer was.

[@wewenang5167]

WOW HE IS VERY HANDSOME! WHEN I FIRST SAW HIM IM LIKE WOW WHO IS THIS HUNK! NOW I FELT WEIRD! XD

[@Spencer_Beard]

Skip the sequel and watch Exorcist 3 (aka, Legion), it plays like a crime procedural, the acting and atmosphere are some of the best

[@mikeRedMDK2032]

Father karras' death still gets me 😔 This and the omen always make for a great double feature.

[@willingexile3374]

That combo will give you the shivers.

[@Spottedfeather]

Spoilers......He didn't die.

[@mcbeezee2120]

1976's "The Omen".

[@gilabides]

No love for Rosemary’s Baby?

[@mikeRedMDK2032]

@gilabides yup, that one too while we're at it lol

[@LukeLovesRose]

😂 I love that reaction. You have no idea that its coming and POW! The crucifix scene just hits you in the guts like a ton of bricks. That scene is still the most shocking and horrifying moment in film history. The fact that it came out in 1973 is shocking by itself. You couldnt make The Exorcist today.

[@Dunybrook]

Truly great reaction. So glad you recognized Lee. J. Cobb and Ellen Burstyn as most people nowadays have no idea who they are. Such a talented cast and the director, William Friedkin, was more than a bit crazy to work with but undoubtedly brilliant. Many of the shots for this film required incredible inventiveness since the technology we take for granted in modern cinema didn't exist.

[@junkyardphoenix]

What a fabulous reaction video. So insightful, honest and visceral. One of my all-time favourite movies and ultimately a great message I think most people don't get: Science couldn't help her, religion couldn't help her, the only thing that worked was an act of self sacrificing love. Beautiful message in the end, but also absolutely terrifying. As a father of five, who knows what it's like to feel completely helpless when your kids are going through things that are beyond your control, I find this movie downright profound. Subscribing now. Looking forward to more of your reviews!

[@13Voorheespt2]

Through Fr.Merrin and Fr.Karras's faith leading to their sacrificing themselves she was saved.

[@gregyear201]

Your reaction to this classic is one of best. You invested yourself in the story, script, and amazing acting along with your appreciation for the craft put into this film. A mother who has “no faith” desperately seeking help from a priest who has “lost” his faith. I too get emotional especially the ending Karris sacrifices himself to save a child who he really never met. I believe he was trying to save his mother too. You noticed that Regan was tied up to the bed like his mother. I never picked up on that. Regan was strapped to the bed just like his mother and that was the last time he saw her. Even the demon using his mother’s exact words and voice is chilling Anyway fantastic reaction. Subscribed with 2 thumps up.

[@claytondietl8136]

One of the creators of the animatronic doll used in the movie, (the scene where she turns her head completely around), told the story of how the director and producers weren’t sure how scary the doll would be. So they put the doll in a NYC Taxi, had someone laying on the floor in the back, and drove around in rush hour traffic. When the taxi pulled up to another car, the guy in the back turned her head to face the car next to them. Once they heard terrifying screams, they knew the doll worked perfectly!

[@edge1289]

The gentleman that was the priest who gave last rights and was with Lee J Cobb at the end is a real Catholic priest who was a technical advisor for the film.

[@Ichbinnurgutwennkeinerguckt]

And Friedkin delivered him (Father William O'Malley) a hard slap to the face to capture the correct look.

[@davidpumpkinsjr.5108]

Here's an amusing story: before filming began, author William Blatty took director William Friedkin with him to church so he could get a better idea of what Catholicism was all about. During Mass, Friedkin just fell into line with everyone else and took communion, unaware that as a non-Catholic (and, specifically, Jewish) he wasn't supposed to. After finding out what Friedkin had done, Blatty called the church's priest in a panic because he was inadvertently an accessory to blasphemy. The priest assured Blatty that neither he, nor Friedkin were in trouble because it had been an honest mistake all around.

[@motorcycleboy9000]

ANY QUESTIONS???

[@Lazrael32]

things must have loosened up because i've been in plenty of catholic churches as a non catholic and regularly been encouraged to participate.

[@thane9]

@@Lazrael32 Must have. In the early 80s, me a young Methodist kid went to a Catholic mass with my cousins and I was physically stopped from participating in communion. Everyone was standing up to get in line and coming from a church that anyone could take communion went to get in line and was stopped. "Not for you" is what I was told...heh.

[@garyzink1927]

I watched this alone as a tuff h.s football player at the theater and locked the car doors on the way home scared shitless. At 68 this movie is still disturbing! Loved your reaction! Peace from Northern Michigan!

[@Lazrael32]

@@thane9 i grew up protestant in the 0's and i was encouraged? maybe it's an area thing i dunno.

[@unlit__ssunn]

I love how for the entire 3rd act of the movie.. Pazuzu just goes all-in on shitting on Karras' mother - foul being can't go 5 minutes without saying something out of pocket.

[@Cloud_Strife0811]

Pazuzu and the demon that possessed Regan are not the same entity. William Blatty himself said he didn't know who the demon was that possessed her.

[@digitorist]

​@@Cloud_Strife0811I heard somewhere that it was supposedly a lower demon pretending to be Pazuzu

[@Cloud_Strife0811]

@@digitorist I never heard that one, it's a possibility. Pazuzu is an ancient Mesopotamian demon who is also a god. He has an evil side, but he is also the protector of children.

[@digitorist]

@@Cloud_Strife0811 indeed, he was supposedly used to protect against another demon that preyed on pregnant women. The theory is also kind of confirmed in movie when Karas remarks to Chris that she doesn't say she's a demon. She SAYS she's the devil himself.

[@digitorist]

@@Cloud_Strife0811 also to add to this 2 more theories from the same starting point. The premise is Regan was SA'd by Burke Dennings. Theory 1: The demon uses this to trick Regan. Presenting himself as a protector, in the end killing Burke to hold up it's end of the bargain. Theory 2: There is no demon and nothing supernatural. Just a girl who is extremely psychotic and being led deeper into her psychosis by a dieing man and a man who's just lost his faith and his mother.

[@JusBidniss]

A fascinating bit of The Exorcist lore surrounds the bearded medical technician who gets Regan from the gurney to the table, tells her to scoot down, holds down her head with both hands and the blue drape and puts the tape across her chin. He was an actual technician at New York University Medical Center, named Paul Bateson. Bateson would go on to become a convicted killer for the murder 4 years later of theater critic Addison Verrill, and the only suspect in a series of murders dubbed "the bag murders" (a.k.a. "the fag in a bag murders"), which involved a series of homosexual victims whose remains were found in trash bags. Director William Friedkin had a doctor friend who worked at NYUMC, and when he asked for a medical procedure that was really visually disturbing, the doctor replied he had just the thing. He invited Friedkin to observe his next cerebral angiography, and the director immediately knew he had his scene. Actual nurses and technicians were cast as extras, including Bateson, who scored a speaking part. It's almost as if you can hear Friedkin's direction. "Now Linda, Regan's really afraid in this scene. Try and imagine you're lying there and a serial killer is holding your head down with both hands. Action!" And the rest, as they say, is cinematic (and criminal) history.... 😎

[@isuriadireja91]

was the "bag murders" the basis for Friedkin's movie with Pacino, Cruising?

[@CommodoreAvery]

The last rites scene at the end always makes me emotional. Damien squeezing the priest’s hand indicated that he had regained his faith. By encountering the devil, he found God again. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

[@YouTube-tied]

And his head is turned all the way around too.

[@JBugz777]

That overdubbed exaggerated british accent for the demon is on a another level

[@robertrouse4503]

The flame changing in the attic was a result of Karl opening a second attic opening, causing a backdraft.

[@davidpalmer7175]

What??????? Backdraft on a candle flame? LOLOLOL

[@thetomgibson]

10:12 We didn’t have a lot of flashlights in the 70s. I remember only having 1 in our house when I was little. We used candles and oil lamps a lot during power outages.

[@bzbzob]

And the one we did have was almost 100% guaranteed to not work when you needed it.

[@P5YcHoKiLLa]

You should watch The Exorcist III, it's the true follow-up to this movie, ignore the second one. Mercedes McCambridge (who won an Best Supporting Actress Oscar in her debut movie) was the voice of the demon, Pazuzu is the demon that possesses Regan MacNeil, Pazuzu is the king of wind demons, he figures in the 3rd movie too.

[@Spottedfeather]

except that Pazuzu isn't anywhere in the third movie...

[@RyansAwesomeMusic]

Totally agree, Psychkilla! The 3rd film is incredible. Part 2 blows. William Peter Blatty directed the 3rd one.

[@brandonchang4685]

Indeed

[@hakuna..matata]

The third one is absolutely boring, total waste of time! 👎😴💩🚮💯

[@davidlionheart2438]

@@hakuna..matata I admire your bravery in being so open in your bad taste in a public forum. You have a right to be wrong.

[@AlexisLopez-pb8ms]

Ellen Burstyn also played an old Murph in the movie Interstellar. She had a small part in that movie but what a career she’s had over half a century. Her portrayal in Requiem of a dream was one of my favorite characters in her career. What a gem of an actress ❤❤❤

[@bukowski20]

Love Ellen Burstyn. So great in everything.

[@matthewmckibben]

Your face during most of this = 😮 We’ve all been there. Welcome to the club. 😆😆😆

[@holddowna]

😱

[@williamabbott9437]

​@@holddowna Now Exorcist lll.

[@Blu-ray4KPhenomena]

@@williamabbott9437 Agreed! Other than the 1973 original, The Exorcist III (1990) is the only other viable entry in the series. The Exorcist III isn't the powerhouse that the original is, but it's a damn good film. Highly recommended!

[@williamabbott9437]

@@Blu-ray4KPhenomena Brad Dourif's performance is the best acting in either movie. It's Oscar caliber.

[@williamabbott9437]

@@Blu-ray4KPhenomena The one slow burn shot in the hospital with the nurse is one of the best in horror history. The comedic duo of Scott and Flanders, and Scott by himself is gold. Exorcist lll is horror, psychological thriller, detective, comedy all rolled into one. It's not at all in your face like the Original, but quite honestly who wouldn't be shocked and horrified by a 13yr old girl saying and doing those things. Exorcist l is a sledge hammer, Exorcist lll is a scalpel in the hands of a master neurosurgeon.

[@cwall1031]

William Peter Blatty said that the exorcist is actually a love story. The priest, Father Karras, gives up his life willingly for a little girl he never met. He never met Regan MacNeil, only the demon.

[@RovingRoninEDC]

“No greater love has any man”

[@Lue_Jonin]

Ames, your reactions to deep subject matter are outstanding . Exorcist 3 is also has outstanding actors.. George C Scott as detective Kinderman and Brad Douriff as the possessed. I highly recommend this film.... It's super creepy and suspenseful without the shock value scenes of the original Exorcist film . Also, if you wish to react to a ten part mini-series that is a masterpiece in every way... PLEASE, react to The Haunting of Hill House . 🏆 🎥 I feel you're one reactor that could truly appreciate the acting, cinematography and emotional storyline.... The writing is TOP SHELF

[@smadaf]

The "breathing"-tube is a naso-gastric feeding-tube.

[@angelus4282]

It's great to see Lee J. Cobb getting some love. Among his other great roles (besides this and 12 Angry Men) are: On the Waterfront, Exodus, How the West Was Won & The Three Faces of Eve, to name but a few.

[@LapuKyacca]

Thank you for your honest and open reactions. I’m not going to benignly troll you with little tidbits of Wikipedia trivia, I’m sure others will contribute in the comments. I don’t tune in to watch somebody stare at the screen. And you don’t do that, you’re telling us what you’re feeling what you’re seeing, when confused about plot points or storyline, you say it out loud and you venture opinions, there are obviously going to be a hit or miss, but you do it with such honest involvement. It’s a pleasure. I just wanted to thank you Ames for being one the best reactors out there. An appreciative subscriber

[@benjaminkirk4678]

Yeah the needle scenes in this movie are visceral. When people talk about how some audience members passed out during viewing the film people mistakenly think it was the horror/exercism scenes that caused it from fear. It was actually the needle scenes causing people to run out or faint 😂

[@MisterGoblin65]

I appreciate the apparent honesty in your reactions while viewing this iconic film...Well done...Thank you👍

[@jimred5700]

Great reaction. I`ll never forget when this film opened here in the UK in 1974; the reaction it created and the effect it had is impossible to describe: the word phenomenon doesn`t even come close.

[@KPA78]

I saw this in 1973 and it has given me numerous nightmares ever since. Love your insightful commentary.

[@bradsullivan2495]

The woman playing Damian's mother had never acted before this film and she ended up dying before the movie came out. The actor playing the film director also passed away prior to the film's release.

[@shaneferris6742]

It was the Priest Father Merris that had never acted before and was a Priest in real life.

[@paulknight9998]

She was born in 1883.

[@ericbush3399]

​@@shaneferris6742that's not right at all. Father Merrin was played by Max Von Sydow, a career actor, that had done many films before and after The Exorcist. Also, he was never a priest.

[@jd-zr3vk]

​@@ericbush3399The priest friend of Father Karras, Father Dyer, is a priest, Father William O'Malley.

[@ericbush3399]

@@jd-zr3vk I don't doubt that, but I fail to see your point.

[@ericaabbott2938]

Unbelievable reaction, honey! Really enjoyed it! The Exorcist isn't just a horror movie it's a master class in filmmaking.

[@JohnDAmico-ci2hz]

Right from the start this most classic amongst classic horror movies has had a grip on you. I don't think I've ever heard you talk so much during a reaction before. Ms Chatter Box! 😊

[@KneeAches]

Loved watching your reaction. It is so human and full of understanding of film. I read the book and my first thought was: well this will never be a movie. Friedkin at the height of his powers with three great films in a row: French Connection, Exorcist, and Scorcerer. All three share a lot of style and substance. It is fun to relive these movies through you. Thanks.

[@nealrepetti2396]

The pills are Nitro Glycerin . He's got a bad heart.

[@usgreth]

I believe they call(called?) it something else when they prescribed it to not freak out the patients thinking they were getting given explosives :)

[@AnthonyUbelhor]

Thanks!

[@holddowna]

Thank you!!!!

[@CassandrashadowcassMorrison]

Let's give a shout out to the late Mercedes Mccambridge who provided the voice of the Demon in this film. There is a reason Orson Welles once called her the greatest living radio actress. She played an awful lot of roles on the radio...INNER SANCTUM, I LOVE A MYSTERY, a lot of others used her a lot. She also provided the demonic breathing (she had had bronchitis as a child so all that wheezing came natural to her. 😎

[@gerardquinn6637]

This Movie is just absolutely STACKED. I love that. The Exorcist is one of the Greatest Films ever made.

[@Divamarja_CA]

So great you recognized Lee J. Cobb from 12 Angry Men!

[@almari222]

You did an amazing job of analyzing the film. I liked how you made predictions during certain scenes. I can tell you’re intelligent. You chose key scenes and you know why things happen in film. I saw this movie when I was 9 years old. My sisters took me to see it in a drive-in theatre. Stared at the stars for most of it. Affected me for years. Now I understand why it is the classic it is. Thank you for your content.

[@blackwolf6082]

I walked out half way through he first time I saw it in the theater, Took me 20 yrs to watch it again

[@peterdavis8471]

Wow that's a serious impact 😢😢😢

[@angelus4282]

My mom also waked out, right after the scene with Regan & the crucifix. She never has watched the whole thing.

[@viddiot]

'..But I've never seen this movie. I'm interested to see how it will effect me.'...LOL, OMG.R.I.P. dude, Hahaha! This will be great fun!

[@hawksnest1940]

Your reactions... they're among the most genuine, authentic, REAL, heartfelt, observant, and insightful. It's always a joy taking in your videos. I loved your Band of Brothers stuff, The Pacific, Fury, Private Ryan... I dunno if you've reacted to any Star Wars stuff (looking at your room, though, I'd think that you have), but I'll be seeking those out, if you have. This film... I first saw it as a young'n. I was maybe 12 or so. My Dad decided he'd let my sisters and I watch some scary sh*t for... I forget what the occasion was. But we watched this and some other horror flick back to back... I think it was maybe The Omen. The three of us slept in my sisters' room that night, in sleeping bags, on the floor, huddled together. We had the stereo on, tuned to a local FM station, and we all swore that the volume was going up and down on its own. We were scared out of our minds. My Mom had two pencil portraits hanging in one of the hallways in the house... they were of a little boy and girl, and the girl looked JUST like Regan when she was being hypnotized. Scared da-he**-outta-me. In later years, my room was at the end of that hallway. Holy-he**. Even when I was 18-19, I couldn't look at that portrait. Heck, even now, just into my 50s, I shudder when I think of it. Many years passed before I could watch that movie again, and I am not one bit embarrassed to admit that i had a pillow handy. LOL Anyhoo, I watch reactions here on KZbin for numerous reasons. Mostly to see people react to stuff I love, whether it be music or movies, or comedy... whatever. Sometimes it's a matter of mere curiosity. And other times it's been a means of breaking the hold that fear has over me. This was such a case, and your reaction to this flick, along with others, has helped me along that vein. I feel that I can now dispense with the pillow. I've subscribed to your channel... again. KZbin keeps unsubscribing me from channels, seemingly at random. But regardless of that, I always seek you out... you're one of the truly good ones here on YT, Ames. Keep watching and reacting... I'll do the same...

[@olzenheimr]

Such a wonderful watch in the deepest darkest way. Even though I was born in the early '80s. My first time watching it was actually in a re-screening at one of Dallas's first movie grills. I have never had experienced such a paralyzing movie with so many mortifying audience responses. So good to see u react to this classic, Ames!

[@shainewhite2781]

The film is based on the 1971 novel of the same name, which was loosely based on a real incident that happened to a boy in New England in the 1950's.

[@robmarconi6758]

Finally! Someone who knows their history!

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Since nobody's mentioned it yet: William Peter Blatty was known for writing comedies like Breakfast at Tiffany's up to that point.

[@hellomark1]

Ames you nailed it, this isn't so much scary when you first watch it, it's definitely shocking though, even 50 years later. But it IS a movie that sticks with you. Especially when you're going to bed and it's dark, and the house creaks funny, or when you wake up at 3am and you think you heard a weird noise outside... Also wanted to say I love the outfits you've been wearing for the scary movies :)

[@davewright117]

Great reaction. Your reactions are some of the best on KZbin. Another great movie that Ellen Burstyn stars in is Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore

[@itsjuliescottyay]

And don’t forget Interstellar 😊

[@tetleyT]

Great summary. Thansk so much for reacting to this absolute pinnacle of horror.

[@LibrarianMichael]

This is the scariest movie ever made!

[@E.F.-777-1]

Please skip over part 2 (It's not good, in my opinion) and react to The Exorcist 3 from 1990. Part 3 expands on the relationship of Father Dyer and Lieutenant Kinderman formed at the end of this masterpiece. The role of Lieutenant Kinderman in Part 3 is portrayed by the legendary award winning actor George C. Scott. Exorcist 3 is a must watch after experiencing the original.

[@holddowna]

Thanks so much! I have heard this and will probably do it. Appreciate this super ❤️❤️❤️

[@E.F.-777-1]

@@holddowna Subscribed. Thank YOU. By far the best reaction I've seen to this.

[@THOMMGB]

Ames, every time they go up to Regan’s bedroom, it gets progressively worse and worse. I found myself dreading those visits. The medication he’s taking is for a heart condition.

[@THOMMGB]

Ames, You’re not helping things with all that red lighting behind you. Many years ago I worked as a script supervisor with Linda Blair on a movie. She was very nice. I asked her what kind of questions did she get about The Exorcist? She rattled off in quick succession about ten questions. I was feeling rather embarrassed, but on the last day of filming, I asked her to sign my hardcover edition of The Exorcist, which she was glad to do. I still have it, but I felt like such a tourist.

[@ward1117]

I love how she actually reacts to the movies she watches 👍

[@joannerichards1750]

The introductory theme music was not intended to be a movie score. "Tubular Bells" by Mike Oldfield was released before the film's release date.

[@BobCrabtree-ev4rz]

Great album by the way.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

@@BobCrabtree-ev4rz With just two tracks.

[@doorofnight87]

This is one of those movies that I have seen quite a bit of, but never in the same sitting. The way the tension is built up throughout the movie is so well done, and then released at the end. I think one of the reasons it works so well is that it isn't all that scary as you are watching it, but you start realizing the profound sense of unease and disturbance that you feel as the movie goes on. Fantastic performances from the whole cast, I've always thought a standout was Max Von Sydow (the older breast who starts the exorcism), who is actually playing much older than he actually was here. He is great in everything he does and lends so much gravitas to what could have been very goofy scenes.

[@krisbrown6692]

"That was so shocking, so disturbing, so awful." And that is your thoughts here in 2024, now just imagine how people in 1973 felt.

[@bozidardbk3330]

What a movie! Honestly, a complete classic for a reason. I saw it a bunch of times. It ticks so many boxes of what a horror ought to be. Your insights are really good btw and it makes your reaction videos really good!

[@tedcole9936]

Oh boy, here we go..

[@paxonearth]

I loved your reaction. I couldn't agree more about Ellen Burstyn's performance. This movie absolutely f*cked me up when I was a middle schooler. I can't overstate how much so. The reason the movie is so powerful is that it's treated as a drama rather than a horror film.

[@Zombie_Trooper]

I have to praise the fact you're probably the only reactor who knew she was speaking in Burke's voice. It alludes to what happened prior to his death but it's never outwardly explained and goes over heads.

[@jameshitt3263]

Yes, that was a VERY sharp catch. Blatty had something very specific to say in this movie besides the superficial possession narrative...

[@clarkness77]

It goes over heads...and around them😊

[@timboslice090]

I enjoyed your first watch of the exorcist, almost as much as experiencing it again. I was 11 when I saw this movie for the first time. I wasn't allowed to watch scary movies as a kid. I watched this and pet cemetery in the same weekend to celebrate being able to watch them. I both regretted it and was hooked for life. Great job on this reaction

[@jorgezarco9269]

Father Karras is Greek.

[@Captianjim]

I was born in 1992 and remember hearing as a kid how it was the one of the scariest movies of all time. I remember seeing the re-release in the mid 2000's and being surprised and only laughing about how 'cheesy' it was it felt to me at the time. Nowadays every time I see this movie I'm absolutely terrified! from the script, to the cinematography, to the almost documentary style presentation. This movie isn't just one of the greatest horror films out there, it's one of the greatest films ever made!!

[@SmokeyNades]

The scene that caused the most theater walkouts and distressed people was actually the scene with the lumbar puncture. It was actual footage of the procedure being performed on a real patient 😅

[@cbretschneider]

Hey Ames, I commend you on your reaction and respect for the craft of this film. It is an outstanding production. I also believe this film is legitimately cursed and I really appreciate that you edited out most of the more hardcore disturbing moments from this reaction. Watching all the vivid details over and over again isn't healthy. I don't watch reaction videos just to rewatch films, although it's often fun. It's entertaining to watch your authentic reactions. I hope you sleep peacefully. Cheers.

[@nealrepetti2396]

I know you're doing this movie but, I can't stress enough to not let this movie get under your skin. Now, I saw this in like 77or 78 and even today, it scares me. It is the father of all horror movies. Remember, at the time, the old monster movies were just being remade over and over. Frankenstein, Mummy,Wolfman,etc. Than, this came out and changed movies forever! Now, it is dated but, well, enjoy. If you dare !

[@kengruz669]

What? It should get under your skin. That's the intention of this film and is what literally occurs as the plot of the film.

[@derekdecker555]

Just gotta say, you are officially my favorite reactor. You’ve actually got a great attention span and you almost always GET what the films are going for and give yourself over to the experience.

[@sweetnumb]

When I saw 1974 in the title I was a little bit worried, because in 2000 they released "The Version You've Never Seen Before" which is the same movie but with around 12 extra minutes added. Most of that I believe was near the beginning, which I believe made the movie a WHOLE lot scarier. Anyway, I was glad to see you did see the 2000 version of the film (the spiderwalk down the stairs with blood dripping from her mouth and all the single-frame devil shots weren't in the original release) because it does a much better job of taking its time in a realistic way. When I saw the 1974 version, I think they got to the possession stuff a little too fast and it just didn't take its time the way this one did to set up everything for truly the scariest movie I have ever seen in my life. Granted, I saw it in theaters when it was re-released with the extra footage when I was only 12 years old, and it was a full six months before I was able to sleep properly again. Everyone I talked to and everything on the internet I kept saying said this was based on a true story. I kept wanting to sleep in the guest room with my mom because everything terrified me. I did tons and tons of research on possessions, and some common early symptoms were supposedly hearing scratching on the windows and all sorts of different stuff that I thought might be happening to me. The only reason I wasn't scared after six months was because I finally found a reliable online source that convinced me this was NOT something that ever could or would happen in real life. It's actually BECAUSE of this movie that the Ouija board became feared as a tool for the Devil or other evil spirits being brought into your life. When it was created, it was thought of as a normal thing to try to communicate with dead family members and whatnot. It wasn't until this movie that the stigma around it began, as the rumors about it being based on real-life events and such made it seem extra scary. When she brought out the board and you were like "noo don't mess with that" I thought it was funny-meta because it's actually this movie's fault that such a stigma is attached to it. So yeah, I found out it was extremely loosely based on events that were greatly overexaggerated and that nothing unexplainable ever actually happened. Once I found that out, I had no troubles at all sleeping again. I realized all paranormal scary stuff never really happened, and no paranormal movie can possibly scare me anymore. Not sure if I'm glad I found out the truth about our world or not though. Back when I loosely believed in such things, the afterlife and all that were so much more mysterious to me and I thought it may turn out to be a whole different array of possibilities. Now the only thing I believe is that we're more connected than we think, like when someone suddenly feels something very terrible happening without understanding why, I believe that we have some sort of way to communicate with one another on a brain wave-length level that science has yet to explain. But I'll never once be concerned about spirits/ghosts, possessions, or anything like that ever again.

[@kengruz669]

Well, hopefully, your research will inform you that the true event that this film was based on was in fact, discovered to be made up by the boy who this supposedly happened to, to gain some attention that he needed at the time.

[@naysay02]

@@kengruz669yep this is fictional. but i still absolutely love this film because it does the job of scaring you quite well

[@kengruz669]

@@naysay02 Yes, I absolutely love this film as a masterwork of cinema. I have watched it countless times and admire it greatly. I also never tore through a popular work of fiction so quickly, maybe along with "Angel Heart." I was always aware of the backstory of this being an event written about in the Washington, DC press, I believe concerning a local boy first treated in his house, then moved around between the church property, then a hospital, I believe. It was recounted as a mysterious, disturbing event. It was only later revealed many years later by the boy to be made up (that is, he faked his symptoms) for evidently troubled reasons. William Blatty, author of the the origin novel, had clipped the original feature story article in the newspaper as he was intrigued by it, and tucked it away. Years later, he came across it or recalled it, and decided to write a novel based on it. As I recall, the boy had kept his identity a secret all these years and went on with life eventually working at NASA or something. He felt that letting this incident out would be kryptonite to any career.

[@JustCallMeMeghan]

This is my favorite horror. I love when reactors discover this amazing film.

[@pebblehilllane]

They weren't pills for shaking. Father Lankester Merrin had a type of heart disease and took nitroglycerin tablets for it. --- When "The Exorcist" first came to my town after it's release one of my friends and I went to see it. We dropped some four-way windowpane a little while before going. My friend was horrified from the time the opening music started until hours later when he came down. For some reason I could never begin to guess, I laughed. It was like a comedy too me. Watching it another time when straight I thought, wow, this is really creepy.

[@billbabcock1833]

Not sure a lot of people reading the comments know what windowpane was.

[@whoog74]

OMgoodness !!! You are doing this ! Awesome ! Top notch film with all the actors buying in. Love this.

[@dmr87]

Imagine seeing this in the theater in 73

[@danielesteve8359]

Imagine living it.

[@WarrenBridges-um5cg]

@dmr87 Saw it then and Alien 6 years later. I was actually shitting myself more in Alien.

[@joannepinnow6929]

What a great reaction video. You were so into it, paying attention and being so appreciative of every aspect of it. Thank you for treating my all-time favourite movie with respect. I watched another reactor who only watched it because her patreon asked her to; it was a terrible reaction in which she basically trashed it, and she even criticized Ellen Burstyn's acting! But this was very enjoyable to watch with you. Thanks so much.

[@realBkay]

Amez, considering reacting to THE ENTITY (1982) starring Barbara Hershey. Based on a true story. At the end of the movie, the verbiage on the screen is terrifying.

[@davidpalmer7175]

That was truly a great production. The experiment they did at the college near the end of the movie never happened but it was planned to actually happen. The head of the department wrote the novel and thought the experiment would be a good addition to the film.

[@ClutchSituation]

The Exorcist is a master class in how to use deliberate slow pacing to build tension.

[@realBkay]

“The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”

[@Cloud_Strife0811]

That's a quote from The Usual Suspects. It's not a real thing. And the demon in this movie wasn't the Devil.

[@RandallMorrison00]

Amazing reaction! It's nice to get new ones every Halloween season, but this is one of the best! You really captured so many of the best part on the first watch!

[@henriettaskolnick4445]

"The Exorcist" book was based off a real case of a 14 year old young man named Ronald Hunkeler who underwent a successful exorcism in 1949. He would later have a successful career at NASA.

[@26101976bdm]

2:30 - "I can barely speak" you haven't stopped talking hahaha

[@DeusLeonum]

The devils pronouns are They/Them.

[@timetheory84]

lol, that pretty much sums up the pro-noun issue

[@HonkHonkler]

It's not the devil, it's Pazuzu.

[@scottavery1751]

Your reaction and follow up after the movie was one of the best I've seen. Well done.

[@NestorCustodio]

This movie has been giving demon possessions a bad rap for 50+ years now, and I'm tired of it. Justice for demons!

[@holddowna]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@toddhensley880]

LOL. Now I want to see a documentary of demons, poltergeists, and evil spirits being interviewed about how they’ve been misrepresented and unfairly portrayed by Hollywood.

[@DerekHarrison-d5d]

@@holddownaAmes.Are you going to review CASINO and THE IRISHMAN soon.You loved GOODFELLAS so I’m hoping to see your reviews on those two movies.Linda Blair should have got an Academy Award for playing Regan.51 years old and that film still scares the shit out of people!😈

[@brettsiegel6934]

My parents took me to see this in the theater in ‘73 when I was five. I had nightmares for about a year. I saw Rosemary’s Baby not long after. I ended up with a minor in Theology thanks to my interests in the Supernatural - imagine that. LOL

[@IAMM4C]

What also got a bad rap were Ouija boards. My mom went to see this when it came out and still believes they're dangerous. It didn't help that just days afterwards my dad painted, with luminescent paint, a pair of eyes on the bedroom blinds. The paint was sort of an off white and you could barely see it until you turned off the lights.

[@calemobrien1139]

Masterpiece!!! Absolute masterpiece!!!! A cornerstone in culture even 50 years later!! Had the honor of seeing the famous Exorcist Stairs in DC & it was one of the coolest experiences ever!!

[@bradsullivan2495]

The child actress (Linda Blair) did not recite the more vile/obscene comments. They brought in Academy Award-winning actress Mercedes McCambridge to record them and they were dubbed in. Blair was nominated for Best Supporting Actress (and should have won) but lost to Tatum O'Neal.

[@desrever1138]

Fun fact: Max Von Sydow (Father Merrin) was only 44 years old when this was filmed. The crew did amazing makeup work to age him so well.