THE EXORCIST III Is Secretly The Best Of The Franchise & Here's Why

An analysis of the underrated The Exorcist III by William Peter Blatty, looking at the film's path to the screen, how Blatty translated his ideas as both writer and director, what studio interference did to his vision, and why I think this is secretly the best Exorcist movie.
PATREON - / mattdraper
#horror
#theexorcist
Music:
"Tubular Bells" by Mike Oldfield
"Adelaide's Trap" by The Blasting Company
"Collapse" by Michiru Oshima
"Hush" and "Through Glass" by Hello Meteor
"Go Tell Aunt Rhody" by Eveleanah
"Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven
"Dusk" by HOME
"Good in Red" and "Vampires" by The Midnight
Sources:
www.biblegateway.com/quicksea...
www.americamagazine.org/arts-...
www.latimes.com/entertainment...
/ the-haunting-journey-o...
www.washingtonian.com/2015/10...
www.lucysnyder.com/index.php/...
www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/...

[@MattDraper]

Do I need to make a video on The Exorcist 2?

[@Captain_Mercury]

No it's just bad

[@Noname-ut1ye]

This is the real Exorcist 2.

[@horrorfanandy4647]

You could, but the title would probably be: *Exorcist II: The Heretic is openly the worst film in the franchise, and here’s why.* The score to that film is incredible though, there are some genuinely good scenes hidden within that mess of a film and the score is a big part of why those fleeting moments have power. Shame about the rest of the film.

[@briarpatchlogic]

Don't feel obligated

[@Busto]

Only if you can explain why those kids are pushing that giant foam octagon around ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

[@gregbors8364]

I hate it when people say something is “underrated.” That said, Exorcist 3 is way underrated.

[@OlympicLeprechaun]

Brad Dourif's performance here is one for the ages. It is criminally under appreciated. It also made me ponder how great Dourif would have been as the Joker.

[@vapour_focus]

He's really intense.

[@dayceem]

Who could believe he was likably shy Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest!

[@livingbeing1113]

He was also supposed to be the Scarecrow in Burton's third Batman, after the studio said no in 1989 for him as the Joker.

[@michaelhigham3167]

True Dat!

[@brianmccaig]

His performance in an episode of Star Trek Voyager as the murderer is superb too.

[@ChicaneryBear]

The "friendship" between Fr Dyer and Lt Kinderman is honestly my favourite part of the movie. The horror stuff is fine, but I'm mostly there for old dudes talking.

[@gaminganimators7000]

Old dudes talking is always fun

[@williamcrabb8481]

Mother India is calling you father.

[@buddhull]

Yeah, their many instances of friendly bantering, their minor squabbles and Kinderman’s not-so-occasional vocal indignations in reaction to it all are tough not to love.

[@gdhuertas07]

“You wouldn’t want to live forever.” “Yes, I would.” “No you wouldn’t. You’d get bored.” “I have hobbies.”

[@michaeljohns8817]

YES it's funny, very very dry humor !!!! 😀😀😀😀😀

[@TheRealMonkeyrogue]

My favorite Exorcist film. Honestly, the difference in tone and delivery is a masterclass in "how to sequel" while Exorcist II is the reverse.

[@thewyldness]

Brad Dourif should have won an award for his performance in this. My second favorite horror film ever.

[@edithsmith1524]

I totally agree... Dourif rocked!!!!!!

[@el_spicerbeasto]

Hellraiser Exorcist 3 Event Horizon My top 3

[@BeatJunkie-mq1tc]

Totally. Amazing performance. Goes to show how much this movie was unappreciated when it was released.

[@TheChugg11]

It's good to see another top 3 that I'd pick as well!

[@frannckenfrey]

That goes to show how meaningless "rewards ' actually are............. The Best don't need them

[@BoyNamedSue4]

Even if you hate this movie, you have to admit this movie has one of, if not the single greatest jump scare in film history.

[@guilherme5094]

👍Yes!

[@HiDesert004]

Scared the crap out of me 😮

[@timleopardxolo]

Great, isn't it?

[@johncarroll772]

If anyone hates this movie they got no taste in cinema

[@justincrane8825]

@@johncarroll772 and you said I was funny.

[@owensreviews625]

Obviously the original Exorcist is a masterpiece, but I’ve always felt like the 3rd film doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

[@jessemedina5436]

Cuz it was MID

[@horrorfanandy4647]

It’s a masterpiece of its own despite its production issues.

[@donmorton7282]

Always felt this movie was one of the best horror sequels ever and glad to see it get the recognition it deserves.

[@patrickmartin7692]

The last movie I saw in theaters with my Mom. It was a great day and I think of it often when I miss her. I was twelve.

[@guybrushmonkey97]

So glad more people are talking about this movie, it really deserves it. Brad Dourif shouting "No, I'm alive!" staring directly into the camera is forever ingrained in my brain.

[@zuzannamaj2000]

Brad Dourif is so brilliant in this movie

[@B33FY2011]

Brad Dourif is great in whatever he is in.

[@zuzannamaj2000]

@@B33FY2011 yeah, that's true

[@systemmonitor5295]

The Exorcist is a classic movie. But The Exorcist III is much more fascinating in terms of subject matter and its depictions of masculinity & faith. The tension never lets up. Even the studio mandated exorcism is joyous to watch - there's no way Blatty didn't have a little bit of fun making it.

[@chanceotter8121]

This movie has been a favorite of mine since a saw it in a rainy Sunday afternoon on its opening weekend. Blatty’s “Faith Trilogy” as both literature and cinema are unique and original. Has there been another novelist who controlled his film adaptations as Blatty did? These six works (3 books, 3 movies) are the most thought provoking popular entertainments mixing theology, philosophy, and horror. An amazing achievement that one day, I hope, will get the scholarly and academic attention it deserves.

[@pygmyhippomusic]

George C Scott's outbursts were my favorite element. The snakes and fire were a close second.

[@masterseal0418]

The Exorcist III hands down has the best jumpscare out of horror movies in general. Before the startling, we thought the disturbing shit we witnessed was over, and returned to the hospital in relief, but psyche! It got you there with a nurse unaware that her life with come to an end from a knife-wielding demon.

[@Busto]

Damn straight!!! I've loved this movie for years! I've tried to convince folks of its quality ever since my days as a video store jockey. I loved to see Red Letter Media do their Re:View of it. And now Mr. Draper is singing its praises to the masses! Thank you for this one, good sir 👍

[@gigisworkshop]

My family just watched this for movie night on Friday. I saw a Red Letter Media review on it and my interest was piqued. It was so good. George C Scott was amazing and Brad Dourif was perfect.

[@paulaburrows8660]

When I went to see this at the cinema here in the UK I was the only one at that screening. It scared the living crap out of me,

[@paulbrown6464]

I remember seeing this at the cinema and when that scene happened, you know the one, I literally screamed like a girl, I’m not a girl by the way!

[@JaySplash00]

The scariest Exorcist. That Brad Dourif performance is wonderful.

[@briarpatchlogic]

I've always liked this movie...but NO ONE around me ever did. The Ninth Configuration has been one of my favorites for years. The star power alone in these films would make them worth watching, not to mention the unique stories.

[@ohsocinematic8909]

Thank you! This doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Not only for being a classic horror/detective story cut from the same cloth as Seven, but also for bouncing back from one of the worst sequels ever made.

[@Sicundercover]

I love this movie and I have recommended it to every horror fan I've met since its release. George C Scott chews up every scene as if the role was written specifically for him.

[@HeavyMetalSonicRM]

I love Scott's outbursts in this film. He's so authentic! It's a shame that Dourif's role was diminished, though.

[@JBoxy7]

I actually like how they changed it, the original actor for karris is great and you get a good contrast between the two.

[@Tiberius_Productions]

You need to have both Douriff and Miller for the dichotomy of the many personalities to be apparent. It’s all the more frightening when we see the original Karris in the padded cell talking about being a serial killer, and all of the sudden the actual Gemini killer (Brad Douriff) comes out and goes on his epic rants. I like that we never know if only we the audience see the Karris/Gemini transformations or if Kinderman sees them too but is in denial. It makes the “I BELIEVE” speech at the end from Scott have a bit more plot meaning. It just doesn’t make sense to have the guy who is supposed to be possessed Father Karris look exactly like the Gemini (as seen in the case files), yet Kinderman acknowledges him as if he’s seeing/speaking to Karris/Miller and not Gemini/Douriff; when we the audience only see Douriff. It makes the audience wonder if we are supposed to just pretend Douriff is playing Father Karris too, or does the Gemini just so happen to look exactly like Karris, or can we only see the Gemini and Kinderman can’t? The multiple personalities in one body that is supposed to be Karris but isn’t Jason Miller muddies the message. If it were just Miller and they included Dourif’s voice it would’ve made a bit more sense or vice versa, but the original cut simply didn’t clarify this nearly as well as it could have, so the reshoots were in many ways necessary. The reshoots made the right choice to include Jason Miller and Brad Dourif. Exorcist 3 is the only film I can think of where the studio mandated reshoots actually improved the film. With all that said, Brad Dourif was the best part of the movie.

[@alteredbeast7145]

My all time favourite movie. Brad Douriff is criminally under rated, its an extremely rare skill to ham it up ro 10 then dial back down to 1 in a minute. Hes mesmerizing on screen.

[@MC-eh2ot]

This movie is slowly becoming one of my favorites horror films of al time

[@ErinJeanette]

When they're in the confessional and the voice on the other side is so sinister is terrifying

[@dawndebris2]

The Exorcist III, or better yet, Legion, is my favorite horror movie of all time: beautiful yet bleak, elegant yet horrifying, complex without being pedantic, and showcasing the full talent of who is probably the most talented actor I have seen, George C. Scott. For those interested, TV series Millennium explored very similar themes, particularly in season 1's episode ,"Lamentation".

[@benderbendingrodriguez420]

Chucky may be Brad Dourifs most iconic role & will keep his name & legacy alive for generations, Exorcist 3 is by far his best acting. At least imo

[@hemlock40]

This is my favorite of all the Exorcists. The ambience, the haunting mood, the terrifying scenes still creep me out 30 years later. The beginning of the film sets the mood with an empty ordinary church, but with the light and sound it scares. The boys choir music during the closing credits is my favorite horror score of all time. The actors bring subtle humor in the midst of terror. Brad Dourif's demon stuck with me for months after I saw it in the theater. It's a classic.

[@knightridernz72]

I saw The Exorcist 3 at the theatres when it first came out and it was awesomely scary and intense. There's something really special about it.

[@kellyn_theodora]

One of my favorites... the confessional scene is a 10 out of 10, perfectly executed horror movie moment.

[@bennyshambles]

I remember that jump scare while watching it with my mom in the theater; it still unsettles me, but was even more intense that first time as a twelve year old. Such a classic scene. So creepy.

[@brerkris]

I like it more than the first movie. Just an absolutely amazing film. A must watch if you like thrillers.

[@robertpreston2220]

agree!

[@PRHILL9696]

100 percent!

[@lizfinkelstein1323]

The famous "jump scare" that many people know this movie by shouldn't even be put into that category because it diminishes it; unlike the cheap gotcha tactic, that hospital scene is excruciatingly suspenseful and the scare comes not from something jumping out at us but from all the little details of the massive sheers, the exaggerated steps, the costume, the quick cut away, they all work like an assault. And the deep, unsettling creepiness of the image stays throughout the rest of the movie. It should top all the lists of "greatest scare" and leave the jump out of it entirely.

[@DavidPunisher23]

I’m so glad that this movie is getting looked at again nearly 25 years later. This film is probably one of my favorite horror films.

[@gorillacookies3171]

This movie is like 33 years old

[@DavidPunisher23]

@@gorillacookies3171 My bad. I meant to type 35, not 25. Nonetheless, it's one of my favorite horror films.

[@ChicaneryBear]

Those dream sequences slap.

[@Ashley_x_Smith]

The theatrical version is superior and the inclusion of Jason Miller is sheer genius, it ties in with the original perfectly but I question the need for the need of Father Mourning at the end. Blatty rights character and dialogue so well with the exchanges of Kinderman and Dyre matching anything done by Tarranteno I think. Awesome film and one of my favourites, with exception of The Fly.... lol

[@Skoora]

This is a great movie. Fantastic atmosphere and the banter from George C. Scott, often droll or sarcastic, especially between him and Ed Flanders is gold. Very rewatchable movie.

[@MtnRangeLivingRoom]

Glad this movie is getting it’s much deserved praises. Just wished it happened sooner. William Peter Blatty’s two films are incredible. His writing his similar to Vonnegut. It’s wonderful stuff.

[@michaelb.42112]

Exorcist III is a masterpiece that went overlooked because horror always gets overlooked by the pretentious Hollywood. Horror is THE essence of humanity, and emotion. EDIT : Also, it's difficult for me to separate the brilliance of Exorcist 3 from Jeff Dahmer, his favorite movie, and it's either a coincidence, or a seed was planted in his mind to get caught after 17 murders since that was the same body count in his favorite film.

[@GabyGibson]

I know how everyone talks about *the* jumpscare but for me it's when at one moment it's Dourif, then he leans back in the shadows and suddenly it's Jason Miller who leans forward. Makes me jump every time.

[@JoRN1222]

They don't make actors like George C Scott anymore. This is an underrated gem. Brad D deserved an Oscar nomination for this role imo.

[@Badvibesdude]

William Peter Blatty is severely underappreciated as an intellectual and a philosopher. He's kind of like Dostoevsky in some ways, a philosopher communicating through fiction. The Ninth Configuration and Legion are great books. I don't know if he's not taken seriously because of his association with horror films, but he deserves to be revisited.

[@ronaldlawhorne209]

I've read Legion,but not The Exorcist. And from just having read the one book,I was left with the impression that William Peter Blatty must be a very spiritual individual.

[@melodytannerclark]

One of my favorite movies based on one of my favorite books. The Exorcist, Ninth Configuration, and Legion ARE the three books in the series.

[@garyhall7867]

Definitely my favorite of the series. Plus, it has the best earned jumpscare in cinematic history

[@bassage13]

You have HORRIBLE taste in movies.

[@JamiesCaniacManiac]

I love this movie, Original is classic. I remember renting this as a kid thinking it was another generic horror sequel. I was mesmerized by the crazy edits and sounds, super interesting dialog and creepyness that lingers throughout. The dialog now that I’ve watched it multiple times is still great. Glad there is appreciation for this one out there!

[@TravelsTTG]

This is such an amazing surprise! I never would have guessed this is the new essay you were doing! Thank you!

[@discomfortfilms]

I overall prefer the theatrical cut, mostly because of the pacing, Dourif's takes and the "I believe in slime" monologue, but I like the added dialog between Kinderman and Dyer in the director's cut and the extra details about what happened between the films.

[@aznsketcher]

First time I saw this movie was in college when it came out on rental. That hospital scene and the guy who said he was the gemini killer, his scene, those two scenes are ingrained in my memory. Such a good highly underrated movie.

[@MrOuest]

The Exorcist 3 is now on my to watch list.

[@DantheManIamIam]

Maybe my favorite movie. This one just hits perfect in all ways. It's a real writers movie, almost entirely dialogue based yet always compelling in its presentation. And god what dialogue. Sometimes I recite the carp monologue to people out of context just to see how they respond. And yeah I agree that the studio-imposed additions were ultimately for the best. Even if you disagree with the effects at the end Kinderman's arc feels much less satisfyingly complete without the "I believe" speech. I get what the original ending was going for but as is I don't think it quite lands. Also I respectfully disagree with Mr. Douriff about his performance, the intensity of the theatrical performance is much more memorable than the more low-key directors cut.

[@boris1387]

Gerry Fisher is possibly the greatest cinematographer in modern cinema. I did my thesis on E3 at university... And graduated with top marks.

[@RazeChaos]

I've always felt Exorcist 3 was an un appreciated gem!

[@kolomgorov]

I've loved this movie for years, and I'm happy to see it getting the recognition it deserves.

[@26michaeluk]

Ok the title got me, let's see what you got. I love part 3:_ Brad Douriff was a beast and scared the hell outta me when I was 12.

[@yurigagarin5805]

Ain’t no secret to me. This movie blew me away. Only watched it after seeing George C. Scott is the lead. The cinematography, writing, acting, music, etc. it was all incredible. I was unsettled by the woman crawling on the ceiling. I let out an audible cheer when the badass priest showed up in the finale. The set up for the priest like an hour earlier was so good; I forgot about it until that door slid open. Incredible film.

[@bbrbbr-on2gd]

Love when you cover horror. Just say this a few weeks ago and love the unique Direction and writing. Feels so fresh compared to todays work.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Matt. Much ❤️ as always

[@jamesabernethy7896]

Great review, inciteful and very friendly presentation. I've never been a fan of watching horror movies but find something fascinating about them, I have watched a lot more material about horror movies than actual horror movies themselves.

[@PvtJoker22]

Matt, your channel is fantastic and feels like it appeals directly to my dual interests of comics and horror film. Keep on keeping on with the great content As far as the video goes, It's compelling and drove Exorcist III up my watch list for sure. Out of curiosity, do you think you'll cover the other parts of the franchise? I'm thinking specifically Dominion/Exorcist the Beginning. I think there's a lot to chew on with those "two" movies.

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! I'd like to do more Exorcist videos. With the David Gordon Green movie coming out later this year, it might be a perfect time for one or two more.

[@PvtJoker22]

@@MattDraper the timing would be fantastic - DGG's Halloween sequels are a mess, so I'm curious how this'll go good or bad. But at least we can be assured it might be fascinating. I loved how Evil dies tonight! but not really because there's a third movie Just all the choices...it's a beautiful mess

[@danielperry6692]

Outstanding video and breakdown of this film! This is my favorite Exorcist film. I fell in love with it when it debuted in theaters. One of the creepiest films ever put on screen. Like many here I adore the dialogue in this film and the relationship between Dyer and Kinderman. Excellently written, directed and acted.

[@davidingram925]

R.I.P. William Peter Blatty and William Friedkin

[@sheldonwheaton881]

Dourif should have at least gotten an Oscar nomination.

[@thomasswafford250]

I saw this with a friend before I had heard of who showed up in it. Great movie. My friend, who I saw it with passed away. I always connect him with it.

[@ankanghosh5272]

When I first time saw this film , it was unbelievable for me that it was directed by a Writer himself. What a film it was . Pure horror mix with thriller . I wish Peter blatty directed The Exorcist also. It would be great to see his version

[@jongo98390]

I am happy to find someone who loves this movie as much as I do! I agree - the Kinderman/Dyer conversations are the cherry on this philosophical/crime story/drama/horror sundae. Great piece - Thanks for putting it together!

[@Sethmotley]

The Exorcist three should have been the sequel to the Exorcist, but the original Exorcist is a better movie in my opinion

[@MrBrothasky]

The Exorcist III is the ONLY Exorcist sequel that I've genuinely enjoyed. It makes me happy to finally see this movie has gained some appreciation and honest analysis. It's a genuinely great sequel.

[@Malop13able]

Top ten jump scare of all time!

[@lurchl1]

I’ll say it: It’s #1

[@Thormaturgy]

I love that you used “Good in Red” as background music.

[@Xehanort10]

9:32 I think it's supposed to be Pazuzu who put the Gemini Killer's soul in Karras's body to get back at Karras for exorcising him from Regan by forcing him to watch as the Gemini uses his body to kill.

[@thxlopez]

Thank you so much this is a underrated classic with my guilt fav Halloween 3

[@IHaveNoLife-nc8wj]

I never understood how Kinderman was good friends with Karras; they only talked once and Karras fell down the stairs not long after.

[@lfroncek]

I'm already dreading seeing the greatest jump scare in movie history...

[@bassage13]

Overrated nonsense. It's no big deal.

[@davidholman48]

The only problem I and some others have had with this film is its unfortunate deviation from the novel LEGION. Kinderman's irresistible charm is gone and the horrifying ending that shocked us to the core is presented too early in the film.

[@matthewpietruszka1788]

Thanks for video. I am recommending this movie to people all the time and now can point them here as well.

[@gaminganimators7000]

Thank you! I've always preferred this one over the others

[@wilburke5793]

I have only watched the first exorcists, but this was a great video! Definitely going to check out three maybe even both cuts if I’m feeling it lol keep pumping out bangers Matt!

[@BlackArroToons]

Nice summary, thanks. Ex3 is definitely a movie that gets better with each viewing for me, having seen it in theaters as a kid.

[@SheetsM_Str]

I feel this is actually one of those movies that could’ve been done better today. One well worth a remake, few actually exist but lord they would use effects to make this a more effective movie. The story is fantastic and the dialogue would be difficult to maintain without just mimicking it. But the voice change and the body changes, and especially the subtleties they couldn’t convey would come across so much better today.

[@stevencampbell7473]

Wow! Great job Matt.

[@colinmclean2409]

Loved it. Fantastic cast. Great Detective/ Horror genre

[@jonathanmulondo9206]

The Exorcist 3 has some of the best subtle jump scares in horror 🎥 history. It also does a great job of balancing the psychological and religious horror elements.

[@unhallowed45]

It definitely influenced classic thrillers like Silence of the Lambs and Se7en

[@happyclam1266]

Blatty was a real artist and a unique genius.

[@jwnj9716]

Underrated. It's eerie and filled with bizarre moments like Joker's statue or the dream sequence. I can't believe the last Black Christmas remake ripped off the famous jump scare and did it poorly....gosh that movie was awful.

[@horrorfanandy4647]

I’m all for homages (even if blatantly stolen) but their version was so poorly executed that I just can’t even begin to describe how much I groaned in disbelief watching it. I was already suffering beforehand, but seeing them sink that low made me sad. Long live Bob Clark’s original masterpiece Black Christmas!

[@petegorman9547]

I lone this movie & I lone this channel. Thank you for making this video and helping this movie get the praise it deserves

[@bongscott3738]

This movie is awesome. "WERE FINE!!" Is often quoted around my house... George c Scott was so damn good.

[@mattgilbert7347]

You're in good company. Mark Kermode has been a champion of this film for years.

[@TheChugg11]

The nurse at 10.17 really reminds me of the evil nurse from 'One flew over the cuckoo's nest'. I kept expecting her to do something demonic...

[@RichyBmusical]

is that Samuel L. Jackson with the cane at the 17:26 Mark? This guy really is in everything lol. I have to check this movie out, Thanks Matt!

[@strangetalk.thecornercosmic]

Somebody went to Sunday school 😏 But seriously, I love when you cover media with catholic themes (Daredevil, The Exorcist). You strike me as a Scorsese fan - I'd love to see you take a deep dive through his filmography (Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, After Midnight, The Departed). Cheers!

[@carcass81]

Yes! My favorite from this franchise... Scott, Douriff, the scenery..the vibe, the story... The Evil...well the list goes on and on....

[@kthx1138]

The dialogue between Kinderman and Dyer has surprising humor!

[@gator7082]

One of my favorite movies of all time regardless of genre.

[@mattdeml7560]

As for cameos, don't forget Samuel L. Jackson in heaven with a dubbed over voice! Great video about a great movie!

[@greg_reacts]

Great video! Thanks

[@thunderwarriorprods]

Another terrific video!