Web hosting Custom Email SiteBuilder

THE EXORCIST
RELEASE:- October 30th
CERTIFICATE:- 18
RUNNING TIME:- 121mins
STARRING:-  Ellen Burstyn, Max Von Sydow,
                         Jason Miller and Linda Blair  
 
The Exorcist made movie history when it was released in February 1974, and since the film's banning due to the introduction of the Video Recordings Act in 1984, the film has been somewhat unheard of here in the UK. Twenty-five years on, the film has once again shown public interest and has been granted a theatrical re-release by the BBFC to celebrate the
occasion.  I suppose the question is whether or not The Exorcist will still be able to shock today's audience as it did to those who saw it in the '70s; with many horror films today avoiding characterization (Scream) and giving all the gore in the first reel, will the 90's audience put up with the slow pace that The Exorcist brilliantly employs.
  The Exorcist was originally released in America on boxing day 1973.  Made by one of the biggest movie companies in the world, directed by an Oscar-winning director, it summoned crowds from all over the country to stand in cues for over four hours in blizzards and sell out movie theatres. Two hours later a majority of those spectators would run from the theatre screaming!  This wasn't just a movie, but a news story.  Reports of fainting, people being institutionalized, and at least one miscarriage encouraged evangelist Billy Graham to brand the film evil and state that the mark of the devil was embedded within the film's celluloid. The film is described as the Titanic of its day, although it was aimed at a totally different audience it still broke the box office, raking in $160 Million world-wide. European press reports following the movies world-wide release blamed a series of strange behaviour; suicidal and criminal upon the film.  A belief that there is something inherently dangerous about the The Exorcist is an idea which persists today.
  The film begins with the introduction of the ageing exorcist Father Lankaster Merrin (Max Von Sydow) at the site of an archaeological dig in Northern Iraq, where he uncovers an evil of ancient proportions.  After a swift cross fade to Georgetown, Washington D.C. we are introduced to the central character, actress and single mother Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn).  Her daughter Regan (Linda Blair) seems to be a happy, good natured child until after the use of an ouija board and we become witnesses to a rapid change in behaviour that would shock the most hard hearted of people. She is examined by every medical specialist imaginable with no apparent results to why her behaviour has become so sinister.  While this is taking place a young Jesuit, Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) is coping with his mother's death as well as the disappearance of his own faith in God. During Regan’s illness, the director of Chris's latest movie mysteriously falls from the concrete steps outside the MacNeil house, after being alone with Regan.  On the case is the flamboyant Detective William F. Kinderman (Lee J. Cobb) who
believes that the deceased was killed.
   After a beautifully paced build up the terror begins... Regan spouts obscenities with an inhumane voice, attacks the doctor who tries to help her, masturbates with a crucifix and rotates her head 180-degrees.  As soon as the concept of possession is brought up, Chris contacts Father Karras in hope of arranging an exorcism up (an archaic ritual in which a priest attempts to drive out an invading spirit).
  Several investigations take place, until Father Merrin is summoned by the cardinals of Georgetown University to perform an exorcism. He arrives at the MacNeil house (one of the most famous images in modern cinema, standing illuminated by the omniscient mist from Regan’s bedroom window) as a last resort to save the little girl.  From here on are some of the most shocking images I've ever seen in a movie, The exorcism.
   With powerful and moving performances by Ellen Burstyn and Jason Miller, a flawless script, amazing special effects, the methodical pace and the cinematic realism, make up the ingredients that make this film the greatest ever made. A very entertaining two hours, not for the faint hearted.
SCORE:- ***** (out of five)
Head spinning, pea soup spewing, horror classic. A must see!!!