Always liked how the film plays with contrasts. Mostly silent with sharp shocking loud moments. The "heroes" wear black, the "demon" wears white. Old meets young. Good meets bad. Iraq (old/religious) meets Washington (new/atheist). Science/medicine meets rites and rituals. I think "tug of war" was a pretty great description indeed.
I was scared shitless watching this on vhs during 80s, I can only imagine what people in the movie theater thought of it watching it in 1973, right after Christmas, a wtf release date to say the least.
@Lalalola i saw it when it came out. They were handing out airline barf bags in the theaters. Some were scared, some weren't but everybody was grossed out by the pea soup barf. That was a new thing in movies, (barf cannon under the make-up).
My Dad said he saw it in theaters when he was 12 with my uncle. Said he stayed up many nights afterwards with the lamp on and a crusifix in his hand. I got to see it a few years back in theaters because the Castro in San Francisco had a special showing. O man! That shit lingers.....
My grandma actually told me yesterday that she saw the movie in theaters on a date with my grandpa. And then once she got back home she was so scared shietless that she ran to her brother’s (my uncle’s) room and refused to leave lol.
I know you said there are too many doctor scenes. As a child I had health issues and was often in hospitals. Watching Reagan get terrorized by hospital tests, loud equipment, x-rays, discussions about you like you’re not in the room, the trial runs with different medications. The small invasions into your personhood... those scenes resonated with me the most.
Same. I've had 30 surgeries since birth, and especially prior to the mid 90s where your parents just waited for you in the waiting room because that's what doctors used to prefer so parents didn't freak out over what they were doing to you. My dad used to have to argue his way back there to be with me, so also seeing Reagan alone during all the medical stuff while her mom just sat in the waiting room is super familiar to me.
Probably my favourite shot of all time in any film, is the shot of Merrin outside of the house when he first arrives... such a beautifully crafted shot.
This is easily a 10/10 for me . The characters were compelling and story is good . But what really got me is Jason millers and Ellen’s acting is phenomenal that I’m surprise that they didn’t win the Oscar . then the movies message About faith in God is excellent especially me as a Christian. R.I.P Jason Miller, Max von Sydow & William Peter Blatty
It's a shot that manages to embody the eerie, haunting mood of the film, while also foreshadowing the ominous conflict to come. The sight of that image on the VHS cover was enough to scare me way back when. Finally got around to watching it all the way through when I was twenty; The Exorcist is not only one of the best horror films ever, it is one of the best FILMS ever made. A timeless story of good vs evil.
Definitely one of the most beautiful shots I've seen in a movie as well and definitely the most beautiful shot in the exorcist.. It's for a reason they used the shot for the video/dvd/blurays. The atmosphere oozes from that shot
I love the comment about Reagan just sitting in the corner like a goon after she kills the main priest. That scene has always stuck with me. It's that apathy to something horrific, that mouth breather expression she has. Just great direction.
The essential difference in the 70s: NO FOCUS GROUPS! 70s movies were "auteur" films helmed by directors who didn't need testing by viewing groups before final editing. This all ended with the debacle of "Apocalypse Now."
@@Kier4n99 My point was that an important consequence of "Apocalypse Now" was absolute producer oversight and the end of blanket director discretion -- the filmmaking process, no longer a singular vision of a director and completed on his('70s pronoun!) schedule, became part of a production pipeline with dailies/rushes that producers critiqued -- sometimes even screening key characters or scenes with focus groups before moving on with reshoots and writing changes. In short, the director can no longer be trusted with the final product, esp after Coppola's excessive cost overruns and endless months of shooting.
It's not odd you mention this. We studied horror genre films in school. People have said the same. It's amazing how a story about a boy in New York became this horrifying and described as the best directed and acted film in ones lifetime.
It almost has the same effect as the term "Doppler Radar" for me. Also hearing the name in old trailers and radio spots on the special features for the dvd must have added to the dread for me.
The make up was so good in this that I genuinely thought Father Merrin was an old man. He looked in his late sixties, at least. But he was only 44 at the time. Amazing.
If you see interviews with John Carpenter and Wes Craven they talk about how Psycho changed everything. No longer was it about some monster "out there". The monster was right here in your family or neighborhood. Horror became documentary. The monster was inside of us. As a culture, especially with the civil rights movement, we were getting uglier and scarier. Night of the Living Dead,Rosemary's Baby, The Last House on the Left, The Exorcist, Texas Chainsaw, Jaws, Carrie... all tapped into this. Nowhere was safe because man was his own worst fear. The main character in The Exorcist was not Regan but Karras. Regan was a catalyst. The movie was about the consequences of the growing cynicism in society.
In fairness to earlier horror some of them had some subtler ideas. Frankeinstein's monster is a tragic character, so is the Wolf Man. Yes Dracula is the evil/other monster. Then there's the island of Dr Moreau, the invisible man and the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Films like the day the earth stood still where the Aliens haven't come down to eat everybody but to try and help mankind Nd it's the humans who are hostile and close minded . Films like Jaws, the 80s slasher films, showed you could still do an unsympathetic monster type film and people would lap it up. The Thing is an interesting one, on the one hand it's a straightforward monster film but it also explores human behaviour, selfishness, paronia, etc. But yes horror began to transition away from gothic castles and dungeons and Egyption Tombs and move into a more domestic suburban environment. Speilberg liked doing that in a lot of his films in the 70s/80s, Duel, Close Encounters, E.T., Jaws. Films where extraordinary things happen to everyday US suburban people.
There are two main characters, Karras and Chris MacNeil. In the Novel, the emphasis shifts between their two narratives, with the only deviation being the prologue.
I saw this movie for the first time 20 years ago . I was 9 years old and vividly remember seeing it for the first time . I have never once seen a movie since that genuinely scared me. To this day , I also won’t watch this movie if I’m alone .
Right on! I actually do not even view The Exorcist as a horror movie. It's more than that. It has horror elements sure. It's terrifying at times. But to me, this is a drama. A very dark but yet optimistic drama. The basis for this movie is good and evil. If one does exist then the other would also have to excist. The girl is possesed by the evil and the priests represent the good. Man, this movie is just a damn bomb. It's so good. And a bit of personal to me as I am from Sweden and love Max Von Sydow so much. May he rest in peace
I'm from South Africa and in 2015 my mom took us on a family trip to the U.S. East Coast. During our stay in D.C. she (being the parent of a film fan) surprised me by taking us to those infamous stairs in Georgetown. Pretty special.
Exorcist III is really underrated. Still some of the creepiest scenes I've ever seen to this day. The hospital scene is amazing, it builds the tension so well and the reveal is so creepy along with the music. Brad Dourif is definitely the standout.
Agreed. the book (Legion) is one of the best written novels Iv ever read and EIII is the intended to be the sequel not the rubbish which was E2-the heritic. there are a couple of great clips arguing that it is one of the finest films ever made from both a story and a film craft POV
@@robertpreston2220 part 2 was a money grab( which didn't work ). It was stupid. Your right part 3 was great. Brad Douriff was absolutely horrifying and intense as an actor could have played that role.
The psychological aspect to this really holds up the movie. It would come across as dated very easily if the focus was solely on the shock factor. But the character development and emotion makes it a fascinating watch. Always wanted to analyse this movie from start to finish. It's a quality watch.
And let’s also not forget that not only did Linda Blair not have an acting reference point to work from, she also spent hours and hours in that air conditioned bedroom (-25 degrees) wearing nothing but a thin night shirt. How her teeth didn’t chatter in every scene is an acting marvel in itself.
The fact that she is a famous actress does add to it for me, because she wouldn’t have been able to get as much medical assistance for her daughter had she not been famous/rich. It also makes an impact, because what was happening to her daughter totally eclipses her career, causing her to have to basically shut down and focus solely on Regan. For that to happen shows the level of impact. The fact that she’s not just a housewife or something other than famous just makes for a more interesting character. EDIT: I love how he mentions that the disparity in wealth or economic status also underscores the fact that nobody is immune from this level of devastation. “99 doctors and all you can tell me with all of your bullshit...” that shows clearly that money couldn’t buy her out of this.
@@branagain I went to undergrad at Georgetown, and was there when they re-released the cut with the spider walk, which was AWESOME. the McNeil house doesn't look the same in real life because the filmmakers created an addition to the side so Reagen's bedroom window could overlook the steps.
I always thought the film was moving in how it was about a single mom trying desperately to find out what is wrong with her daughter. She tried the medical field, the psych field, and finally resorted to the "religious" field, despite her beliefs. It didn't matter how she believed. All she wanted was for her daughter to get better. It makes you wonder what it would take.
The first time I watched this movie was with my dad, I was probably 17 or 16. Movies like this one were definitely forbidden and if I wanted to watch something like that it had to be while my parents weren't looking. But that night, it was on TV, I stopped by my dad's bedroom and sat down to see what he was watching... and he didnt change the channel. I was watching each minute feeling stressed and so much dread and fear from the movie while also stressed to show my emotions to my dad, dreading he would change the channel. And as it finished we talked about it, and because my dad's so cool, he didn't try to soften any message or detail, we talked about fear, the nature of fear, film direction and music, the religious details and because we were Catholics we discussed demons and faith and how that affects us emotionally watching our 'faiths' tested by a movie or difficult situations... I remember that moment, and I cherish it so dearly. It was such an experience to enjoy a movie like this one and also talk about such things because of it... it became my favorite scary movie EVER. I also give it a million out of 10.
The Exorcist should have won Best Supporting Actress, Best Leading Actress, Best Director And Best Picture. The Sting is a great con film, but The Exorcist brought new light to the horror genre.
Yes. It absolutely changed the horror genre. First film (that I know of) that took the horror elements seriously, rather than playing for laughs, or with a campy wink to the audience. TBH I wouldn't even call this call this a horror film but rather a drama with supernatural/horror elements. The Exorcist was a better made film than the more palatable Sting.
lschroter2020 Chris has said in a Q&A that he hated watching A Clockwork Orange and never wants to watch it again (his opinion may of changed from then but still. And presumably this is because he didn’t like the content not necessarily cos he thought it was poorly made)
Neil Armstrong if you saying Chris is lying as a way to cope with that he doesnt like a clockwork orange then fair enough but if you’re saying I’m lying then..how am I lying? I left a link and a time in the video to where Chris says that he didn’t enjoy a clockwork orange so I don’t see where I’m lying
wonderful. I actually saw this IN GEORGETOWN when it opened. slept with my door open and hall light on for many many years. was attending catholic high school at the time.
22:48 this scene where Ellen Burstyn reveals that it’s her daughter who’s possessed is possibly the best scene that doesn’t revolve around the possession scenes that puts the viewer in the mother’s shoes and the dilemma of seeking out an exorcist after having had every doctor give her hopeless diagnosis and another that she sees no other choice. I absolutely love The Exorcist and I agree there’s no way it can be duplicated
Great review guys! I agree on all levels. I'm an old guy. I saw the Exorcist in the theater in New York City when it opened. It was only playing in select theaters in the beginning. There were lines around the block for the "next" showing. It was a big deal. But I just went with friends and had no idea what the movie was about except that it was a horror film. That was good enough for me. I was 20 years old at the time. Not a little kid. BUT, this movie scared the bejeezus out of me and all the people in the theater. People were screaming, walking out, crazy. Up until that point I never saw a horror film that truly horrified me. This one did. Every time the camera headed toward that bedroom door, I was gripping the arm rests. It was like a ride in an amusement park, except from Hell itself. When I finally got home to New Jersey later that night, I slept with all the lights on. First time a movie has affected me like that, and not one since then. Brilliant horror. Thanks for your review. You guys hit every note right. Loved it. All the best to you...Paul
I love how this film is so scary, even though very little happens until the second half, and very few (if any) jump-scares. Such a great film! Also, the special effects are phenomenal!
There are jump scares. One of the most famous in cinematic history is the candle in the attic. They do tend to be somewhat subdued compared to what is made obvious for today's less obtuse viewers. Movie audiences of the past and audiences today are not the same.
He said he doesn't like the doctor scenes that much. The Dark Knight Rises a A+, his only problem was the minor plotholes, but he didn't mind them in the end.
I'm so glad that there are people out there who appreciate this masterpiece as much as I do. It's like wine, the more I watch it the more I find out aspects that I didn't notice before. There was a scene of dialogue, where the detective says, that someone there out the director out of the window from Regan's room, there was no particular scene that shows it, but you know who did it, and its just pure horror. I love how it left things for imagination. I can't stop typing! God help me xD
Apparently he had a lot of trouble getting roles afterwards cuz people thought he was in his 70s. And I swear now that he is, he looks exactly like he did in the film!
Same it was not until recently that I stopped to think HOW OLD is MAX VON SYDOW?? and then going back to 1973 it BLEW MY MIND!!! I am still in awe how well they aged him and he looks that old the last decade? INSANE.
After rewatching this film as an adult, I gained a hope in humanity I'd been missing for some years. A simple story, black and white, but also exploring the grey we all experience on a daily basis. If there is no hope for good to prevail, then there will only be despair. Possibly the best movie of all time.
The scene where Damien was checking Reagan's heartbeat got me teary eyed. The devil is tormenting Damien by pleading with his mom's voice, he desperately exclaims he not his mom, and the lead priest tells him to get out. Damien leaves the room with this near religious portrait expression of weakness. You wanted Damien to fight through this and you rooted for him.
The movie won the Oscar for Best Sound, and that’s an area of film-making that’s rarely discussed. The sound of this film adds so much to the pervading atmosphere of dread. The bestial howl when the priest first enters the house (in the scene that was used as the famous image of the lone figure in the fog) is spinechilling. But it’s the quiet interludes that add to it, too, but without the cliche jumpscare music stab at the end.
I watched the exorcist the 1st time it came on tv in the late 70's I think. It traumatized me and haunted me for decades. I've seen it dozens of times and consider it to be one of the most messed up psychological attacks on the human mind through a movie ever made. It still makes me pause when I think about it. Great review guys.
I was raised in Southern WVa. The movie was released when I was attending Welch High School and the local theaters wouldn't show the film but I was fortunate to be on The Chess Team and the tournament was being held in Charleston, WVa and guess what was playing there that weekend at 8pm?? I won my match due to my opponent forfeiting so he could see The Exorcist. I saw it at this huge theater with all my teammates. I'm so glad my first experience with this movie was in a crowded theater with a humongous screen. This movie freaked me out so much that on the way back, to The Holiday Inn, a car backfired and I jumped like crazy. Back at the hotel I had a hard time sleeping but when we arrived back home were the talk of the school. Not because of the Chess Match, which we placed 3th, but the fact we saw this "forbidden horror movie". This is one of those.."yeah you had to be there in the beginning"..when it was released. I even owned the 45 record version of Tubular Bells(the Theme Music) which was also a musical hit. It got robbed at the Oscars but this movie is one of my top 20 and Im 64yrs old. I was 17yrs old at it's release. The Exorcist is one of the reasons why the 70's is called by many "The 2nd Golden Age of Cinema."
Watched it in 1973 at a drive in while home on leave from the army. Saw it with some friends and we were having some beers, and some smoke. I remember not being able to take my eyes off the screen. I don't think I said a word during the whole movie. Still love it to this day!
The Doctor scenes were in themselves true horror. What could have been added to those scenes was the inclusion of the Dr's realization and horror that they are truly observing something beyond their explanation and comprehension.
I don't think they seriously do realize it; they keep wanting to run more tests! The Dr. who suggested exorcism to Chris did so to calm her after her outburst in the conference room and assuage her anxiety and powerlessness, buying him some time before suggesting yet more tests.
The doctor's were not horrified, as unexplained medical conditions occur all the time. In fact, the reason they were not in horror was that they viewed Reagan's syndrome as psychiatric when they could not find a physical reason. It was later on in the novel that psychiatrists told Chris about exorcism, of which she was adamantly against, being that she's an atheist.
@@cjmiller6741 Doctors/scientist do not believe in the supernatural. Observation which has no scientific explanation and leaves none but a supernatural would leave them shaken to their core. Seeing those least likely to be shaken truly afraid would have transferred that terror to the audience very well. Imo
Many doctors do believe in God and are members of a church community. It just so happens that at the time Reagan was referred, just about all occurances, including the deepening of the voice, observed by the medical team could be explained as a psychological illness. Of course, I read the book before I saw the movie, so I had an understanding. Most of the unexplainable phenomena had taken place when doctor's were not observing Reagan. The demon was giving false evidence to cast just enough doubt about the reality of possession to keep Karras interested but stretch out his exposure, to tire him out and weaken him, to make him frustrated, violent and susceptible to possession. The demon explains this very tactic to Karras in the novel. The scenes in which Karras is investigating Reagan directly set a template in cinema that can be recognized in other movies, such as Silence of the Lambs, wherein Agent Starling in interviewing Dr. Lector and he is using the truth to entrap her. (Those of us who read the follow-up, "Hannibal," know that the ending of that book is nothing like the movie version.)
Blatty, having written the screenplay as well as the book, and Friedken were obviously committed to keep the film tightly faithful to the text, which made them a good team. The film does a beautiful job of capturing an immersion and atmosphere intended by the author that text was limited in its ability to convey, expressed more profoundly and completely in the language of film. More succinctly, as I think the best screenplays do, the film is the book writ in stereo. As with the book, the film does a great job of showing Karras’ now secular outlook and loss of faith and his reluctance to acknowledge the supernatural situation he's thrust into- even near the end when he attempts to give Merrin a clinical assessment of Regan's personalities. I don't think any of the other 'A' listers, even Pacino, could have embodied the role of Karras as well as Jason Miller- he sold the character. The choice of Lee J. Cobb as Lt. Kinderman was also a perfect embodiment of the character as portrayed in the book, and the banter between he and Karras was spot on. One of the all time great works of horror, period.
I would recommend Sorcerer to anyone who hasn’t seen it, it was Friedkin’s follow up to the Exorcist that is still very underseen. It is somehow even more tense than the Exorcist
That's Metallica, taken from their Holy Diver album, it's the lead singer Ozzy on the cover before he left to form Pantera, learn your metals guys, geesh.
When I was 8 or 9, we went to DC and my dad took me and my brother to the staircase Carrigan throws himself down at the climax of the film. It was the first time I really appreciated realism in the filmmaking process. It's something I'll never forget.
This film SCARRED me as a child. I watched it when I was around 8yrs old (thanks dad..) and I'm actually nervous watching this video, even though I'm and adult
I am an avid movie and movie memorabilia collector. 1300 PLUS DVDs all IN ORDER AND DISPLAYED. My mother has me remove the Excorcist and hide it when she visits. She watched it in theaters in the 70's. And is convinced it should not have been made.
@ 2:23 The reason Chris MacNeil was a famous movie actress in the book and, of course, film was because she was based off of real-life famous actress Shirley MacLaine, who was a neighbor/friend of William Peter Blatty's prior to his writing the book (notice the similar last names of MacNeil and MacLaine). The two would have discussions about the afterlife and religion and they had conflicting opinions on the subjects; Blatty believed in God, Heaven, etc and MacLaine did not. He would get annoyed with her and when he finally set about writing his novel he got out his frustration by making her (by another name) the victim of the demonic attack in his story. There are character traits, speech patterns and language of Chris's that were taken directly from Shirley.
It's also worth mentioning that Shirley's daughter, Sachi, was the inspiration for Regan (just her appearance and personality, not the whole demonic possession thing lol). Blatty was so literal in translating Shirley's life to his story that he even included her 2 housekeepers, who were husband and wife (the only difference was that in real-life they were French whereas they're Swiss in Blatty's fiction).
@@blerksnarfgut7332 Oh My Goodness!! That is quite fascinating. I had no idea that the Chris McNeil character was based on Shirley McClain, but it sounds about right.👍
I'm 27 years old right now. I saw this film 1 year ago. This film left me thinking about things I've never would of ever thought about before. That first shot of Iraq had me wondering if I was watching the correct movie. I didn't realize I was looking at the devil when they showed off the pazuzu statue. This movie is amazing.
Imagine this film being made in this decade-The exact same film. It would be thought of as a very good film but it's very far from perfect. This film's cultural influence makes it look better than it actually is.
The death of Karras always makes me cry. Something about the fact that he is so close to death that the only way he can communicate with his friend during last rights is to squeeze his hand. As if he already has one foot in the other world and the last ember of his existence in this world is going dark. It reminds me of the death of Ironman in End Game which is equally moving.
Watch the "Exorcist 3: Legion". It's almost as good as the 1st film and I consider it the true sequel to the first film. It completes Father Karras's story along with the detective. Honestly, I'd advise anyone to just see Exorcist 1 and 3 and ignore the rest.
It’s sad because you see Karras’ honesty and struggle with faith throughout the movie. He’s always striving, even seen in his aggressive physical activity. At the end, his self-sacrifice, “Take me!” is his biggest act of faith and courage to save Regan. Also a big angry eff you to the demon for his earlier taunts re: Karras’ mother.
I was 9 years old when I saw this movie, and it scared me to death. I'm 48 now, and I still consider it the scariest movie ever. Sure, there are a lot of other horror movies out there, but I have yet to see one as terrifying as The Exorcist.
Monk Man The 2003 does everything the opposite of the 1974 masterpiece, the original is the most realistic slasher ever made and the remake is just Hollywood over the top bullshit.
The Exorcist is probably my favourite horror film along with The Sixth Sense and Hereditary. They arent necessarily the best but they are some of the best and i love the atmosphere they each bring
Nicolaj Vangsgaard If you haven’t seen this movie yet, check out The Changeling with George C.Scott. Has very scary atmosphere and the film soundtrack will give you goosebumps.
I don't think a movie like The Conjuring wouldn't exist if it wasn't for The Exorcist. Sure since it existed, absolutely it influenced the other movies.. But due to the amount of time gap between them, eventually a movie could've taken place of the Exorcist (if it was never released). Another thing, I understand that there are many terrible practices on Horror movies today (specially jump scare fest), but sometimes I think it is unfair to simple crap on them for doing some "cliches". As the time passes, for any movie genre, you won't be able to escape certain cliches... You might do differently, but you will eventually end up committing one . But yeah. the majority of horror movies today are simple cash grabs where the writers and directors don't take it "seriously" and simply apply a existing formula to spare time and cost and try to enjoy whatever the profit may be.
I don't understand why everyone is going on about the Conjuring. it's a piece of tripe (well, it's ok...). It shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath/sentence as the Exorcist.
There's no movie as scary as The Exorcist, because of this movie I can never fear any movie anymore. I can watch this movie with ease now because I am 27, however I will never forget the impact this movie had in my childhood. The nightmares and the thought of a demon coming after me in my sleep lol. Truly a masterpiece.
Really glad I stumbled across this, great stuff. I really can't get enough of good essays/analysis of The Exorcist. It's one of those movies that continues to reveal more of itself depending on the age you watch it. The difference between The Exorcist in your 30's is a completely different film from Exorcist in your 20's. I'd love to recommend an analysis/review of Exorcist III for one of your Halloween Specials. Such an underrated gem!
Critical-RAGE funny how my entire 40 years on the planet it’s always been “cool” to “not be scared” or think The Exorcist is funny. No other horror movie gets that treatment as much. Wonder why. Myself at 12 was afraid, after the movie wondering if that could happen to me. Now as a father the thought of that happening to my child is so disturbing I can’t really explain it. Some are more afraid of slasher flicks, visceral jumps. The Exorcist doesn’t try to accomplish that. It’s aim wasn’t to be a horror film in the typical sense, because of that no other horror film comes close in quality. Maybe The Shining but it’s so outside of normality in setting. Everyone gets to babysit a hotel right? Lots of people are single parents of troubled young teens.
See the first time I saw this film I found it exceptionally overrated and boring, a couple years back me and a buddy went to a horror marathon all nighter at a small theater in London, exorcist had been the one movie we planned to skip but my pal fell asleep and I didn't want to bother the people in my aisle by pushing past them in the incredibly cramped seating so I stayed in my seat and ended up having the complete opposite reaction to the film, the second time I could see why its such a revered classic. Sometimes seeing it on the big screen with a good audience makes all the difference
Mister Bolticus Imagine back in the 70's when people wasnt ready for it. At least our generation has been prepared by the adults. "You better be ready if u watch that movie son".
I'm guessing your first viewing was overshadowed by expectations. That happens to people a lot. You hear how great something is and go in with impossible expectations. There are a couple of movies where I was underwhelmed the first time, but came to absolutely love it the second time.
@Roy Wilson you're right I didn't see alien, the shining, Halloween, the exorcist & Texas chainsaw massacre at Prince Charles cinema in London for Halloween a couple years back, I made the story up for some CZcams comment section clout
Chris is an independent-minded single mom, and back in 1973? She would've needed to be a popular actress. The only other way I can think of that she would have the money and clout to get access to the best doctors would be to be an heiress. Second-wave feminism hadn't quite gotten off the ground in 1971, when they started making the movie, so being a CEO, or top doctor, or top lawyer, would've been unrealistic at the time. In fact, it would've been ground-breaking, and would've taken people out of the story. One other point: I always find it interesting how The Exorcist played a part in the zeitgeist of fear that led to the satanic ritual abuse panic of the '80's. It was more than that - Manson, Bundy, The Zodiac and Alphabet Killers, Jonestown, Jerry Falwell, Jack Chick, and the changing social dynamics. But movies like Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist and The Omen scared the shit out of people, and started a wave of completely fictional books (but passed off as true stories) about satanic child abuse. The 70's were rife with stories about satanism. In other words, this movie was *so* good that it got into the public psyche, and people eventually acted out from that.
I remember watching this movie when I was very young, so I didn't remember much of it, other than the popular scenes. Then it was re-released in theaters around 1998, and it was amazing to see it on the big screen. I got to see it the way it was intended and I'll always remember that. You guys should do Rosemary's Baby one of these days.
Just saw it in theaters tonight on halloween. I had only remembered certain parts so the majority of the movie was new to me and it was so good. Absolute classic one of the best horror movies of all time.
It is. Manhunter is also good as well. I have the book which I felt both films did a great job of making it to a movie however In also believe both films left out some important details as well
ᑭᖇIᔕOᑎ ᗰIKE, never scared of anything in the movie, you lying. It does not matter how “manly” you are, you had to be creeped out at some point. For me it doesn’t scare me, it just bums me out.
I remember someone lending me a copy of this film when I was about 16 years old, it sat in a drawer for over a year before I struck up the courage to watch it, it terrified me......it still terrify’s me today, a legendary horror classic so worthy of the A rating Chris has given it! 😁👍😁
RIGHT they’re always on tv e same page and if not, they’re always like WOW i never thought of it like that before, this is how i see it- and then it’s just 🥰
In a sense, filmmakers in the 70s were given permission to make these kinds of films due to the breakdown of the harsh censorship of the Hays Code in the late 60s. 70s cinema is some of the very best!
20:15 I think the fact that she's an actress also adds another level of realism. Because, there's such a thing as actors and movies within the story, it actually helps you forget that you're watching a movie, while you're watching it. It's like a dream within a dream sort of situation, you first have to wake up from one dream before you can wake up from the other... It's genius. Absolutely brilliant movie.
1973 when this film released in theaters only. I was too scared to go watch it. I only viewed it many years later. Having seen it many times since, one becomes kind of immune to the horror. It’s still a classic.
Great to watch your hangout and talk about this film! I forgot how 'real' the 70s style makes it look. The grey / desaturated colors, the fog...It just adds to the scary because it looks like real weather in real places.
You definitely need to watch William Friedkin's follow-up to The Exorcist, Sorcerer from 1977. Sorcerer also channels the themes of redemption. Honestly just as good, in my opinion. Friedkin's second masterpiece where he had full creative control. Criminally underrated!
I was raised Catholic, but I always loved horror films from a young age. I remember begging my mother to rent The Exorcist for me and she always refused. My relentless pestering finally paid off at age 13. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep for a few nights after. But I tell you, it was worth it! I’m now 43, and as a cinephile I can say this movie still fascinates me to no end! Not because it scares me the way it scared my 13-year-old Catholic self, but because of how freakin’ good it is! Everything about it from the acting, sound, score, cinematography, character development, atmosphere, etc…. Even the cultural impact it had is fascinating. Not only would I consider this the greatest horror movie ever made, but one of the best films of all time. Period.
True Story: When Exorcist came out originally, I was about 5-6 at the time. I remember one afternoon my mom brought a priest over to bless the house. That's how big of an impact on society that movie had at the time.
This is, in fact, one of my favorite movies. Period. I think this is a great film and not just in the genre, it's not just a great horror film but a great film all on its own, of which I think the only other movie that can say that about itself is Psycho. I also think there is a degree of sophistication to both these films have that make them timeless and, as tragic as it might be, that their like will never be made again. You've commented on the impact the 70s had on the genre and how no one's made anything like the big ones, since. Sequel after sequel, tv shows, rip offs, imitators, remakes. Nothing even comes close to what those movies were and how they impacted film and filmmakers in the last 40 years. Not even the Exorcist 3, which is an outstanding and underrated film (I blame the Exorcist 2 for that one) but is its own beast, which, personally, I think is for the best. Well, I think you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned all the things the director did on set would've gotten him fired today. I think the issue is that no one is allowed to make those movies anymore or to do the things that they did to get those results. Mel Brooks commented not long ago, on the anniversary of Blazing Saddles, that he could never make that movie today, that the modern political climate would never allow it. You'd get chastise if you even considering trying it. A man like Hitchcock could never make films in modern Hollywood and if he tied he wouldn't last long because, well, he was kind of a creep. There'd be no Psycho, North by Northwest, The Birds, Suspicion, and so on. The whole of cinema would be all the lesser for it. And, yet, it was his bizarre nature that contributed to those movies being what they are and, for better or worse, people like him are no longer allowed in the spotlight. Anyway, I could talk about the Exorcist, it's sequels, all of them, the TV show and other possession movies for hours but I'll just say that I'm glad it exists.
Loved seeing you guys talk about this in such detail. It really heightened my enjoyment of the movie hearing all those little details that you have such appreciation for.
So...I've been watching your channel for months and I JUST found this video, and I'm pissed. Pissed I didn't find it earlier! Haha It is a great analysis of my faborite horror movie ever, probably my favorite movie ever! I watched this for the first time when I was 4 (yeap) and I was traumatized until 12. Since then, it's become my favorite thing ever! And I just wanted to say that the scene that really stuck with me throughout these years is the one where Chris's assistant is downstairs and she hears Reagan's weird voice coming from upstairs... That gave me such a horrifying feeling, cause I imagined being im this situatiom of watching something like this happen and not having anything to do about it. It is SCARY. Just something I wanted to share! Keep up the good work, Chris!
Always liked how the film plays with contrasts. Mostly silent with sharp shocking loud moments. The "heroes" wear black, the "demon" wears white. Old meets young. Good meets bad. Iraq (old/religious) meets Washington (new/atheist). Science/medicine meets rites and rituals. I think "tug of war" was a pretty great description indeed.
Perfect
Awesome!!!
I feel like I have seen it but I don't remember have to rewatch
Gotta see
If you like that go Utube - are you a good person by living waters
I was scared shitless watching this on vhs during 80s, I can only imagine what people in the movie theater thought of it watching it in 1973, right after Christmas, a wtf release date to say the least.
@Lalalola i saw it when it came out. They were handing out airline barf bags in the theaters. Some were scared, some weren't but everybody was grossed out by the pea soup barf. That was a new thing in movies, (barf cannon under the make-up).
My Dad said he saw it in theaters when he was 12 with my uncle. Said he stayed up many nights afterwards with the lamp on and a crusifix in his hand. I got to see it a few years back in theaters because the Castro in San Francisco had a special showing. O man! That shit lingers.....
My grandma actually told me yesterday that she saw the movie in theaters on a date with my grandpa. And then once she got back home she was so scared shietless that she ran to her brother’s (my uncle’s) room and refused to leave lol.
My mom couldn't sleep for a week
They actually had priest either that or people genuinely went to priest in the middle of the movie.
I know you said there are too many doctor scenes. As a child I had health issues and was often in hospitals. Watching Reagan get terrorized by hospital tests, loud equipment, x-rays, discussions about you like you’re not in the room, the trial runs with different medications. The small invasions into your personhood... those scenes resonated with me the most.
Personally I found the hospital scenes got under my skin far more than any of the posession scenes.
They were creepy already, but after having a serious medical crisis, they became nearly unwatchable for me
Same. I've had 30 surgeries since birth, and especially prior to the mid 90s where your parents just waited for you in the waiting room because that's what doctors used to prefer so parents didn't freak out over what they were doing to you. My dad used to have to argue his way back there to be with me, so also seeing Reagan alone during all the medical stuff while her mom just sat in the waiting room is super familiar to me.
Probably my favourite shot of all time in any film, is the shot of Merrin outside of the house when he first arrives... such a beautifully crafted shot.
Yeah for me 2
This is easily a 10/10 for me . The characters were compelling and story is good . But what really got me is Jason millers and Ellen’s acting is phenomenal that I’m surprise that they didn’t win the Oscar . then the movies message About faith in God is excellent especially me as a Christian. R.I.P Jason Miller, Max von Sydow & William Peter Blatty
@@ccl7983 yeah i thought Ellen Burstyn should have got the best actress nod in 1973 instead of Glenda Jackson
for a Touch of Class. Glenda who??
It's a shot that manages to embody the eerie, haunting mood of the film, while also foreshadowing the ominous conflict to come.
The sight of that image on the VHS cover was enough to scare me way back when.
Finally got around to watching it all the way through when I was twenty; The Exorcist is not only one of the best horror films ever, it is one of the best FILMS ever made. A timeless story of good vs evil.
Definitely one of the most beautiful shots I've seen in a movie as well and definitely the most beautiful shot in the exorcist.. It's for a reason they used the shot for the video/dvd/blurays. The atmosphere oozes from that shot
The power of Chris compels you!
Chris grew up as *The Exorcist*
Damn I posted a comment like this like right after yours and now I didn’t even see it. You get the credit m’boi
I still love the joke though
Evan you beat me to it man I was just about to say that
I had a witty comment ready to post, then read this one and decided there was no point
I love the comment about Reagan just sitting in the corner like a goon after she kills the main priest. That scene has always stuck with me. It's that apathy to something horrific, that mouth breather expression she has. Just great direction.
LMAO. I think we've reached peak CZcams here
@@MATTDALOR1AN Thanks... I think lol
That scene you described when she stared in astonishment, and so proud then giggles is the most shocking scene in movie history.
@Stephen Murphy yes. That scene scared the crap out of me as a kid and an adult
Lol! You have Reagan mixed up with President Ronald Reagan!
“What were filmmakers doing in the 70s???” Drugs guys. So many drugs
Lol
Me and my crippling drug addiction: oh boy, I'm gonna be a famous movie director!
The essential difference in the 70s: NO FOCUS GROUPS! 70s movies were "auteur" films helmed by directors who didn't need testing by viewing groups before final editing. This all ended with the debacle of "Apocalypse Now."
*Good quality drugs
@@Kier4n99 My point was that an important consequence of "Apocalypse Now" was absolute producer oversight and the end of blanket director discretion -- the filmmaking process, no longer a singular vision of a director and completed on his('70s pronoun!) schedule, became part of a production pipeline with dailies/rushes that producers critiqued -- sometimes even screening key characters or scenes with focus groups before moving on with reshoots and writing changes.
In short, the director can no longer be trusted with the final product, esp after Coppola's excessive cost overruns and endless months of shooting.
This film affected me so, even the name “William Peter Blatty” scares the shout outta me.
It's not odd you mention this. We studied horror genre films in school. People have said the same. It's amazing how a story about a boy in New York became this horrifying and described as the best directed and acted film in ones lifetime.
It almost has the same effect as the term "Doppler Radar" for me. Also hearing the name in old trailers and radio spots on the special features for the dvd must have added to the dread for me.
This movie terrified me I watched it when I was about 5 or 6 and was so fucking scared. idk why my aunt and grandma thought it was a good idea.
Ikr😂😂😂
🤣
Man, I watched exorcist for the first time today...like 4 hours ago...the fact you uploaded this review makes me shiver
It's called a conicidence, spooky!
lol i watched it today too.
Did you like it?🤔
me too
The power of Christ compelled you!
The make up was so good in this that I genuinely thought Father Merrin was an old man. He looked in his late sixties, at least. But he was only 44 at the time. Amazing.
I didn’t figure it out till he played in minority report lol ... make up -legendary
Its was so good that he looks like the same person now that he actually is in his 60s
Yes i was weirded out when he looked so young in the (terrible) sequel
If you see interviews with John Carpenter and Wes Craven they talk about how Psycho changed everything. No longer was it about some monster "out there". The monster was right here in your family or neighborhood. Horror became documentary. The monster was inside of us. As a culture, especially with the civil rights movement, we were getting uglier and scarier. Night of the Living Dead,Rosemary's Baby, The Last House on the Left, The Exorcist, Texas Chainsaw, Jaws, Carrie... all tapped into this. Nowhere was safe because man was his own worst fear. The main character in The Exorcist was not Regan but Karras. Regan was a catalyst. The movie was about the consequences of the growing cynicism in society.
In fairness to earlier horror some of them had some subtler ideas. Frankeinstein's monster is a tragic character, so is the Wolf Man. Yes Dracula is the evil/other monster. Then there's the island of Dr Moreau, the invisible man and the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Films like the day the earth stood still where the Aliens haven't come down to eat everybody but to try and help mankind Nd it's the humans who are hostile and close minded . Films like Jaws, the 80s slasher films, showed you could still do an unsympathetic monster type film and people would lap it up. The Thing is an interesting one, on the one hand it's a straightforward monster film but it also explores human behaviour, selfishness, paronia, etc. But yes horror began to transition away from gothic castles and dungeons and Egyption Tombs and move into a more domestic suburban environment. Speilberg liked doing that in a lot of his films in the 70s/80s, Duel, Close Encounters, E.T., Jaws. Films where extraordinary things happen to everyday US suburban people.
There are two main characters, Karras and Chris MacNeil. In the Novel, the emphasis shifts between their two narratives, with the only deviation being the prologue.
@@cjmiller6741 I can see that. One is forced to find faith and one is losing his.
That movie Eraserhead scared the shit outta me too.
This movie isn’t a movie, it’s an experience, it is heavy, it just feels different, not sure why
Great way to explain it.
I saw this movie for the first time 20 years ago . I was 9 years old and vividly remember seeing it for the first time . I have never once seen a movie since that genuinely scared me. To this day , I also won’t watch this movie if I’m alone .
Right on! I actually do not even view The Exorcist as a horror movie. It's more than that. It has horror elements sure. It's terrifying at times. But to me, this is a drama. A very dark but yet optimistic drama. The basis for this movie is good and evil. If one does exist then the other would also have to excist. The girl is possesed by the evil and the priests represent the good.
Man, this movie is just a damn bomb. It's so good. And a bit of personal to me as I am from Sweden and love Max Von Sydow so much. May he rest in peace
@@julienforletta7896 Same here LOL
Late answer. This movie uses a lot of documentary filming techniques. It gives it a sort of heavy realism.
I'm from South Africa and in 2015 my mom took us on a family trip to the U.S. East Coast.
During our stay in D.C. she (being the parent of a film fan) surprised me by taking us to those infamous stairs in Georgetown. Pretty special.
❤🇿🇦
Exorcist III is really underrated. Still some of the creepiest scenes I've ever seen to this day. The hospital scene is amazing, it builds the tension so well and the reveal is so creepy along with the music. Brad Dourif is definitely the standout.
That scene makes me pee
Agreed. the book (Legion) is one of the best written novels Iv ever read and EIII is the intended to be the sequel not the rubbish which was E2-the heritic. there are a couple of great clips arguing that it is one of the finest films ever made from both a story and a film craft POV
And truly part 3 has incredible characters. " I just knew you weren't the radio repair man, that's a phone your holding ". Amazing.
Part 3 is much better
@@robertpreston2220 part 2 was a money grab( which didn't work ). It was stupid. Your right part 3 was great. Brad Douriff was absolutely horrifying and intense as an actor could have played that role.
The psychological aspect to this really holds up the movie. It would come across as dated very easily if the focus was solely on the shock factor. But the character development and emotion makes it a fascinating watch. Always wanted to analyse this movie from start to finish. It's a quality watch.
And let’s also not forget that not only did Linda Blair not have an acting reference point to work from, she also spent hours and hours in that air conditioned bedroom (-25 degrees) wearing nothing but a thin night shirt. How her teeth didn’t chatter in every scene is an acting marvel in itself.
Very,very true.
The Iraq sequence is a masterpiece of openings
Reef2480 i thought it was REALLY out of place
Faith Star actually it was based on a book written by a Lebo. I myself am a lebo.
@@El-Masri What's a Lebo?
*most boring*
Seen it a million times and the opening scene will always be fast forwarded Bahahhhahah
Matt has a very Patrick Bateman vibe going on with that hairstyle.
But can he get a 8:00 pm res at Dorsia?
Patrick Waters I can get us in anywhere.
I thought he was trying to be Bateman for Halloween.
i was thinking Louis Bloom from Nightcrawler
Very nice
"Eighty-eight doctors and all you can tell me with all of your BULLshit.... Jesus CHRIST won't someone help me!?"
The fact that she is a famous actress does add to it for me, because she wouldn’t have been able to get as much medical assistance for her daughter had she not been famous/rich. It also makes an impact, because what was happening to her daughter totally eclipses her career, causing her to have to basically shut down and focus solely on Regan. For that to happen shows the level of impact. The fact that she’s not just a housewife or something other than famous just makes for a more interesting character. EDIT: I love how he mentions that the disparity in wealth or economic status also underscores the fact that nobody is immune from this level of devastation. “99 doctors and all you can tell me with all of your bullshit...” that shows clearly that money couldn’t buy her out of this.
I've been to Georgetown and I've seen the house and the staircase! It's a seriously spooky setting.
Alexandra Cormier, I did too. It’s so cool, even though the house doesn’t look like in the movie.
@@branagain I went to undergrad at Georgetown, and was there when they re-released the cut with the spider walk, which was AWESOME. the McNeil house doesn't look the same in real life because the filmmakers created an addition to the side so Reagen's bedroom window could overlook the steps.
@@branagain yhh
Awesome! The Exorcist is perhaps one of the best horror films ever made, and one of the scariest.
gay
It belongs in a museum. There’s nothing scary about the damn movie.
Haunt Former jokes
I don't think it's scary
Huh I've never heard that before.
I always thought the film was moving in how it was about a single mom trying desperately to find out what is wrong with her daughter. She tried the medical field, the psych field, and finally resorted to the "religious" field, despite her beliefs. It didn't matter how she believed. All she wanted was for her daughter to get better. It makes you wonder what it would take.
The first time I watched this movie was with my dad, I was probably 17 or 16. Movies like this one were definitely forbidden and if I wanted to watch something like that it had to be while my parents weren't looking. But that night, it was on TV, I stopped by my dad's bedroom and sat down to see what he was watching... and he didnt change the channel. I was watching each minute feeling stressed and so much dread and fear from the movie while also stressed to show my emotions to my dad, dreading he would change the channel.
And as it finished we talked about it, and because my dad's so cool, he didn't try to soften any message or detail, we talked about fear, the nature of fear, film direction and music, the religious details and because we were Catholics we discussed demons and faith and how that affects us emotionally watching our 'faiths' tested by a movie or difficult situations...
I remember that moment, and I cherish it so dearly. It was such an experience to enjoy a movie like this one and also talk about such things because of it... it became my favorite scary movie EVER. I also give it a million out of 10.
@hip hop sux lol? I'm not a yank?
The Exorcist should have won Best Supporting Actress, Best Leading Actress, Best Director And Best Picture. The Sting is a great con film, but The Exorcist brought new light to the horror genre.
supermariofan03 yes, yes and yes!!!
The film's great and all but imo it doesn't deserve best picture. Being influential to other films doesn't make the it any better.
A Rebranded Channel But what do people remember, quote and reference more? The Exorcist or The Sting?
Exorcist 3 tho
Yes. It absolutely changed the horror genre. First film (that I know of) that took the horror elements seriously, rather than playing for laughs, or with a campy wink to the audience. TBH I wouldn't even call this call this a horror film but rather a drama with supernatural/horror elements. The Exorcist was a better made film than the more palatable Sting.
A review of 1976s Taxi Driver would be incredible
lschroter2020 Chris has said in a Q&A that he hated watching A Clockwork Orange and never wants to watch it again (his opinion may of changed from then but still. And presumably this is because he didn’t like the content not necessarily cos he thought it was poorly made)
S -OS What Q and A are you talking about? can you please get me a link or the name?
@@aryanvyas2981 he's lying
Neil Armstrong guessed that
Neil Armstrong if you saying Chris is lying as a way to cope with that he doesnt like a clockwork orange then fair enough but if you’re saying I’m lying then..how am I lying? I left a link and a time in the video to where Chris says that he didn’t enjoy a clockwork orange so I don’t see where I’m lying
wonderful. I actually saw this IN GEORGETOWN when it opened. slept with my door open and hall light on for many many years. was attending catholic high school at the time.
22:48 this scene where Ellen Burstyn reveals that it’s her daughter who’s possessed is possibly the best scene that doesn’t revolve around the possession scenes that puts the viewer in the mother’s shoes and the dilemma of seeking out an exorcist after having had every doctor give her hopeless diagnosis and another that she sees no other choice. I absolutely love The Exorcist and I agree there’s no way it can be duplicated
Why does Max von Sydow still look 70 back in 1973? (oh right it was make up. damn that makeup is good!)
It's crazy cause he actually ended up looking like that when he got old in real life lol
Dick Smith's finest achievement.
Wish he didn't die in force awakens
@@krinkle7695 Such a wasted talent .
@@mxgonzo Well I dont think you could do mutch with him cosudering how old he is.
Ironically the Exorcist taught me a lot about psychology and psychiatry
Great review guys! I agree on all levels. I'm an old guy. I saw the Exorcist in the theater in New York City when it opened. It was only playing in select theaters in the beginning. There were lines around the block for the "next" showing. It was a big deal. But I just went with friends and had no idea what the movie was about except that it was a horror film. That was good enough for me. I was 20 years old at the time. Not a little kid. BUT, this movie scared the bejeezus out of me and all the people in the theater. People were screaming, walking out, crazy. Up until that point I never saw a horror film that truly horrified me. This one did. Every time the camera headed toward that bedroom door, I was gripping the arm rests. It was like a ride in an amusement park, except from Hell itself. When I finally got home to New Jersey later that night, I slept with all the lights on. First time a movie has affected me like that, and not one since then. Brilliant horror. Thanks for your review. You guys hit every note right. Loved it. All the best to you...Paul
The DVD cover for the Exorcist on the shelf, thought it was Tommy Wiseau from The Room at first glance.
That’s the book.
I love how this film is so scary, even though very little happens until the second half, and very few (if any) jump-scares. Such a great film! Also, the special effects are phenomenal!
There are jump scares. One of the most famous in cinematic history is the candle in the attic. They do tend to be somewhat subdued compared to what is made obvious for today's less obtuse viewers. Movie audiences of the past and audiences today are not the same.
Stuckmann :
The Avengers - A+
The Dark Knights Rises- A+
The Exorcist - A ???
GORGEOUSITY he has changed his mind a bit to be fair.
At least on The Dark Knight Rises.
He said he doesn't like the doctor scenes that much. The Dark Knight Rises a A+, his only problem was the minor plotholes, but he didn't mind them in the end.
He even gave Deadpool an A+
As a film student, he should know better
Matt lookin like the dude from nightcrawler
I'm so glad that there are people out there who appreciate this masterpiece as much as I do. It's like wine, the more I watch it the more I find out aspects that I didn't notice before. There was a scene of dialogue, where the detective says, that someone there out the director out of the window from Regan's room, there was no particular scene that shows it, but you know who did it, and its just pure horror. I love how it left things for imagination. I can't stop typing! God help me xD
Lets appreciate the work of Mercedes McCambridge. Spot on voice acting. It's so damn great.
Max von Sydow was 44 in the film. That still blows me away though. I just always thought he was old no matter what year it was haha.
Yeah Von Sydow's performance is just fantastic and matched by Smith's brilliant makeup.
Same as Morgan Freeman. I've never known how young he is until now.
The makeup was so obvious! Stop lying to yourselves
Apparently he had a lot of trouble getting roles afterwards cuz people thought he was in his 70s. And I swear now that he is, he looks exactly like he did in the film!
Same it was not until recently that I stopped to think HOW OLD is MAX VON SYDOW?? and then going back to 1973 it BLEW MY MIND!!! I am still in awe how well they aged him and he looks that old the last decade? INSANE.
After rewatching this film as an adult, I gained a hope in humanity I'd been missing for some years. A simple story, black and white, but also exploring the grey we all experience on a daily basis. If there is no hope for good to prevail, then there will only be despair. Possibly the best movie of all time.
Go Utube - are you a good person by living waters..I'm serious
The scene where Damien was checking Reagan's heartbeat got me teary eyed. The devil is tormenting Damien by pleading with his mom's voice, he desperately exclaims he not his mom, and the lead priest tells him to get out. Damien leaves the room with this near religious portrait expression of weakness.
You wanted Damien to fight through this and you rooted for him.
How is this not an A+
Because it is flawed
Because it's his opinion
@@ashenone6166 every movie is flawed even TDK is flawed
@@neeeee8525 Well yes every film is flawed, some more than others. TDK is extremely flawed, so much that I would call it overated.
@@ashenone6166 okay now you are going way to far its a 95% perfect movie
00:30 "A couple of movies I could never review without you were Heat and the Exorcist"
...and Alien 3, presumably.
The movie won the Oscar for Best Sound, and that’s an area of film-making that’s rarely discussed.
The sound of this film adds so much to the pervading atmosphere of dread. The bestial howl when the priest first enters the house (in the scene that was used as the famous image of the lone figure in the fog) is spinechilling.
But it’s the quiet interludes that add to it, too, but without the cliche jumpscare music stab at the end.
Avant-gard soundtrack (as I read somewhere). With absolute pros mixing it. It's amazing as (scary) artwork.
I watched the exorcist the 1st time it came on tv in the late 70's I think. It traumatized me and haunted me for decades. I've seen it dozens of times and consider it to be one of the most messed up psychological attacks on the human mind through a movie ever made. It still makes me pause when I think about it. Great review guys.
Surprised it didn't get an A+
I was raised in Southern WVa. The movie was released when I was attending Welch High School and the local theaters wouldn't show the film but I was fortunate to be on The Chess Team and the tournament was being held in Charleston, WVa and guess what was playing there that weekend at 8pm??
I won my match due to my opponent forfeiting so he could see The Exorcist. I saw it at this huge theater with all my teammates. I'm so glad my first experience with this movie was in a crowded theater with a humongous screen. This movie freaked me out so much that on the way back, to The Holiday Inn, a car backfired and I jumped like crazy. Back at the hotel I had a hard time sleeping but when we arrived back home were the talk of the school. Not because of the Chess Match, which we placed 3th, but the fact we saw this "forbidden horror movie". This is one of those.."yeah you had to be there in the beginning"..when it was released. I even owned the 45 record version of Tubular Bells(the Theme Music) which was also a musical hit. It got robbed at the Oscars but this movie is one of my top 20 and Im 64yrs old. I was 17yrs old at it's release. The Exorcist is one of the reasons why the 70's is called by many "The 2nd Golden Age of Cinema."
Watched it in 1973 at a drive in while home on leave from the army. Saw it with some friends and we were having some beers, and some smoke. I remember not being able to take my eyes off the screen. I don't think I said a word during the whole movie. Still love it to this day!
The Doctor scenes were in themselves true horror. What could have been added to those scenes was the inclusion of the Dr's realization and horror that they are truly observing something beyond their explanation and comprehension.
I don't think they seriously do realize it; they keep wanting to run more tests! The Dr. who suggested exorcism to Chris did so to calm her after her outburst in the conference room and assuage her anxiety and powerlessness, buying him some time before suggesting yet more tests.
The doctor's were not horrified, as unexplained medical conditions occur all the time. In fact, the reason they were not in horror was that they viewed Reagan's syndrome as psychiatric when they could not find a physical reason. It was later on in the novel that psychiatrists told Chris about exorcism, of which she was adamantly against, being that she's an atheist.
@@cjmiller6741 Doctors/scientist do not believe in the supernatural. Observation which has no scientific explanation and leaves none but a supernatural would leave them shaken to their core. Seeing those least likely to be shaken truly afraid would have transferred that terror to the audience very well. Imo
Many doctors do believe in God and are members of a church community. It just so happens that at the time Reagan was referred, just about all occurances, including the deepening of the voice, observed by the medical team could be explained as a psychological illness. Of course, I read the book before I saw the movie, so I had an understanding. Most of the unexplainable phenomena had taken place when doctor's were not observing Reagan. The demon was giving false evidence to cast just enough doubt about the reality of possession to keep Karras interested but stretch out his exposure, to tire him out and weaken him, to make him frustrated, violent and susceptible to possession. The demon explains this very tactic to Karras in the novel.
The scenes in which Karras is investigating Reagan directly set a template in cinema that can be recognized in other movies, such as Silence of the Lambs, wherein Agent Starling in interviewing Dr. Lector and he is using the truth to entrap her. (Those of us who read the follow-up, "Hannibal," know that the ending of that book is nothing like the movie version.)
Not an A+? You basically tromboned the movie for 35 minutes..
Lmao seriously
@@jeffcunningham0389🎉
Had no idea what it means to trombone something. Googled it, and now I wish I hadn't looked it up lolol. Sheeesh
@@Dainja What does it mean? I tried looking and couldn't find anything.
@@zachhaywood1564 , type in "what does trombone mean slang"... it's pretty disgusting 😂
Blatty, having written the screenplay as well as the book, and Friedken were obviously committed to keep the film tightly faithful to the text, which made them a good team. The film does a beautiful job of capturing an immersion and atmosphere intended by the author that text was limited in its ability to convey, expressed more profoundly and completely in the language of film. More succinctly, as I think the best screenplays do, the film is the book writ in stereo. As with the book, the film does a great job of showing Karras’ now secular outlook and loss of faith and his reluctance to acknowledge the supernatural situation he's thrust into- even near the end when he attempts to give Merrin a clinical assessment of Regan's personalities. I don't think any of the other 'A' listers, even Pacino, could have embodied the role of Karras as well as Jason Miller- he sold the character. The choice of Lee J. Cobb as Lt. Kinderman was also a perfect embodiment of the character as portrayed in the book, and the banter between he and Karras was spot on. One of the all time great works of horror, period.
I would recommend Sorcerer to anyone who hasn’t seen it, it was Friedkin’s follow up to the Exorcist that is still very underseen. It is somehow even more tense than the Exorcist
The 70's by far has the best of the best of various genres in cinema
Yeah, including the best of all THE GODFATHER 1& 2
Facts!!!!
If the Exorcist isn't an A+ no horror movie is. Man let's be honest.
Captain Bozas Men, that "her mother is a famous actress detail" really messed this movie up.
He gave Shining an A+
@@eleanorelmore Deserves it.
Shutup nerd
@@gumquamare8461 Who was that directed to?
That Iron Maiden/Halloween mashup shirt is great
UP THE IRONS
@@nickh7962 Hell yeah \m/
Ya boi Kelpy G I just noticed it too.. Maidens No prayer for the dying shirt with Myers! Great 👍
That's Metallica, taken from their Holy Diver album, it's the lead singer Ozzy on the cover before he left to form Pantera, learn your metals guys, geesh.
When I was 8 or 9, we went to DC and my dad took me and my brother to the staircase Carrigan throws himself down at the climax of the film. It was the first time I really appreciated realism in the filmmaking process. It's something I'll never forget.
From the soundtrack to the script the movie is an absolute masterpiece
This film SCARRED me as a child. I watched it when I was around 8yrs old (thanks dad..) and I'm actually nervous watching this video, even though I'm and adult
Same, took me years to not be scared of that subliminal white face lol.
@@Vereid Im still scared of it, haha
I watched this back in 2008, I was 8 years old, my life wasn’t the same for about 3 years
Exorcist is more funny than scary. Part 3 is much better
I am an avid movie and movie memorabilia collector. 1300 PLUS DVDs all IN ORDER AND DISPLAYED. My mother has me remove the Excorcist and hide it when she visits. She watched it in theaters in the 70's. And is convinced it should not have been made.
@ 2:23 The reason Chris MacNeil was a famous movie actress in the book and, of course, film was because she was based off of real-life famous actress Shirley MacLaine, who was a neighbor/friend of William Peter Blatty's prior to his writing the book (notice the similar last names of MacNeil and MacLaine). The two would have discussions about the afterlife and religion and they had conflicting opinions on the subjects; Blatty believed in God, Heaven, etc and MacLaine did not. He would get annoyed with her and when he finally set about writing his novel he got out his frustration by making her (by another name) the victim of the demonic attack in his story. There are character traits, speech patterns and language of Chris's that were taken directly from Shirley.
Blerk Snarfgut oh wow
It's also worth mentioning that Shirley's daughter, Sachi, was the inspiration for Regan (just her appearance and personality, not the whole demonic possession thing lol). Blatty was so literal in translating Shirley's life to his story that he even included her 2 housekeepers, who were husband and wife (the only difference was that in real-life they were French whereas they're Swiss in Blatty's fiction).
@@blerksnarfgut7332 Oh My Goodness!! That is quite fascinating. I had no idea that the Chris McNeil character was based on Shirley McClain, but it sounds about right.👍
The hospital scenes were actually the scenes were people started to feel sick and passing.
I'm 27 years old right now. I saw this film 1 year ago. This film left me thinking about things I've never would of ever thought about before. That first shot of Iraq had me wondering if I was watching the correct movie.
I didn't realize I was looking at the devil when they showed off the pazuzu statue.
This movie is amazing.
I can't believe you gave the Exorcist an A and not an A+. One of the finest films ever made. ;(
Imagine this film being made in this decade-The exact same film. It would be thought of as a very good film but it's very far from perfect. This film's cultural influence makes it look better than it actually is.
Get over yourself
Nah A, B+ is fine def a culture shock is what gets people thinking it’s one of the best def not
A Rebranded Channel you have no idea what you’re talking about. You don’t seem very smart.
It's because of religion
Chris plz review the descent
The one where bunch of women go in a scary cave🤔???
@@kobi-wanaenobi7080 ya man that movie is a masterpiece
He has?
@@FoidGames no he hasn't
Same
The death of Karras always makes me cry. Something about the fact that he is so close to death that the only way he can communicate with his friend during last rights is to squeeze his hand. As if he already has one foot in the other world and the last ember of his existence in this world is going dark. It reminds me of the death of Ironman in End Game which is equally moving.
Watch the "Exorcist 3: Legion". It's almost as good as the 1st film and I consider it the true sequel to the first film. It completes Father Karras's story along with the detective. Honestly, I'd advise anyone to just see Exorcist 1 and 3 and ignore the rest.
@@newguy90 100% agree!
It’s sad because you see Karras’ honesty and struggle with faith throughout the movie. He’s always striving, even seen in his aggressive physical activity.
At the end, his self-sacrifice, “Take me!” is his biggest act of faith and courage to save Regan. Also a big angry eff you to the demon for his earlier taunts re: Karras’ mother.
@@newguy90 Exorcist 3 was good. Loved George C Scott.
I was 9 years old when I saw this movie, and it scared me to death. I'm 48 now, and I still consider it the scariest movie ever. Sure, there are a lot of other horror movies out there, but I have yet to see one as terrifying as The Exorcist.
I totally agree. I watched it when I was 10. I slept with my big sister for the next 3 nights. I won't watch it now
Maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me, but do I see Galaxy Quest on your shelf? Love that movie.
Review The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) Please!
Saw a clip of this movie as a kid. Gave me nightmares for a week.
gay
@@drunkenboxingmma2183 Stop saying that!
2003 was better
Monk Man The 2003 does everything the opposite of the 1974 masterpiece, the original is the most realistic slasher ever made and the remake is just Hollywood over the top bullshit.
The Exorcist is probably my favourite horror film along with The Sixth Sense and Hereditary. They arent necessarily the best but they are some of the best and i love the atmosphere they each bring
Nicolaj Vangsgaard If you haven’t seen this movie yet, check out The Changeling with George C.Scott. Has very scary atmosphere and the film soundtrack will give you goosebumps.
Martha McCrum Oooh. Sounds pretty neat. I’ll be sure to look for it. I think i’ve heard of it before too
A Clockwork Orange is another great movie that was produced in the 70's.
This!
Please review Scream
I don't think a movie like The Conjuring wouldn't exist if it wasn't for The Exorcist. Sure since it existed, absolutely it influenced the other movies.. But due to the amount of time gap between them, eventually a movie could've taken place of the Exorcist (if it was never released).
Another thing, I understand that there are many terrible practices on Horror movies today (specially jump scare fest), but sometimes I think it is unfair to simple crap on them for doing some "cliches". As the time passes, for any movie genre, you won't be able to escape certain cliches... You might do differently, but you will eventually end up committing one . But yeah. the majority of horror movies today are simple cash grabs where the writers and directors don't take it "seriously" and simply apply a existing formula to spare time and cost and try to enjoy whatever the profit may be.
I don't understand why everyone is going on about the Conjuring. it's a piece of tripe (well, it's ok...). It shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath/sentence as the Exorcist.
The Conjuring is based on "real life" events that would have happened with or without The Exorcist. You're giving it too much credit.
There's no movie as scary as The Exorcist, because of this movie I can never fear any movie anymore. I can watch this movie with ease now because I am 27, however I will never forget the impact this movie had in my childhood. The nightmares and the thought of a demon coming after me in my sleep lol. Truly a masterpiece.
Really glad I stumbled across this, great stuff. I really can't get enough of good essays/analysis of The Exorcist. It's one of those movies that continues to reveal more of itself depending on the age you watch it. The difference between The Exorcist in your 30's is a completely different film from Exorcist in your 20's. I'd love to recommend an analysis/review of Exorcist III for one of your Halloween Specials. Such an underrated gem!
Jason Miller was snubbed for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar
Shit Movies Production So was Linda Blair for Supporting Actress, William Friedkin For Director, the movie itself.
Exorcist wasn't scary at all... Just fyi
Critical-RAGE funny how my entire 40 years on the planet it’s always been “cool” to “not be scared” or think The Exorcist is funny. No other horror movie gets that treatment as much. Wonder why.
Myself at 12 was afraid, after the movie wondering if that could happen to me. Now as a father the thought of that happening to my child is so disturbing I can’t really explain it.
Some are more afraid of slasher flicks, visceral jumps. The Exorcist doesn’t try to accomplish that. It’s aim wasn’t to be a horror film in the typical sense, because of that no other horror film comes close in quality. Maybe The Shining but it’s so outside of normality in setting. Everyone gets to babysit a hotel right? Lots of people are single parents of troubled young teens.
@@Rageren Just because it may not be that scary does not mean its bad!
Anyone that chooses to jump out a window,actor or double,deserves an Oscar lol
See the first time I saw this film I found it exceptionally overrated and boring, a couple years back me and a buddy went to a horror marathon all nighter at a small theater in London, exorcist had been the one movie we planned to skip but my pal fell asleep and I didn't want to bother the people in my aisle by pushing past them in the incredibly cramped seating so I stayed in my seat and ended up having the complete opposite reaction to the film, the second time I could see why its such a revered classic.
Sometimes seeing it on the big screen with a good audience makes all the difference
Mister Bolticus Imagine back in the 70's when people wasnt ready for it. At least our generation has been prepared by the adults. "You better be ready if u watch that movie son".
@Gerry Buckets read his entire comment dipshit
I'm guessing your first viewing was overshadowed by expectations. That happens to people a lot. You hear how great something is and go in with impossible expectations. There are a couple of movies where I was underwhelmed the first time, but came to absolutely love it the second time.
@Roy Wilson you're right I didn't see alien, the shining, Halloween, the exorcist & Texas chainsaw massacre at Prince Charles cinema in London for Halloween a couple years back, I made the story up for some CZcams comment section clout
People also have the same turnaround with The Godfather films.
I used to work 3 blocks away in the mid 80’s. They still called them The Exorcist Steps.
The "take me" sequence is the sincerest act of bravery and class a showing in acting. Father Damien Karrass is a hero.
And to think, I was planning on watching this movie for the first time today
Daniel Attrell 😂😂😂😂
Do it!
Chris is an independent-minded single mom, and back in 1973? She would've needed to be a popular actress. The only other way I can think of that she would have the money and clout to get access to the best doctors would be to be an heiress. Second-wave feminism hadn't quite gotten off the ground in 1971, when they started making the movie, so being a CEO, or top doctor, or top lawyer, would've been unrealistic at the time. In fact, it would've been ground-breaking, and would've taken people out of the story.
One other point: I always find it interesting how The Exorcist played a part in the zeitgeist of fear that led to the satanic ritual abuse panic of the '80's. It was more than that - Manson, Bundy, The Zodiac and Alphabet Killers, Jonestown, Jerry Falwell, Jack Chick, and the changing social dynamics. But movies like Rosemary's Baby, The Exorcist and The Omen scared the shit out of people, and started a wave of completely fictional books (but passed off as true stories) about satanic child abuse. The 70's were rife with stories about satanism.
In other words, this movie was *so* good that it got into the public psyche, and people eventually acted out from that.
I remember watching this movie when I was very young, so I didn't remember much of it, other than the popular scenes. Then it was re-released in theaters around 1998, and it was amazing to see it on the big screen. I got to see it the way it was intended and I'll always remember that. You guys should do Rosemary's Baby one of these days.
you and Matt really need to make a movie, you direct it and Matt can write
Review Jacob’s Ladder before the remake comes out.
The Shawshank Inception that’s a great CZcams name
Yup. And also Pan's Labyrinth.
jordancollins444 thanks dude
There's a remake of Jacob's Ladder coming out? Why?
A remake?! What!
Fantastic review gentlemen! Friedkin is so inspirational in so many ways
Just saw it in theaters tonight on halloween. I had only remembered certain parts so the majority of the movie was new to me and it was so good. Absolute classic one of the best horror movies of all time.
When Karras goes into the bedroom during the exorcism and sees his mother sitting there always freaked me out
Chris please review Red Dragon. That movie is so underated
It is. Manhunter is also good as well. I have the book which I felt both films did a great job of making it to a movie however In also believe both films left out some important details as well
Machiavelli-ThatGuyIsMe Yeah I totally agree! I love the ending of Mindhunter so much too
Prison Mike don’t drop the soap!
Manhunter is the superior one
Manhunter is the original 1980s version of Red Dragon, and it's better than Red Dragon.
This is the greatest horror movie of all time, period.
The Shining has something to say about that
Mohammed Alam facts
Mohammed Alam meh.. it had good story but i was NEVER scared during any part of this movie
Tommy T. They’re both classic horror movies
ᑭᖇIᔕOᑎ ᗰIKE, never scared of anything in the movie, you lying. It does not matter how “manly” you are, you had to be creeped out at some point. For me it doesn’t scare me, it just bums me out.
says he's seen every possession movie since, 2 min later... "I never saw exorcist 2"
I remember someone lending me a copy of this film when I was about 16 years old, it sat in a drawer for over a year before I struck up the courage to watch it, it terrified me......it still terrify’s me today, a legendary horror classic so worthy of the A rating Chris has given it! 😁👍😁
When you guys do reviews it’s makes me appreciate friendship
This is a great comment!
RIGHT they’re always on tv e same page and if not, they’re always like WOW i never thought of it like that before, this is how i see it- and then it’s just 🥰
In a sense, filmmakers in the 70s were given permission to make these kinds of films due to the breakdown of the harsh censorship of the Hays Code in the late 60s. 70s cinema is some of the very best!
Was it a tour de force?
20:15 I think the fact that she's an actress also adds another level of realism. Because, there's such a thing as actors and movies within the story, it actually helps you forget that you're watching a movie, while you're watching it. It's like a dream within a dream sort of situation,
you first have to wake up from one dream before you can wake up from the other... It's genius. Absolutely brilliant movie.
1973 when this film released in theaters only. I was too scared to go watch it. I only viewed it many years later. Having seen it many times since, one becomes kind of immune to the horror. It’s still a classic.
Great to watch your hangout and talk about this film! I forgot how 'real' the 70s style makes it look. The grey / desaturated colors, the fog...It just adds to the scary because it looks like real weather in real places.
You definitely need to watch William Friedkin's follow-up to The Exorcist, Sorcerer from 1977. Sorcerer also channels the themes of redemption. Honestly just as good, in my opinion. Friedkin's second masterpiece where he had full creative control. Criminally underrated!
I was raised Catholic, but I always loved horror films from a young age. I remember begging my mother to rent The Exorcist for me and she always refused. My relentless pestering finally paid off at age 13. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep for a few nights after. But I tell you, it was worth it! I’m now 43, and as a cinephile I can say this movie still fascinates me to no end! Not because it scares me the way it scared my 13-year-old Catholic self, but because of how freakin’ good it is! Everything about it from the acting, sound, score, cinematography, character development, atmosphere, etc…. Even the cultural impact it had is fascinating. Not only would I consider this the greatest horror movie ever made, but one of the best films of all time. Period.
True Story: When Exorcist came out originally, I was about 5-6 at the time. I remember one afternoon my mom brought a priest over to bless the house. That's how big of an impact on society that movie had at the time.
This is, in fact, one of my favorite movies. Period. I think this is a great film and not just in the genre, it's not just a great horror film but a great film all on its own, of which I think the only other movie that can say that about itself is Psycho. I also think there is a degree of sophistication to both these films have that make them timeless and, as tragic as it might be, that their like will never be made again.
You've commented on the impact the 70s had on the genre and how no one's made anything like the big ones, since. Sequel after sequel, tv shows, rip offs, imitators, remakes. Nothing even comes close to what those movies were and how they impacted film and filmmakers in the last 40 years. Not even the Exorcist 3, which is an outstanding and underrated film (I blame the Exorcist 2 for that one) but is its own beast, which, personally, I think is for the best. Well, I think you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned all the things the director did on set would've gotten him fired today. I think the issue is that no one is allowed to make those movies anymore or to do the things that they did to get those results.
Mel Brooks commented not long ago, on the anniversary of Blazing Saddles, that he could never make that movie today, that the modern political climate would never allow it. You'd get chastise if you even considering trying it. A man like Hitchcock could never make films in modern Hollywood and if he tied he wouldn't last long because, well, he was kind of a creep. There'd be no Psycho, North by Northwest, The Birds, Suspicion, and so on. The whole of cinema would be all the lesser for it. And, yet, it was his bizarre nature that contributed to those movies being what they are and, for better or worse, people like him are no longer allowed in the spotlight.
Anyway, I could talk about the Exorcist, it's sequels, all of them, the TV show and other possession movies for hours but I'll just say that I'm glad it exists.
Do silence of the lambs. Best horror/thriller ever
naw
+Neurotic Wolf Yep
overrated movie
World's Greatest Detective if there’s anything Silence of the Lambs isn’t, is overrated.
World's Greatest Detective So edgy.
Loved seeing you guys talk about this in such detail. It really heightened my enjoyment of the movie hearing all those little details that you have such appreciation for.
So...I've been watching your channel for months and I JUST found this video, and I'm pissed. Pissed I didn't find it earlier! Haha
It is a great analysis of my faborite horror movie ever, probably my favorite movie ever! I watched this for the first time when I was 4 (yeap) and I was traumatized until 12. Since then, it's become my favorite thing ever! And I just wanted to say that the scene that really stuck with me throughout these years is the one where Chris's assistant is downstairs and she hears Reagan's weird voice coming from upstairs... That gave me such a horrifying feeling, cause I imagined being im this situatiom of watching something like this happen and not having anything to do about it. It is SCARY. Just something I wanted to share! Keep up the good work, Chris!