Heading back into UK cinemas from Friday 29th September is the ‘70s horror classic, The Exorcist. The movie is being re-released for the spooky season; will arrive one week ahead of the debut of a new Exorcist sequel; and lands just in time to celebrate both the 50th anniversary of the film itself, as well as the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros. Pictures.
Directed by William Friedkin, and based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty (Blatty also wrote the screenplay), The Exorcist stars Max von Sydow, Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller, and Linda Blair. The film tells the story of a mother and her daughter who become caught up in battle between good and evil, when a demonic entity enters their lives.
Set in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., The Exorcist centres its story around actress Chris MacNeil and her 12-year-old daughter, Regan. The pair live together in their beautiful home (with servants) and appear to be experiencing a good life.
But shortly after Chris starts hearing noises in the attic, and she learns that Regan has been playing with a ouija board, her life is turned upside down. Regan demonstrates signs of possession, leading Chris to call in the assistance of an exorcist to hopefully ward off the evil that has entered her home.
Beautifully shot, and suitably atmospheric, The Exorcist is a slow-burning horror movie about faith and the power of evil. The film looks at the impact a demonic force has on the mind, body, and soul of a pre-teen, as well as the way it affects those around her, including her mother, and two men of the cloth.
The Exorcist is filled with chilling scenes, as well as various iconic moments, ranging from Regan’s foul-mouthed lines of dialogue and her intimate use of a crucifix, through to the ‘Exorcist steps’ and the use of Mike Oldfield’s haunting tune, Tubular Bells. Even those who have never seen the film will be familiar with all these components (and more), and it’s not too difficult to see why the film is so famous.
Over the past 50 years, The Exorcist has had a huge and significant impact on pop culture, and this is quite clear during any re-watch. Not only has the film influenced countless other horror movies, including a few which tried and failed to replicate its success, but it has also been parodied and referenced to the Nth degree.
Even films and TV shows which don’t fall into the horror genre have given plenty of nods to The Exorcist and this doesn’t go unnoticed. In short: This film is that well-known now, parts of it exist beyond the cinema screen and have simply become part of the zeitgeist.
Has some of The Exorcist’s power to shock been diluted by all the imitators? Yes, in part it has, but it remains a powerful piece and one with the ability to get under the skin.
It may not quite grab modern audiences in the same way it grabbed people back in 1973 (largely because there are so many exorcism movies now), but it still has plenty to offer. The production design, the special effects, and the central performances are all top-notch and help to keep the picture feeling as fresh as possible after all these years.
And speaking of performances, Linda Blair is simply outstanding as Regan. Her transformation from mild-mannered girl to Hell spawn is truly incredible and something to see.
The combination of acting talent and effects wizardry is on full display when Regan is in complete possession mode. It’s here that she becomes utterly terrifying, and her performance brings so much weight to the picture.
With Halloween on the horizon, and new sequel The Exorcist: Believer due in cinemas from October 6th, now is the right time to reacquaint yourself with the original. Should you wish to catch The Exorcist on the big screen, the movie is playing in select UK cinemas for a limited time only so check your local listings accordingly.
And if you’re unable to make a screening, The Exorcist is currently available on DVD, Blu-ray, 4K, and video-on-demand. A special deluxe 4K edition of the film (limited to 2,000 copies globally) is also being released in October.
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