Review of The Exorcist (1973) by Filipeneto — 27 Jun 2018

This film was one of my first contacts with horror because I watched the first time with some school friends. Boys' things, which I strongly advise against, although they happen when boys pressure their friends to show their courage.

At the time, of course, I was super scared. More recently and a lot older, I saw the movie again and found that age has caused its damage. When it was released, the film quickly became a hit and made crowds rush to the movie theaters and then run in fear.

Today, however, its difficult to have this impact, although it remains intense. Its an exceptional film, made with attention to the smallest details. It bases itself very lightly on a real case of demonic possession, starting from that basis for an engaging and strong fiction story.

The tension is permanent and the several visually and sonorously shocking scenes are what most contribute to make it truly scary. The transformation of that girl (played brilliantly by Linda Blair, in the single decent film work of her life) is horrendous and the exorcism sequence are really hard, despite almost no resemblance to a real Catholic exorcism.

Ellen Burstyn (Regan's mother) was excellent and Max von Sydow did one of the greatest works of his career, as did Jason Miller (both in the role of priests). The film is enormous and terrible from start to finish and is strongly discouraged for all minors and anyone impressionable or very religious.