Review of The Exorcist (1973) by Roberto I — 07 Sep 2018

The greatest horror film of all time.

William Friedkin's cinematic masterpiece, The Exorcist, is a timeless classic. Friedkin utilizes smoke machines, eerie lighting, complex metaphors, long panning shots, and numerous practical effects in the scariest film of all time. The beautiful and mesmerizing theme song Tubular Bells brings The Exorcist to full haunting atmosphere.

Jason Miller is absolutely phenomenal as Father Damien Karras. His performance lends a deep humanity to The Exorcist. Miller portrays a priest who has lost his faith and must learn to do the right thing. Miller should have hands down won Best Actor at the Oscars.

Similarly, Ellen Burstyn is wonderful as the mother Chris. She pulls off such a compassionate role as Regan's mother. You understand the helplessness and horrifying nature of being a mother scared for her child's life due to Burstyn's emotional acting. She gives the performance of a lifetime. Burstyn is quite the touching leading actress.

The supporting actors Lee J. Cobb and Max von Sydow are excellent in their respective roles. Cobb plays the humorous and inquisitive police detective with an amiable curiosity. I like Cobb tremendously in The Exorcist. Next, Sydow actually plays the title role of the old professional exorcist. Sydow is so human as Father Merrin. His portrayal of faithfulness and belief are self-evident. Sydow proves yet again his dominance as a dramatic actor. This is subtle acting at its finest.

Lastly, I'd like to mention the truly believable performance from a young Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil. Blair plays the sweet innocent girl as well as the monstrous demon under possession quite realistically. She convulses, spits, vomits, swears, and motions with an otherworldly, grotesque manner. Blair really gave it all in the performance of her career. I think Blair deserves her place as the original scream queen of horror. She is chilling as Regan, yet you also feel for her character.

In all, The Exorcist is honestly the greatest horror film of all time. It's timeless craft, immeasurable influence, and immensely entertaining film of such high quality. Whether you are actually still scared by The Exorcist is up to you. However, you cannot deny the care and thought that went into the making of this horror classic. I love The Exorcist and I still get chills watching it. The atmosphere is palpable.