Review of The Exorcist (1973) by Ferdi A — 12 Aug 2015
The greatest horror film ever made and the seminal masterpiece of it's genre, director William Friedkin's brilliant meticulously-mounted adaptation of William Peter Blatty's best-selling novel.
Concerning a innocent 12-year-old girl named Regan MacNeil, played by young Linda Blair, in a remarkable film debut which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, she is possessed by the monstrous demon, Pazuzu, that causes Regan to change into a vile unspeakable being, spitting out obscenities and blasphemies as well as using telekinetic powers to hurt others.
Her anguished movie star mother, Chris MacNiel, played by Ellen Burstyn, in a marvelous Oscar nominated performance, turns to a troubled young priest as a last resort, Father Damien Karras, played by the late Jason Miller, who delivers a intense and exceptionally commanding performance, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Father Karras calls upon the church to bring in an experienced priest for an exorcism, they summon an aged exorcist/ archaeologist named Father Lancaster Merrin, remarkably played by the great Swedish actor Max von Sydow, in a riveting tour-de-force performance.
A battle ensues for the body and soul of young Regan that is one the most horrific and unforgettable finals in cinematic history. Masterful direction by Friedkin, with impeccable supporting performances from the late Lee J.
Cobb, Kitty Wynn and the late Jack MacGowran, but its Max von Sydow who steals this motion picture with his extraordinary performance, as the aged exorcist Father Merrin. Oscar winner for Blatty's compelling intelligent screenplay, the chilling vocal effects are by Mercedes McCambridge, masterful makeup effects by the late great Dick Smith, and astonishing cinematography by Owen Roizman.
One of the most frightening films of all-time, which richly earned 10 Academy Awards nominations including Best Picture, Best Director: William Friedkin, Best Actress: Ellen Burstyn, Best Supporting Actor: Jason Miller, Best Supporting Actress: Linda Blair, Best Adapted Screenplay: William Peter Blatty, Best Art Direction: Billy Malley, Jerry Wunderlich, Best Cinematography: Owen Roizman, Best Edting: John C.
Broderick, Bud S. Smith, Evan A. Lottman, Norman Gay, Best Sound: Robert Knudson, Christopher Newman. A history-making horror classic. Followed by two sequels, and two prequels. Highly Recommended.
This review of The Exorcist (1973) was written by Ferdi A on 12 Aug 2015.
The Exorcist has generally received very positive reviews.
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