Review of The Exorcist (1973) by Dan F — 12 Oct 2013

A weak story that relies heavily on special effects and shock to hold the viewers' attention. For a film to be regarded as 'great' it needs: i) a story that gives us depth of character, ii) strong motivation for the lead character/s iii) themes that lie at the heart of the viewers' values iv) film techniques that draw us in to the story v) believability within the context of the film's story The Exorcist has none of these elements.

It has achieved its fame through manufactured controversy (often thanks to religious zealots) and the use of 'horror' just for the sake of it rather than for a purpose. For examples of horror that works consider The Cabinet of Dr, Caligari, the original Frankenstein and Dracula, Don't Look Now, Rosemary's Baby, all of which draw the viewer into caring about the characters, empathising with them, questioning the antagonist's motives, allowing us to enter the world of the film rather than stopping us at the screen by reminding us of the filmic process through special effects and inappropriate spectacular visuals.

Even the low budget, simple Blair Witch Project provides horror through enabling us to imagine being in a similar situation. Even the comedic Scream provides some occasions of horror through scenarios we can briefly relate to.

But The Exorcist? No, it provides none of this. It's a third rate, unpleasant, unimaginative film lacking any subtlety and ends up abusing the medium of film. Tao902.