Review of The Exorcist (1973) by Eero V — 13 Aug 2014

The Exorcist has either always been a buffoonish joke or hasn't just stood the test of time at all. This film is light years away from William Friedkin's best work, but it is easy to understand why it is his best known; it deals with very controversial themes, was a huge commercial success, and still inspires many horror films today.

But I just can't wrap my head around this mess. Modern moviegoers probably aren't scared much by the film, and neither was I; it just too often feels like an unintentional horror comedy. The green vomit, the "let Jesus fuck you" scene and Pazuzu's name-calling at Max von Sydow's character are especially incredibly silly.

These are undeniably memorable scenes, but not for reasons for Friedkin must have intended. The film also has numerous pointless elements, like why is Ellen Burstyn's character an actress and what is the point of Lee J.

Cobbs' character and his recurring request about going to the movies. The Exorcist isn't the least bit scary or even atmospheric, unlike, say, 2001: A Space Odyssey five years earlier (and it wasn't even a horror film), but the remarkable visual effects and makeup by Dick Smith and the terrific performances by Burstyn, von Sydow, Linda Blair and Jason Miller still make it interesting in places.

It may be difficult for me to relate to the film as a 90's kid, someone who doesn't watch many horror films, and as an atheist, but honestly, this is the least scariest horror film I've seen in my life; I somewhat understand its status as a landmark, but not as a classic.

Even several relatives of mine, who saw the film at the time of its release, have said that it mostly just made them giggle.