Review of The Exorcist (1973) by Israel L — 10 Jun 2013

Widely called the most terrifing film of all time, it is arguable that no film has ever had such a profound effect on filmgoers and makers minds and culture. The legends surrounding the showings of this film are a good example of what the picture has become, from tales of priests walking the isles of the theatre before the commencement to bless those about to watch, to literal faintings an vomiting durring the viewings.

Many have gone so far as to call the film itself "evil", and actors involved in the filming have described it as "cursed" with varying degrees of seriousness.

Watching the film now, the shocks may be toned down... but artistically the triumph is undeniable. Acting, special effects and writing all add to a fully captivating film that never lets go of atmosphere. Some of the visuals are beyond upsetting, and even if they do not inspire "fear" in the sense of the word anymore, the inspire discomfort and disgust, and even downright blasphemy.

Detractors of the film have often missed that the film is a typical tale of good and evil, a battle of light and darkness. In fact, parts of the film even feel like they could have been sponsored by the Catholic Church. The contrast of evil and good, purity and filth, Satan and Angels, make this one of the greatest films of all time.