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The Exorcist ~ Film Review
The Exorcist is regarded by many as the greatest horror movie of all time, which is a rightful claim. Never have I seen a movie quite like The Exorcist, nor have I been a part of a visual experience that elevated my nerves and “scare senses” as much as this movie. The film begins in northern Iraq, where Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) is at an archaeological dig site. He finds a small Roman Catholic medallion and a stone resembling a demon of some sort. When he sees this stone, it is clear that he is rattled. In the United States, Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) is a priest at Georgetown University battling with his faith, partially due to his mother’s sickness. Then there is the actress Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), filming a movie in Georgetown and taking care of her daughter, Regan (Linda Blair).
This movie begins very slowly, with emphasis on the viewers becoming attached to each of the characters. Eventually, things start to go wrong. The church in Georgetown is vandalized, and Regan begins to act just a little bit strange. When this movie picks up, it picks up quickly, and the viewer is in for a rollercoaster ride until the end. What this movie masters is atmosphere, subtlety, and intimacy. From the beginnings in northern Iraq to Georgetown, this movie captures the sense that something is just slightly off. It could be a sound in the attic, dogs fighting, or a chilling wind, but this…
