The Exorcist (1973)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  8 / 10

  The Exorcist is dubbed "The scariest film of all time". The question is, is it? Perhaps in 1973 it was, in more recent years it might be described as tame. Which ever you decide, you cannot deny that the imagery of the possession and exorcism will remain with you forever. William Friedkin excellently crafted a drama with horror elements. I repeat, I count this as a drama. The majority of the film follows Ellen Burstyn's character as she attempts to deal with what is happening to her daughter. She goes to psychiatrists, has her daughter undergo operations and experiments...only for the experts to advise her to get an exorcist involved. Now I'm no medical genius and would never claim to be, but I find it highly unlikely that a professional would advise an exorcism, even if they believed it to be psychologically acceptable as opposed to religious. So the first two acts are very much a drama, and it's a smart move. The characters are fleshed out and makes the possession scenes all the more disturbing. Then our titular character arrives for the final act, the legend that is Max Von Sydow. Then in comes the horror and what I would describe as the most thrilling third act in a horror film. I could not look away, I was enthralled. The disturbing imagery lasted for a good 20 minutes and you can see the exorcism itself takes its toll on him. Huge credit for the makeup, I mean there are some bloody moments and the spiritual aspects (including but not limited to: floating bed, floating girl, 360 degree head rotation, excessive green vomit substance, stabbing your own...lady bits...whilst cursing, moving furniture and changing voice) were captivating. The acting was solid all round, particularly from Burstyn who had the more emotionally draining performance. Some really good camera techniques, particularly the falling down the steps scene. The first act was ever so slightly slow, and the scares are dated now. However this is a solid family drama with some disturbing subtle horror scenes that makes this an unforgettable viewing.

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