The Exorcist (1973)

User Review

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  Barneyonmovies

  9 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: According to director William Friedkin, you'll take from 'The Exorcist,' what you bring to it, and whilst that's the case with pretty much any film, this horror's affect really does rely on a seed of fear or belief in some form of spiritual power from its audience. That's why for me this infamous movie isn't particularly effective as the scariest of all time, but that doesn't stop it from being a fascinating, mysterious and engrossing deconstruction of a spiritual battle between good vs evil that dances with the concept of faith in an intriguing way that seems to unravel more and more every time you watch.
  Yes William Peter Blatty's script manages to build a very interesting thematic concept from the gradual possession of this innocent young girl, and that's brought to life in a wonderfully mysterious way by Friedkin who not only edits and directs the mounting tension to perfection with wonderful sound design and editing, but also guides his brilliant cast to performances that keep you thoroughly engaged and invested in each character. If anything, the script and Jason Miller's performance make Father Karra the most intriguing character of all as his attitude to his religion is fascinating, but the beauty of this movie is that once again that reveals itself more and more upon subsequent rewatches. All in all though, this really is a brilliant film that shows horror at its best by using its scares and expertly-built tension to deal with some heady themes to make for an all-consuming experience at the movies that works even if its raw fright-factor is definitely dependent on what you bring to it.
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It doesn't scare me personally, but I can certainly see why some have been so thoroughly affected by it.
  VERDICT: One of the most infamous horrors ever made, William Friedkin's 'The Exorcist,' is a smart, mysterious piece of filmmaking that will transfix you from start to finish whether you find it scary or not.

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