The Exorcist (1973)

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 HALLOWEEN REVIEWS 2022


Director: William Friedkin

Writer: William Peter Blatty, based on his novel

Stars: Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Jason Miller, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, William O'Malley



A little girl (Linda Blair) is possessed by a demon, prompting her mother (Ellen Burstyn) to arrange an exorcism.

 


This film had audiences lining up around the block for admission and bolting to the restrooms for emission, nauseated by scenes that were unprecedented for their time and still pretty powerful today.

 


Many argue that this is one of the greatest—if not the greatest—horror films of all time, and I, for one, think that’s pretty close to the mark.

 


Much of the film is presented in a grounded style that borders on cinema verite, which makes the scary parts land that much harder.

 


I was about 10 when it was originally released, so I couldn’t see it in the theater, but I have a clear memory of being totally freaked out by hearing a commercial for it while listening to the radio in the dark one night.

 


Max von Sydow and Jason Miller excel as the exorcists.

 


Highly recommended.

 

Spoiler alert!!! End of the movie!!






















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