The Exorcist (1973)

In this article, we will be looking at 2019’s book “1001 Movies to See Before You Die” and going through each film in a random order that I have chosen. We will be looking at what constitutes this film to be on the list and whether I think this film deserves to be here at all. I want to make perfectly clear that I won’t be revealing details from this book such as analyses by film reporters who have written about the film in question, so if you want the book itself you’ll have to buy it. But I will be covering the book’s suggestions on which films should be your top priority. I wouldn’t doubt for a second that everyone reading this article has probably watched many of these movies anyway. But we are just here to have a bit of fun. We’re going to not just look at whether it should be on this list but we’re also going to look at why the film has such a legacy at all. Remember, this is the 2019 version of the book and so, films like “Joker” will not be featured in this book and any film that came out in 2020 (and if we get there, in 2021). So strap in and if you have your own suggestions then don’t hesitate to email me using the address in my bio. Let’s get on with it then.

The Exorcist (1973) dir. by William Freidkin

Directed by William Freidkin and based on the shocking horror novel by William Peter Blatty, this film is possibly one of my favourite things in the whole world to re-watch because of its classic horror styles and progressiveness in the world of thriller, horror and psychology. I think the big thing is that it was released so close to Christmas. It was actually released on the boxing day of 1973 and I just think that was an absolute win on the part of William Freidkin who is known for scaring the hell out of everyone during the holidays. Here’s what the critics had to say.

Veteran film critic for the “New Republic”, Stanley Kauffmann stated that:

"This is the scariest film I've seen in years – the only scary film I've seen in years. ...If you want to be shaken – and I found out, while the picture was going, that that's what I wanted – then The Exorcist will scare the hell out of you”

But obviously the film world would not be complete if the great Roger Ebert did not weigh in and here is what he said, which I have always found a great thing to think about when watching the film because it offers a critical eye different to the mainstream. It is far more psychological and concentrates more on the audience response theories of cinema. Check this out:

"I am not sure exactly what reasons people will have for seeing this movie; surely enjoyment won't be one, because what we get here aren't the delicious chills of a Vincent Price thriller, but raw and painful experience. Are people so numb they need movies of this intensity in order to feel anything at all?”

On Rotten Tomatoes, there is an 83% rating for this film and the general critics’ consensus reads that: "The Exorcist rides its supernatural theme to magical effect, with remarkable special effects and an eerie atmosphere, resulting in one of the scariest films of all time.”

“The Exorcist” (1973) became the first horror film in history to get nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award and it would go on to win the Best Adapted Script. Whilst it would go on to be lauded as the greatest horror film of all time, one of my personal favourite critics, Mark Kermode, would rate it as his favourite film ever. In 2010, it was rightly entered in the Library of Congress within the National Film Registry for being culturally, historically and aesthetically significant. Until the newer adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” in 2017, it was the highest grossing R-Rated film of all time and even though it was controversial at the time, most of the critics (except for those who push in that needle scene) gave it a good review. So, of course it is a brilliant film - and it is one of my favourite films ever. Why? Well, Jason Miller’s performance as Father Karras is one of my favourite performances in a film ever. He is just absolutely amazing in that role and it would not have suited anyone else.