The Exorcist

The Exorcist is the greatest film of all time. That’s just my unwavering personal opinion. You may not share it. That’s okay. Nobody’s perfect. If everyone could enjoy the perfect casting, superior direction, suspenseful writing, and chilling cinematography, we would never try anything new. Just look at how many times others have tried (and failed) to duplicate The Exorcist over time! I won’t even soil this review by mentioning the garbage Blumhouse put out. (But can you “believe” they want to make two sequels to that pile of cow dung? Wish I had that kind of money to burn!)

Anyway, we all know the basic plot of the film. If you don’t? Stop reading reviews and go watch it NOW! You’re welcome.

I regularly quote this movie & it breaks my heart when people IRL don’t even get what I’m doing. I love the scenes with Karras and his mother. Especially if you’re Italian, you can appreciate that dynamic. I’m sure there were some important scenes that ended up on the cutting room floor. One minute, she’s in a hospital with busted bones. The next moment, Father Dyer is talking about her death. There had to have been a scene in between. Or there should have been.

I think the book’s author (William Peter Blatty) and the film’s director (William Friedkin) spent a little too long with the doctors and psychiatrists. The film does a good job setting up the idea that Chris was determined to help Regan, but it just feels like runtime padding after a point. And the one doctor who recommends an exorcism – what a flippant jerk! Chris should have slapped his face.

Of course, the best parts come with the exorcism. My favorite part is when Regan/Pazuzu gets loose and clocks Damien in the back of the head – while Merrin just stands there and watches! No, it’s fine. Thanks for not warning me, buddy!

I thought the film ended perfectly. The resolution and the state of Regan were perfect for the conclusion of the story. Exorcist II: The Heretic cheapens that conclusion. (I’ll review that one & the prequel at a later time.)

Yes. Fantastic film! I tried watching other Friedkin films but none are as good. Seems like this was a once-in-a-lifetime lightning strike. I really hate this phrase, but I have to close with it. Nothing else fits. So: CHEF’s KISS!