This week, we’re gonna need a young priest and an old priest as we delve into a Spooky Season certified classic, one of the most infamous and influential horror films of all time, and maybe the most culturally important possession movie… “The Exorcist”. This is one of our favourite movies from one of our favourite guys that is filled with technical skill, pure cinema, and stories of a cursed production… and we’re ready to go deep. So, strap in, get your holy water ready, and let’s talk about pure evil.
Released in 1973 and directed by William Friedkin, this adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s best-selling novel shocked audiences with its raw, terrifying portrayal of demonic possession. Starring Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow, and Jason Miller, the film follows the convergence of a woman named Chris, her young daughter named Regan, the priests who risk life and limb everything to save a soul, and (you guessed it) The Devil. Considered one of the best horror films of all time (or THE horror film of all time, per Otis), “The Exorcist” was a cultural event, sparking controversy, fainting spells, religious backlash, and debates about good, evil, and the supernatural that still echo today. Not to mention the deep cinematic and cultural legacy left in its wake. Look, this movie did for horror what “2001: A Space Odyssey” did for science fiction. With ten Academy Award nominations (and two wins) and a legacy that shaped modern horror, it is a real ripper. Not to be missed.
In this episode, we cover as much as we can about this film without beating a dead horse, and although this movie has been talked about time and time again, we share our thoughts on what it does well, why it is so important, and the legacy of “The Exorcist”. Plus, we discuss the purportedly “cursed” production, some of the technical feats and innovations used in the making of the movie, the insane casting what-ifs, the differences between the film and the book, and why the visual style of William Friedkin elevates this movie to something more. We also talk about the release of this movie, the fervour it created, the controversies surrounding it, etc. Furthermore, we share some of our favourite moments, discuss the scenes that probably blew people’s minds and Max von Sydow’s old-age makeup, and Otis educates PALMREADER on the sequels (most of them are not comparable, but recently there have been some reappraisals).
This is one of the pillars of horror film, and we honestly could have spent three hours talking about it. Friedkin, much like Pazuzu, is a demon. If you love horror but haven’t seen this movie… What are you doing? Hopefully, this makes you finally see it, because it rules. The power of Christ compels you!
As always…
INITIATE THE PROTOCOL!
Follow us on Instagram!
Instagram: @palmreadr @otismorrisdude