The Exorcist

Released 1973
Stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, Linda Blair, Reverend William O'Malley, Barton Heyman
Directed by William Friedkin

The story is based on a series of true events that occurred in 1949 and were later fictionalized by author William Peter Blatty in his novel. It tells of the demonic possession of 12-year old Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair), the daughter of popular actress Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn). When we first meet Regan, she seems like any happy, well-adjusted girl. Soon, however, she is hearing strange noises, uttering obscenities, and experiencing violent tantrums and seizures. As her condition worsens and she begins speaking in an inhuman voice (provided by Mercedes McCambridge), the army of attending doctors advises calling in spiritual help.

The film develops parallel storylines that eventually converge during the exorcism as Regan struggles against the spirit that has taken over her body and Father Karras confronts his own personal demons. This portion of the film, with the two priests engaging in a metaphysical battle against a force of evil, represents The Exorcist's undeniable high point. The confrontation is tense and intense, and, until it's over, we're never sure what the outcome is going to be. 

Summary by James Berardinelli

This film scared the bejeepers out of me, and that was 28 years after its release. I think the early 70's were the true golden era of movies. It was a time when directors (and even studios to a large degree) were more interested in art than blockbusters. They made edgy films like this one--a film which is more drama than horror. It takes its time to develop the characters and their situations, and it weaves the storylines together in a way that perfectly builds the tension. The tension grows and grows until it becomes clear to everyone what is happening, and then the tension is cranked to its height. There were scenes when I felt so much sorrow for the poor little girl I could hardly stand it. I think the worst was when she was getting a spinal tap and her mother watched from the little glass window. It was heartbreaking. What makes this film so great is its heart and soul, which is a mother's love for her child who is being destroyed by some power. It's so grounded in reality that it's easy to accept that the problem could be cancer, a brain tumor, or a demon. --Bill Alward, July 20, 2001