Review – The Exorcist

Depending on how you define the genre, this could well be the most popular horror movie ever made. It’s also one of the most genuinely frightening; I remember that even the most unflappable of my friends were scared witless the first time they saw it (or course, we were in elementary school at the time, but still). I think I’ve seen it about 187 times now, and after repeat viewings I’ve reached the conclusion that the really fine points of this film are the subtle touches rather than the big gross-outs. Sure, little Linda Blair mouthing obscenities delivered by Mercedes McCambrige has plenty of shock value, but the real chilling moments are the smaller things like the now-legendary “subliminal” face in one of the dream sequences. As a result, this is one of the few films that genuinely rewards close viewing, particularly during the eerie Iraq sequence at the beginning. The 2000 re-release (and 2001 DVD version) include some additional footage, but aside from the gnarly down-the-stairs-backwards routine and a few additional appearances by “the face,” it doesn’t amount to much. Further, the director’s commentary track done by William Friedkin is genuinely wretched; almost completely devoid of background, insight or anything that might have made it worthwhile, it’s like listening to a really stupid guy do nothing but a brain-dead play-by-play. Buy the disc