We remember The Exorcist for the late-movie possession stuff (probably even if you've never seen it), but there's a lot more going on in this horror classic. Max von Sydow playing old Indiana Jones in Iraq. The Ouija board stuff. The attempts at curing Regan through medicine (which actually made me squirm a lot more than the supernatural elements in the second half, in part due to their familiarity). That's what's so interesting about late 60s/early 70s horror films. While there are remnants of the old Gothic monsters, film makers aren't as censored (even just the language would have been pretty shocking, especially coming from a 12-year-old), but more than that, they don't know the formula yet. So The Exorcist is a bit more procedural as a result of teaching the audience how this kind of story works, and being unusual works its favor. Top shelf cast playing it straight too. Ellen Burstyn and von Sydow are Oscar-caliber actors, and while Jason Miller isn't a household name, we easily get absorbed by the plight of his priest-psychologist. And yeah, there's all the before-its-time upsetting possession stuff.
8.5/10
A Classic. A tale of belief in faith and fight between pure evil and good , the tension created by actors and score made this very chilly and horrified experience and the realism also made it more genuine and gripping, unexplained events made it tricky too.
..couldnt get past half of it and skipped to the most memorable & iconic scenes of the exorcism itself - which was fully worth it :D its hilarious and tense and sure iconic but do yourself a favor and skip a bit through it if it doesnt catch you skip to "the scenes" uhm and your mother sucks cocks in hell! ;0
I've got to ask, when I see other posters saying the film isn't scary, then what is? I've seen hundreds or Horror films, from the silent to some made this year, and this is the most frightening movie I have ever seen, even though I have seen it at least ten times.
What can be said about this movie? It’s slow to start but man, it’s awesome once the story is in place. Keeping in mind that this movie was made in 1973, the effects are awesome. I mean the make-up artist did a brilliant job! A few moments I just burst out laughing because it’s so over the top lol but which horror movie isn’t funny as some point? It's not terrifying, unfortunately I think my generation is used to worse, but it's scary in a different way. The tension the actors create is simply amazing.
Finally watched this.. gotta say, not very scary at all. I can understand 40 years ago people were terrified, but now after watching countless other horrors over the years, this was kinda dull.
Don't know what the below few people are on about. Nowhere near 'disturbing'..
It took me awhile to get around (work up the courage) to watching this, in part due to the comments of Rigters and thatisquisito.
The suspense was the best/worst thing about it, it was like when you are playing a video game (like Resident Evil), the ominous music plays when there's zombies around and stops when you've killed them all. In this however, not only was the soundtrack was chilling but not clues where to be had.
My knowledge of what was commonplace during the 70's is limited, but my guess is that some/most of the content was quite shocking, and still is to some extent. Some things become comical if you're in the wrong mindset, but for the most part the suspense eats away at you.
Gotta agree with Rigters. Of all terror/horror movies I've seen, and I'm a fan, so I've seen a lot, this is the only one I felt really bad whatcing...really distubing, but in a terrible way.
The Exorcist may be a tad overrated, calling it the greatest horror is a bit too far but I believe it aged very well! A great movie, its not slow for me, just interesting!
Add your comment
Comments 1 - 15 of 29
Groovy09
Filmmaking at it’s most powerful! Nearly half a century old and it’s still one of the best horror movies everSiskoid
We remember The Exorcist for the late-movie possession stuff (probably even if you've never seen it), but there's a lot more going on in this horror classic. Max von Sydow playing old Indiana Jones in Iraq. The Ouija board stuff. The attempts at curing Regan through medicine (which actually made me squirm a lot more than the supernatural elements in the second half, in part due to their familiarity). That's what's so interesting about late 60s/early 70s horror films. While there are remnants of the old Gothic monsters, film makers aren't as censored (even just the language would have been pretty shocking, especially coming from a 12-year-old), but more than that, they don't know the formula yet. So The Exorcist is a bit more procedural as a result of teaching the audience how this kind of story works, and being unusual works its favor. Top shelf cast playing it straight too. Ellen Burstyn and von Sydow are Oscar-caliber actors, and while Jason Miller isn't a household name, we easily get absorbed by the plight of his priest-psychologist. And yeah, there's all the before-its-time upsetting possession stuff.georginagg
It’s everything you’ve heard. And more.Greta90
Not as scary as it's a masterpiece with very outstanding performances and memorable scenes.devanshu257
8.5/10A Classic. A tale of belief in faith and fight between pure evil and good , the tension created by actors and score made this very chilly and horrified experience and the realism also made it more genuine and gripping, unexplained events made it tricky too.
5tarfox
..couldnt get past half of it and skipped to the most memorable & iconic scenes of the exorcism itself - which was fully worth it :D its hilarious and tense and sure iconic but do yourself a favor and skip a bit through it if it doesnt catch you skip to "the scenes" uhm and your mother sucks cocks in hell! ;0essaywhu
I've got to ask, when I see other posters saying the film isn't scary, then what is? I've seen hundreds or Horror films, from the silent to some made this year, and this is the most frightening movie I have ever seen, even though I have seen it at least ten times.nicolaskrizan
Intriguing and influentialhttp://beyond1001movies.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/backtrack-the-exorcist-1973/
lachyas
Well this scared the hell out of me. Which is fitting I suppose.danisanna
What can be said about this movie? It’s slow to start but man, it’s awesome once the story is in place. Keeping in mind that this movie was made in 1973, the effects are awesome. I mean the make-up artist did a brilliant job! A few moments I just burst out laughing because it’s so over the top lol but which horror movie isn’t funny as some point? It's not terrifying, unfortunately I think my generation is used to worse, but it's scary in a different way. The tension the actors create is simply amazing.It’s a classic, must see movie!
ZEDG
Finally watched this.. gotta say, not very scary at all. I can understand 40 years ago people were terrified, but now after watching countless other horrors over the years, this was kinda dull.Don't know what the below few people are on about. Nowhere near 'disturbing'..
Angellike
It took me awhile to get around (work up the courage) to watching this, in part due to the comments of Rigters and thatisquisito.The suspense was the best/worst thing about it, it was like when you are playing a video game (like Resident Evil), the ominous music plays when there's zombies around and stops when you've killed them all. In this however, not only was the soundtrack was chilling but not clues where to be had.
My knowledge of what was commonplace during the 70's is limited, but my guess is that some/most of the content was quite shocking, and still is to some extent. Some things become comical if you're in the wrong mindset, but for the most part the suspense eats away at you.
thaisquisito
Gotta agree with Rigters. Of all terror/horror movies I've seen, and I'm a fan, so I've seen a lot, this is the only one I felt really bad whatcing...really distubing, but in a terrible way.Rigters
What a disturbing movie, it really makes you feel bad. Can't say much more about this movie...SLionsCricket
The Exorcist may be a tad overrated, calling it the greatest horror is a bit too far but I believe it aged very well! A great movie, its not slow for me, just interesting!Showing items 1 – 15 of 29