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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Although it might show its age at times, it is still scarier than the majority of horror films and the performances and direction are excellent. The dream sequence and final shot in particular linger in the mind.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 29
DukeJules
This classic has a very strong atmosphere and some very memorable scenes.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.
SlappinSilly
"If movies are, among other things, opportunities for escapism, then 'The Exorcist' is one of the most powerful ever made."Roger Ebert's definitely right about that.
essaywhu
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.Starlight-
Traumatized me for good.Dieguito
That twisting head is memorable!!Siskoid
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.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!
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!georginagg
It’s everything you’ve heard. And more.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.
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...JG96
Although it might show its age at times, it is still scarier than the majority of horror films and the performances and direction are excellent. The dream sequence and final shot in particular linger in the mind.Showing items 1 – 15 of 29