The Exorcist

frau kaleun · 07-27-10, 11:47 AM

I know that at the time there were stories of people passing out in the theaters or having to get up and leave because they couldn't take watching it.

How much of that was real, and how much drummed up for "hype" purposes, I don't know. But it seems like it was considered to be more intense than the usual Hollywood horror flicks up until that time. It's certainly nowhere near as gory as even the typical rated-R action blockbuster or slasher film is likely to be these days. I think the creepy factor owes a lot to the fact that you are watching relatively normal, modern people deal with what seems more and more like the intrusion of some ancient and very real demonic power into their everyday happy existence. Also the religious angle of the film is one that pushes some people's buttons - for those who believe in the literal existence of a biblical Hell ruled by Satan and his minions, and the possibility of them possessing unsuspecting and innocent humans - I'm sure seeing it portrayed on the screen in a way that takes that possibility seriously can be traumatic.

Aside from that, I don't see anyone who can get through, say, Silence of the Lambs or something similar having problems watching The Exorcist, but then you never can tell what will get under someone's skin.

Biggest plus in this movie for me was Max von Sydow, I would pay to watch him read the telephone book out loud.

sharkbit · 07-27-10, 01:46 PM

Try to see the version that was re-released in 2000 that added some scenes that were cut from the original 1973 release. (The "spider crawl" down the stairs is the first that comes to mind, but there are others as well). It also added some footage to the ending, but I think the original ending was more effective.

Also the theme music("Tubular Bells") is perfect for that movie. It still gives me chills.

Lots of <<insert vomiting smiley face here>>

My wife is Catholic and I took her to see it and it made her a little uncomfortable, but it is a great story. It has some good underlying themes. It is just not a shocking horror flick with a lot of green vomit.

I'd recommend the book too.

Wolfehunter · 07-27-10, 02:01 PM

I vote The Thing was one of my fav of the times.

Sailor Steve · 07-27-10, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfehunter

I vote The Thing was one of my fav of the times.

I agree, but the only question was "how scary is The Exorcist?"

Wolfehunter · 07-27-10, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

I agree, but the only question was "how scary is The Exorcist?"

back then it was scary. today it might look a bit cheesy standards. I like the film. It is well made. My parents loved it too. I say watch it.

ryanglavin · 07-27-10, 04:50 PM

So its morely a physchological horror movie instead of these slasher horror movies?

Cool, sounds good.

Ducimus · 07-27-10, 06:10 PM

You could always look it up on youtube and decide for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...+exorcist&aq=2

Platapus · 07-28-10, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfehunter

back then it was scary. today it might look a bit cheesy standards. I like the film. It is well made. My parents loved it too. I say watch it.

I would agree. Back then it was pretty "over the top", but after 2 decades of spatter films, it looks pretty tame today.

Jimbuna · 07-28-10, 10:36 AM

I was somewhere in the region of 16 year old when it was released.

I travelled to Newcastle, 10 mile away via train to see it and remember getting offf said train on return home at about 23:00 on a dark rainy night.

I RAN MOST OF THE WAY HOME

07-27-10, 01:46 PM	#2
sharkbit The Old Man Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,529 Downloads: 334 Uploads: 0	Try to see the version that was re-released in 2000 that added some scenes that were cut from the original 1973 release. (The "spider crawl" down the stairs is the first that comes to mind, but there are others as well). It also added some footage to the ending, but I think the original ending was more effective. Also the theme music("Tubular Bells") is perfect for that movie. It still gives me chills. Lots of <<insert vomiting smiley face here>> My wife is Catholic and I took her to see it and it made her a little uncomfortable, but it is a great story. It has some good underlying themes. It is just not a shocking horror flick with a lot of green vomit. I'd recommend the book too. __________________ “Prejudice is blind. There will always be someone who says you aren’t welcome at the table. Stop apologizing for who you are and using all your energy trying to change their minds. Yes, you will lose friends, maybe even family. But you will gain your self-respect. You will know your worth. Once you have that, nothing can stop you.”

07-27-10, 02:01 PM	#3
Wolfehunter Crusty Capt. Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,752 Downloads: 40 Uploads: 25	I vote The Thing was one of my fav of the times. __________________

07-27-10, 04:50 PM	#6
ryanglavin Samurai Navy Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Evading that Hunter/Killer Group on my Tail Posts: 584 Downloads: 35 Uploads: 0	So its morely a physchological horror movie instead of these slasher horror movies? Cool, sounds good. __________________

07-28-10, 10:36 AM	#9
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,552 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	I was somewhere in the region of 16 year old when it was released. I travelled to Newcastle, 10 mile away via train to see it and remember getting offf said train on return home at about 23:00 on a dark rainy night. I RAN MOST OF THE WAY HOME __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

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07-27-10, 11:47 AM	#1
frau kaleun Rear Admiral Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Skyri--oh who are we kidding, I'm probably at Lowe's. Again. Posts: 12,706 Downloads: 168 Uploads: 0	I know that at the time there were stories of people passing out in the theaters or having to get up and leave because they couldn't take watching it. How much of that was real, and how much drummed up for "hype" purposes, I don't know. But it seems like it was considered to be more intense than the usual Hollywood horror flicks up until that time. It's certainly nowhere near as gory as even the typical rated-R action blockbuster or slasher film is likely to be these days. I think the creepy factor owes a lot to the fact that you are watching relatively normal, modern people deal with what seems more and more like the intrusion of some ancient and very real demonic power into their everyday happy existence. Also the religious angle of the film is one that pushes some people's buttons - for those who believe in the literal existence of a biblical Hell ruled by Satan and his minions, and the possibility of them possessing unsuspecting and innocent humans - I'm sure seeing it portrayed on the screen in a way that takes that possibility seriously can be traumatic. Aside from that, I don't see anyone who can get through, say, Silence of the Lambs or something similar having problems watching The Exorcist, but then you never can tell what will get under someone's skin. Biggest plus in this movie for me was Max von Sydow, I would pay to watch him read the telephone book out loud.

07-27-10, 06:10 PM	#7
Ducimus Rear Admiral Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,987 Downloads: 67 Uploads: 2	You could always look it up on youtube and decide for yourself. http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...+exorcist&aq=2