Great Horror Film

Rating: 9/10 (26 November 2009)

Horror films back in the 70s are a cut above modern horror films, such as Dawn of the Dead and The Wicker Man. The Exorcist is considered one of the best in the genre and is horror expert Mark Kermode's favourite film. It is also a film that is apart of the tread of demonic children horror, which also created The Omen, another good horror film.
Set in Georgetown in Washington DC, the film tells the story of Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), a successful film actress whom just finished her latest film set in the city. She lives in a house with her 12-year-old Regan (Linda Blair), an innocent, loving girl who had been suffering from health and emotional problems. It becomes clear that something very wrong with Regan, doing seemingly important physical feats, swearing and insulting everyone, screaming and speaking in a horrible voice. She claims to be possessed by the Devil and Chris takes her to see doctors and psychiatrists. After finding nothing wrong with her Chris turns to the Catholic Church out of desperation. She goes to Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller), a priest and a trained psychiatrist who himself is suffering a crisis of faith.
Like any good horror film, or film in general, there is a compelling story and engaging characters. There is a lot of backstory to the film, it's what you expert from a film with these sort of religious themes, and shows many conflicting emotions in the characters. You don't want Regan to suffer because she is a good and scared girl and Chris is a caring mother pushed to breaking point. It also show what lengths a mother would go to help her child. The best horror films often have a theme. There are religious themes about the existence of God, and the American Health Service; but to me, the biggest horror is of a parent who is powerless to help their children. It is a family metaphor. The film has a skilled director, William Friedkin, who won an Oscar for the French Connection, who keeps the film grounded, and focuses on the characters. There is excellent, downbeat cinematography, some wonderful shots, a great use of sound and fine, suitable music. There are some truly horrible scenes, the big one for me is when the possessed Regan is masturbate violently with a crucifix: it is a truly shocking scene. There is an excellent cast, Ellen Burstyn is a great actress and offers a powerful performance. Linda Blair was a excellent child performer in what must have been an tough role for any actress. Jason Miller too was good in his role.
William Peter Blatty wrote the screenplay, based on his own novel, and show he has talent as a writer. He follows a standard three act structure but is done so well and a good example for potential writers.
A masterclass in horror cinema.