Return of that "chill" down my spine.

Rating: Null/10 (4 February 2001)

WARNING SPOILER ALERT THROUGHOUT!!! I just purchased THE EXORCIST on DVD and watched it for the first time in years. Once again I was reminded just how disturbing this movie is. It is one of the few movies that actually makes it hard for me to sleep with the lights out. I've heard from those who claim not to be frightened by this horror masterwork, but they must be a.) lying b.) extremely pious c.) agnostic or d.) fatuous. If you have any belief in God, Satan or evil spirits then this movie has to affect you. The most chilling aspect of this work is the nefarious comment by the demon to Father Karras that "we've got your mother in here too." Can you imagine? What an invidious attack on the psyche. This iconoclastic stab at our filial ethos should be studied in a sociology class. In addition the perversely piquant "crucifix masturbation" tableau challenges our emotional endurance. And while I believe that this scene is germaine, I can understand the calls to expurgate it. I do find that Friedkin and Blatty walk a thin line with the ending by centering it around an underdeveloped character (the priest who is the common friend of Chris and Karras). It is odd because it seems that including him in one more scene would have solidified his character and added credibilty to his apperance in giving the last rights to Karras as well as being the last person shown before the credits roll. I think if he had been included in a scene with Karras and the demon in which he has to leave the room, because he is too weak. This would add to his relevance and serve as a good lead in to bringing in Father Merrin. I also agree with Blatty who thought the final scene should have been the one shot with the priest (Karras' friend) and Detective Kinderman, which is less ominous (see DVD special features- MISSING SCENES). Speaking of which, I must add that leaving the "spiderwalk" scene on the cutting room floor was a good idea.