Movie killed by its reputation

Rating: 5/10 (19 May 2005)

In many surveys "The Exorcist" is voted as the scariest movie ever. To be stated as good gives pressure to any film. To be stated the best gives a movie a weight which is almost unbearable. In my opinion "The Exorcist" is not the scariest film ever made, it's not even close. Sure, it has some goods scenes, but they all come after hours of boredom after uneventful story.
Also Friedkin's direction fails to bring out much needed tension and feeling of uneasiness to this film.
Another reason why I didn't find this movie scary is, that I am not a catholic nor a religious person by nature. The whole possessed by the devil is too straight forwarded as an idea for me to bring thrills through my spine.
As for actors the mantle goes to Max Von Sydow, as he is clearly the best actor of the film. Other actors and directing is average at best.
I can recommend "The Exorcist" only as a curiosity not as a frightening horror film.