Sensational, But Not (Too) Scary

Rating: 8/10 (30 April 2012)

This movie is so iconic and has permeated our society to such a degree that I was convinced I had already seen it though, after watching it this time, I realize I actually hadn't. While I did not find this movie frightening, I do understand how it would have been found to be by viewers at the time. Its use of relatively cutting edge special effects (the head turning) mixed with the "pea soup", make-up and voice over effects made little Regan appear quite the little demon. For me, though, it was the demon's explicit demands issued from Regan's previously innocent mouth that will be remembered.
I was a bit confused as to why there was so much time spent showing Father Merrin in Iraq. Other than the scene with Father Merrin on the right of the screen facing the devil statue on the left of the screen (later repeated in pseudo flashback), I really didn't understand the significance.
There were several interesting technical items in this movie. I especially like the scene when Father Damian Karras descended a spiral stair with the camera at the bottom looking up, tracking him circularly as he came down. There were also several dramatic uses of zoom in that added to the effect. The use of music was also memorable and added to the ambiance, especially (my favorite) "Tubular Bells".