The Exorcist: How to Not Craft Horror

Rating: 4/10 (6 August 2019)

I like horror. It's possibly my favorite genre of entertainment, and "The Exorcist" is one of the most praised and famous pieces of horror cinema. But...I frankly hate it.
"But it's a classic." you might say. Yes, it is. But just because it's old, or widely praised, doesn't mean it's good. In fact, classic is a very loose term, and just because it's considered one, doesn't mean I am obligated to enjoy something I don't like. Maybe it was scary at the time, but the horror doesn't hold up. And it's not because it's old. Older films like "The Man Who Laughs" (1928) or "Psycho" (1960) are amazing films still scare, and some of the best to come out horror.
Now, what are my issues? Well, for one thing, it's not scary, and a lot of it is actually funny. I'm sorry, vomit and piss is not scary. And is also way too long, focussing on uninteresting subplots and dull characters. Also, scenes like the scene where the possessed girl mutilated herself is not frightening, way too over the top, and even a little offensive. And it tries way too hard to make the audience feel something with unnesary amounts of gore that just disgusts the audience.
Now, is there anything I like? Well, yes. I did like the performances, they are really believable and felt real. It's just the film fails in everything else.
This movie just has me asking myself - "Why does this have an 8/10 on this cite? Why do people like it? Why does it have a spot on the Top 250? How is it scary?" And so many other many other questions, questions that me confused. I've watched this so many times, trying to understand the love for this film, but I don't get it. If you like it, that's fine. But please, respect my opinion. And I will respect your's.