Without a doubt the scariest movie of all time.

Rating: 10/10 (14 June 2006)

I attempted to view The Exorcist for the very first time on what turned out to be a worn out VHS copy from the video store. The soundtrack, picture were so bad that it was pointless to try and watch it. I would've rented the DVD but they did not have it at rental store. The re-release of the film a few years ago in theaters was my first real chance to see it. I sat in a packed auditorium with people ranging from late teens to 40 somethings. We were all scared to the core from the images presented in this film. I cannot comprehend how any normal god fearing human being could think this movie is laughable or a joke. I have been a horror film fan since i turned 8rys old in 1980. The Exorcist makes all the other horror films i have watched seem mild mannered. Almost everyone knows the story behind this movie and its basis in factual events. In real life it was a 14 yr old boy who was possessed while in the movie its a 13 yr old girl. Regan, as played by Linda Blair, is possessed by a demon because of her innocence,vulnerability,and insecurities. The opening of the movie takes place in Iraq where we meet Father Merrin on an archaeological dig. A member of his crew discovers a small/hand sized carving of an ancient,powerful evil. Father Merrin recognizes the carving as the likeness of a demon he fought decades prior as a young priest. He is terrified to the point to leaving the dig sooner than expected. Next is the set up for the circumstances by which Regan is possessed by the demon. The version with added scenes gives more insight into the intense frustration felt by Regan's mother Chris,played by Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn,as she continues to take Regan to one specialist after the next to get a medical or psychological explanation of what is happening to her daughter. In between doctor visits Regan becomes more violent,sadistic,and disfigured outwardly due to the demon's presence in her body. Finally, Chris seeks out the help of the Catholic Church,through a young priest/psychologist serving at the local university, to save her daughter and this pulls together all the horrific elements that lead to the exorcism of Regan. Father Merrin is called in by the younger priest, played by Jason Miller, to aid in the performing of the exorcism of Regan. Again this pulls the back-story into the present situation thus making it even more terrifying. Do not watch this film by yourself. Have one or more people with you and be prepared for the after affects of the film on your subconscious mind. Basically, you will more than likely have bad dreams over this movie. However, its an excellent horror/suspense/psychological film that set the standard very high for all other films of its nature that followed.