A classic horror film which started it all

Rating: 10/10 (22 January 2017)

I know that this film has been reviewed to death and is pretty much known or has been seen by every horror fan in existence. So is there anything more to be said. Jus an obligation from another horror fan. Saw this in the mid 80s with my parents on a VHS. Bought the dvds of the trilogy n the 2 alternate prequels, The beginning n The dominion. Revisited this recently. Director William Friedkin did a masterful job of transforming William Peter Blattys book into a motion picture. He managed to create a real masterpiece. The direction is impeccable n the pacing effective n the tension is unbearable and there are some really frightening moments. The shot which forms the cover of the movie is a classic, the tall figure of Merrin (Max Von Sydow) as he stands in front of the house, about to confront the evil within is hauntingly memorable.
The cast is excellent: Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Jason Miller, Linda blair as the possessed girl n Lee J. Cobb as the detective.