Horror at its finest

Rating: 10/10 (31 August 2010)

The Exorcist is a classic horror movie, nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture which I understand was rare, and it actually won an Oscar for writing. My main regret is that I've never seen the movie as it was in 1973- the dominant version on DVD is the so-called "Version you've never seen." Not that it doesn't have its own charms.
This movie is scary and intense, depicting an innocent 12-year-old girl acting increasingly strange and violent, and then demonic. She says she's possessed by the devil, but that's likely a lie (isn't Satan's schedule too busy to target one little girl?). It's more probable that it's a regular demon.
Still, ever since I first saw The Exorcist, I've always toyed with the theory that maybe the possession wasn't real. Regan may have been just mentally disturbed and obviously lost control of herself, but not to a demon. As characters in this movie themselves say, psychology is powerful and the exorcism may have only had the power of suggestion. I realize the fact that things around Regan move by themselves may be evidence that the possession was real, but it might not be- if you believe in the concept of psychokinesis. Similarly, her knowing information about the priest may be explained by telepathy. The doctors also explain how it might be possible that she could become stronger. And this may explain why the demon reacts violently to tap water- Regan thought it was holy water, and in her mind it became true. Of course, her head turning around may be the best evidence that something supernatural is happening, but still I think this matter can be seen as being up to interpretation.
Either way, The Exorcist achieves its power because we can be concerned about Regan and we can feel the damage this does to her mother. Seeing the possessed Regan stabbing her own vagina with a crucifix is appalling and terrifying. Her speech is obscene, her appearance becomes grotesque. This movie isn't afraid to take on what a possession might really look like. For a religious person this movie might be seen as having a good message- indeed, I heard the voice actress behind the demon took the script to her priest who approved. But even for a secular person like me, The Exorcist is one hell of a ride.