A film you wont forget in a hurry.

Rating: Null/10 (24 November 1999)

Re-Releasing films is always a risk for studios.It is impossible for them to gauge the potential success,or potential disaster.Re-Releasing a film banned in Britain for 25 years,and seen only by people lucky enough to be cinema-going in 1973,is a highly dangerous exercise,though one to be praised by the censors. The Exorcist no longer carries the lure of forbidden spice.An official release guarantees it the loss of the thrill,the new generation that are being introduced to it simply do not get it,viewing only on the surface,not realising that its not the fact that a twelve year old girl is capable of masturbating with a crucifix,its WHY she does it that is truly disturbing.The acting in The Exorcist is above and beyond the call of duty for a horror film,with Ellen Burstyn dazzling as the loving mother suffering so much.Desperate,frightened and helpless.Max Von Sydow adds a deft touch of reality and gravitas,and Linda Blair as the child Regan starts her descent with great subtlety.The trick with The Exorcist is the air of realism that surrounds it,and while the special effects have dated somewhat(pea soup)it is what they symbolise that is important.While The Exorcist is no longer considered to be evil,more than just a movie,there are images that disturb(Regan getting a spinal tap for instance)and if you watch it carefully enough,you'll never forget it.