Father Paranoia

Rating: Null/10 (24 March 2008)

Basically everybody knows everything about this film and that's, in a way, because it has a very simple plot. "The Exorcist" is a terrific film that, from a simple plot, has a great development of the characters and shows the change of all the character's mind. The film begins with Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), a mother who is worry because of the strange behavior of her daughter Regan (Linda Blair) and, at the same time, the Father Damian Karras (Jason Miller) is having a complicated time too, dealing with his mother's terminal sickness. As the film continues, the situation causes more and more desperation in the characters and both are looking for solutions. In consequence of the dead of his mother, the Father Damian begins to lose his faith and at the same time Chris, in a desperate act, finds in the faith the last hope for her daughter. And finally when the exorcist (Max Von Sydow) arrives we can see how Pazuzu works, attacking to your deepest feelings. But why the victim is a very young girl? I think that is one of the many reasons of why this film was very disturbing and banned in some countries in it's time, because gives the audience the sensation that anybody could be danger, even in a secure place like your own house. But I think that the biggest reason of why this film was very controversial is because it touches a universal and very delicate theme like religion. Besides that the main theme is an exorcism, phrases like "Let Jesus f*ck you, let Jesus f*ck you. Let him f*ck you" or "Your mother s*cks c*cks in Hell, Karras, you faithless slime" were probably an insult to many people.
The Cast: Everybody did a good job. Ellen Burstyn is great in the main role as a really brave mother, a bit similar to the role of Mia Farrow in "Rosemary's Baby". Linda Blair is good in the best role of her entire life, definitely a difficult role that will stay with her forever.
Conclusion: "The Exorcist" is one of the finest horror films ever with a tremendous impact as any other. Definitely a must see for any Cinema lover and a perfect film for a Friday at midnight.