Could have been much better

Rating: 7/10 (12 December 2004)

What is actually good in the Exorcist is success in combining strong mystic basis with a good-quality drama.
Story lines of both mother and Father Karras portrayed believably and touchingly thanks to Blatty, Friedkin and for sure actors.
What else is good? Some visuals - e.g. that bluish lighting in Regan's bedroom, camera movements around the wrapped bed, Regan/Pazuzu stare and animal roaring, the scene with the crucifix. Most of Pazuzu lines are adequately cynical and explicit.
The most disappointing about this movie is inaccuracy with details. E.g. the tape recorded message of Regan could be a much stronger scene of daughter missing her father and could explain much better why Pazuzu decided to possess the girl. Some lines of Pazuzu are counterproductive (like "it would be a cheap exercise of power"). Most of the special effects are unnecessary and excessive compared to the care authors paid to the drama component.
The Exorcist deserves right to be treated as a classic as it set the standard in its genre. Nevertheless, for inaccurate script and excessive use of the effects it deserves only 7/10.
Another classic in the genre, the 6th Sense is much better in the above terms.