nowonmai

Rating: 9/10 (3 August 2003)

back in 1973, the exorcist had a profound effect on it's audience. people fleeing from screens to be sick. people claiming sleep depravation through reacurring nightmares from the film. people leaving the cinema because they were just too darn scared. so as a teenager living in britain. i became rather angry with the fact that it was a banned film over here. i read the book, but really wanted to see the film. it became a desire to do so. i finally got my chance when it became available back in 1999. and i was disappointed. on first viewing. my hype just blew the film up in my face. but on repeated viewings, it's got better and better. first things first. it's not the scariest film ever made. maybe back in the day. but now, it's too dated to be shocking and daring. we've seen things far worse in other movies. it is chilling though. the sounds effect of regan in the room, cursing and screaming are bone shaking at best. at worst, they are disturbing.
but thats all really. a great piece of film. with brilliant performances. even from linda blair as the child. before she becomes the demon, she gives a highly realistic childlike show. the mystery heightens as it builds to it's climax, and it's gripping. only letting go during the slightly lame final scenes with the priests.
but what film doesnt have minor flaws. they are minor. and do not detract from the in your face cinema experience that this film provides