In a league of its own

Rating: 10/10 (4 March 2016)

When people ask me what my favourite film is, without hesitation I reply 'The Excorcist'. This is usually met with a shocked reaction and then questions as to 'Why?' and 'You like horror movies then'?. Well no I don't actually like many horror movies as the plot and acting are usually non existent and the dialogue is like something a 6 year old will write. So let me take you back to the early 70s when I was a kid and my 11 year older sister went to the cinema to see The Excorcist. She slept with a crucifix under her pillow for months. Forward to the 80s and The Excorcist was released on video. I and my school friends sat round our TV and Betamax video recorder, curtains closed and watched the then infamous Excorcist. I must put some substance to this in that I had previously watched many horror movies, none of which really scared me, so it was with bible clutched that I watched. In awe. And that is how I can describe this movie to people that don't know it. Its AWESOME. And you know what? It's NOT a horror movie. Nothing happens for at least 1 hour (more if you watch the recommended uncut version). What makes this movie special is a number of things: Ellen Burstyn's portrayal of Chris is truly believable. She genuinely looks like she is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. There is a sub plot running that most people miss. This is a Whodunnit on a grand scale. Is she possessed? Only her mum, who is recently divorced and feels guilty about it sees anything. Only Damien, who has lost his mum and blames himself and is losing his faith sees anything. Only Lancaster Merin, an old frail ill priest that has a back story that nearly cost him his life and job sees anything. Carl the butler? Burk accuses him of being a NAZI. In all this madness are we really supposed to believe that Regan is possessed when all around her are having problems. Watch this movie without believing the hype about the scariest movie ever. It isn't ( That title might go to the first Nightmare). Its a drama with 1st class acting, amazing story, multiple sub plots and amazing effects (No CGI!). A masterpiece.