I was very scared when I watched the Evil Dead horror film as a teenager but the one movie that really spooked me so far… is The Exorcist! I watched it once and never ever want to watch it again!
The Exorcist is a two hour American horror/supernatural film released in 1973 that would scare the living daylights out of anyone (no matter how brave you are) who watches it. I understand that this film was banned in some parts of the US because it "supposedly provoked fainting, vomiting and heart attacks in cinemas."
The Exorcist is a film series actually comprising six films — Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977), The Ninth Configuration (1980), The Exorcist III (1990), Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) and Dominion: Prequel To The Exorcist (2005). After I watched the first film in the series, I never ventured beyond it. The film was directed by William Friedkin and the novel and screenplay written by William Peter Blatty.
Exorcism is a religious or spiritual exercise of expelling a demon or any spirit entity from a person who is believed to be possessed by such a spirit being. This film focused on the demon possession of a young twelve-year-old girl and the exorcism process undertaken by two catholic priests.
Plot
Chris, a Hollywood actress and her daughter, Regan rented a place in Georgetown to stay while the shoot of a film was ongoing. In this apartment, Chris noticed the noises that came from the attic in the middle of the night but dismissed them.
Regan had always been a bright, cheerful girl but suddenly, she started acting differently. Chris noticed her daughter behaved oddly and erratically. She took her to see the doctor and she was diagnosed as stressed. Still Regan continued to behave abnormally and violently.
Father Damien, who is a psychiatrist for the Catholic church, was invited alongside Father Lankester to perform an exorcism on Regan. At this point, Chris was beside herself with worry and fear. The question was whether these priests had the faith and courage to confront the evil inside Regan. You would definitely want to watch this film and know whether the young girl survived the ordeal of exorcism!
Review
I must say this film gives me the creeps whenever I remember it. The Exorcist is an eerie and terrifying horror film that was expertly and excellently put together by the film makers. The scenes and pacing were orderly, smooth and riveting. It starts slow, and gets more horrifying as you keep watching. You are glued to your screen and would not want to get up or leave while the film is halfway. You'd rather watch it once and be done with it.
I commend the filmmakers and actors on the acting, sound and special effects. It was well done, especially the chilling growls and monologues of the demon, the way in which Regan's body twists from the control and maneuver of the demon all make the film a nightmare!
Linda Blair did an excellent job starring as Regan. She won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Regan. The film established her as a horror icon. After her role in this film, she went on to star in other horror films like Hell Night (1981).
After its release, the film became the second most popular film and Warners Bros highest-grossing film of all time. This film has received exceptionally good reviews from film critics and dubbed as one of the greatest horror films ever made.
I'll rate it A+ and recommend it to all lovers of horror films. Make sure you leave the lights on when you watch and when you sleep!
This is my entry to the CineTV Contest: The Best Of Horror | CHALLENGE #04 (FINAL) hosted by @wiseagent. You are invited to participate.
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