Episodes 9 & 10: William Friedkin’s The Exorcist (1973)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%

Prepare to be chilled to the bone as we navigate the harrowing world of William Friedkin's 1973 horror classic, "The Exorcist." Your hosts, Mike Caron and Chad Campbell, along with our special guest, Marc Watson, lead you down a path of suspense and terror that will have you sleeping with the lights on. Together, we'll dissect the film, scrutinizing its spine-tingling plot, unforgettable characters and innovative film techniques. We'll explore why this movie has permanently etched itself into our consciousness and continues to ignite our deepest fears. 

How do you feel about the supernatural? Intrigued, fearful, or fascinated? We'll investigate the reactions of Chris and Regan, the film's key characters, to the eerie happenings around them. We'll also delve into the quintessential trope of the priest questioning his faith. We promise your perspective on horror films will never be the same after this. We'll also decode some of the film's most memorable lines and iconic moments, examining their impact and discussing why they still send shivers down our spines. 

Brace yourself. We're heading into the heart of darkness, dissecting the film's most disturbing scenes. We'll break down why the infamous crab-walk and possession scenes are so unnerving, and debate the level of gratuitousness in each. We'll also take a critical look at the film's lesser-known supernatural elements.

We peel back the layers of the iconic film, "The Exorcist," with an appreciation of the stellar performances of Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair, and the movie's profound dedication to character development and relationship building. We take a look at the film's pacing, discussing how it masterfully builds tension and suspense, despite some questionable editing.

Dive deeper into the soul of "The Exorcist" as we dissect key moments and observations. Karras's chilling nightmare sequence unpacks the film's underlying themes. Meanwhile, the subtle shift in focus from Reagan to Karras reveals the film's deeper layers. We also delve into the symbolic significance of the Chivis Regal scene, the ecstasy scene, and the ironing of the woolen sweater scene, giving you a rounded perspective of this horror classic.

Finally, we reveal the behind-the-scenes experiences of the cast during the filming process, including the physical and emotional tolls they endured. We also discuss the real-life implications of the film, including a significant spike in applications to the priesthood and nunneries following its release. We wrap up with a brief discussion on the movie's enduring impact on pop culture and its place in the annals of horror film history. Brace yourself for an episode that promises to thrill and chill you to your bones!

Plot Summary:

A visiting actress in Washington, D.C., notices dramatic and dangerous changes in the behavior and physical make-up of her 12-year-old daughter. Meanwhile, a young priest at nearby Georgetown University begins to doubt his faith while dealing with his mother's terminal sickness. And a frail, elderly priest recognizes the necessity for a show-down with an old demonic enemy. (Taken from IMDb)

Watchability Scale

We gave the film a 9 on the Watchability Scale. Marc, our guest, gave it an 8.

Links

IMDb page

Rotten Tomatoes Page

Great Art Explained

Todd In the Shadows

Cinefantastique “Exorcist” Issue

“Rats In the Attic” (Cinephilia & Beyond)

The Most Terrifying Film We Ever Laid Eyes On (Cinephilia & Beyond)

10 Behind-the-scenes Facts That Haunted the Cast (MovieWeb)

10 Creepy Details from the Scariest Movie Ever Made (Entertainment Weekly)

Top 10 Creepiest Things That Happened Behind the Scenes of the Exorcist (Watch Mojo)

Linda Blair Reflects On Horror Movie’s Legacy & Her Difficult Experience Making It (Screen Rant)