The Exorcist (1973)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

The Exorcist is a 1973 American supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin and adapted from the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty. The film stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, and Jason Miller. It follows the demonic possession of a 12-year-old girl and the desperate attempts of her mother and two priests to save her.

The Story Unfolds

The Discovery of the Possession

The film opens with Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) at an archaeological dig in Iraq, where he unearths a small, demonic statue. Meanwhile, in Georgetown, actress Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) notices strange behavior in her daughter, Regan (Linda Blair). Regan’s increasingly violent and erratic actions lead Chris to seek medical help, but doctors find nothing physically wrong with her.

Turning to the Church

As Regan’s condition worsens, Chris becomes desperate and turns to Father Karras (Jason Miller), a Jesuit priest and psychiatrist who is struggling with his faith. Karras agrees to observe Regan and soon becomes convinced that she is possessed by a demon. He appeals to the church to perform an exorcism, and they summon Father Merrin, who has experience with exorcisms.

The Climax and Resolution

The Exorcism

Father Merrin and Father Karras begin the exorcism, which leads to a series of terrifying and violent confrontations with the demon. The battle takes a toll on both priests, with Merrin suffering from heart problems. During a particularly intense session, Merrin dies from a heart attack. Karras, enraged and desperate, invites the demon to possess him instead. In a final act of sacrifice, Karras throws himself out of a window, falling to his death and taking the demon with him.

The Conclusion

Aftermath and Reflection

The film concludes with Chris and a now-recovered Regan preparing to leave Georgetown. Regan has no memory of her ordeal but is drawn to Father Dyer, who was a friend of Karras. Chris thanks Dyer for his help, and the film ends with a sense of hope and the victory of good over evil.

Movie Ending

The Exorcist ends with the successful exorcism of Regan and the tragic deaths of Father Merrin and Father Karras. Chris and Regan leave Georgetown, hinting at a return to normalcy and the resilience of the human spirit against supernatural evil.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in The Exorcist.

Type of Movie

The Exorcist is a supernatural horror film that combines elements of psychological thriller, religious drama, and supernatural phenomena, focusing on themes of faith, evil, and the battle between good and evil.

Cast

• Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil
• Max von Sydow as Father Merrin
• Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil
• Jason Miller as Father Karras
• Lee J. Cobb as Lieutenant Kinderman
• Kitty Winn as Sharon Spencer

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Jack Nitzsche, with the iconic theme “Tubular Bells” by Mike Oldfield becoming synonymous with the film and its eerie atmosphere.

Filming Locations

The Exorcist was filmed in various locations, including:

• Georgetown, Washington D.C.: For exterior scenes, including the iconic staircase.
• New York City: For interior scenes.
• Iraq: For the opening archaeological dig scenes.

Awards and Nominations

The Exorcist received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:

• Academy Awards: Won Best Adapted Screenplay (William Peter Blatty) and Best Sound Mixing. Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (William Friedkin), Best Actress (Ellen Burstyn), Best Supporting Actor (Jason Miller), Best Supporting Actress (Linda Blair), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Film Editing.
• Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress (Linda Blair), and Best Screenplay.
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Actress (Ellen Burstyn) and Best Sound.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The film was notorious for its troubled production, including reported injuries and a fire that destroyed much of the set.
• Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn both suffered injuries during filming due to the physical demands of their roles.
• The intense atmosphere on set contributed to the film’s authenticity and the performances’ emotional depth.

Inspirations and References

The Exorcist is based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, which was inspired by a 1949 case of demonic possession and exorcism in Maryland. The film reflects broader themes of faith, the supernatural, and the human struggle against evil.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of The Exorcist closely follows William Friedkin’s vision. Some deleted scenes, including the “spider walk” scene, were later included in special editions and re-releases, providing further context and enhancing the film’s horror elements.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The opening sequence in Iraq, where Father Merrin discovers the demonic statue.
• Regan’s head-spinning and levitation scenes, showcasing the terrifying extent of her possession.
• The exorcism sequence, with intense confrontations between the priests and the demon.
• Father Karras’ final sacrifice, taking the demon into himself and leaping to his death.

Iconic Quotes

• “The power of Christ compels you!” – Father Merrin and Father Karras
• “What an excellent day for an exorcism.” – Regan (possessed)
• “Your mother sucks cocks in Hell!” – Regan (possessed)

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film includes subliminal images of a demonic face, enhancing the psychological horror.
• The use of real medical procedures in the film adds to the unsettling realism.
• The staircase where Father Karras falls has become a famous landmark in Georgetown, known as the “Exorcist Steps.”

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately $12 million, and it grossed over $441 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time.
• Linda Blair’s performance was so convincing that some viewers believed she was genuinely possessed.
• The Exorcist was one of the first horror films to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Why Watch?

The Exorcist offers a groundbreaking and deeply unsettling portrayal of demonic possession, featuring standout performances, particularly by Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn, and masterful direction by William Friedkin. Its blend of psychological depth, religious themes, and supernatural horror makes it a must-watch for fans of classic and influential cinema.

Director’s Other Movies

William Friedkin also directed:

• The French Connection (1971)
• Sorcerer (1977)
• Cruising (1980)
• To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
• Bug (2006)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
• The Omen (1976)
• Poltergeist (1982)
• Hereditary (2018)
• The Conjuring (2013)