The Exorcist: The Version You've Never Seen

In the case of most film critics, this is a version that they've never seen. For a few other critics, like myself, this is a film I've never seen. Yes, The Exorcist is one of those timeless classics that I've never seen. It's one of those confessions that I make that undoubtedly lowers my status in the minds of some. But, being a student of film, one who's willing to learn from the celluloid reels of the past, I eagerly walked into the theater, knowing that I was about to see a classic, one that hopefully will have not lost any of the frenetic energy that made it such a huge hit in the early 70's. I discovered all that made it a classic, and at the same time found out what makes it such a controversial film. Not only is it controversial as a religious piece of art, it's controversial as film, if only because people debate the sporadic pacing of the first act.

I'm told that this new version (which is not sponsored by director William Friedkin, rather by William Peter Blatty, the author of the book on which the film is based) contains 11-12 minutes of new footage. Having never seen the original, I'm not entirely sure which scenes were added. Hearing from the friends who I saw it with, however, I learned that perhaps the most chilling scene in the entire film was cut into this release. This scene, featuring Regan (Linda Blair) quickly scuttle down the stairs, signals the beginning of the energetic final act which has made The Exorcist famous. Being a member of the younger generation that has been somewhat desensitized to violence, this scene had its most gruesome impact. What follows this quickly cut sequence is a horrific fight between good and evil. The room in which young Regan sleeps becomes the focal point for this everlasting battle between the Devil and God. It's horror in the most real sense of the word, a horror which does not entirely rely on blood to repulse the audience, but innovative special effects and sure-handed direction.

I'm sure you've heard before that the cast is excellent, and they are. Linda Blair, playing Regan is especially good. It takes a while for her to ease into the role, but once she becomes the personification of the Devil, her facial expressions are genuinely cold. The audience with which I saw this with gasped every time she appeared on screen, a tribute to her performance. Ellen Burstyn, playing Chris, Regan's mother, is also very good. She's the mother who is forced to understand what is happening to her daughter. She's startled and angry at her situation. The rest of the cast is excellent.

The climactic scene, involving, of course, the exorcism, is a definitive scene in all of cinema. It's where the ultimate collision between good and evil takes place. The audience was stunned throughout this scene, and finally paid due respect to one of the great all time horror films.

It's yet to be seen how our generation will treat some of the scenes. Some chilling scenes inspired laughter from the uneasy audience. I suspect that they were uncomfortable with the battle. Either that or they're too stupid to realize what's going on, and why it should affect them. It's unbelievable annoying to see some bigger-than-life 15 year old acting macho in front of his date. She's squirming in her seat and he's laughing. What an impression to make.

The Exorcist retains its impressive power. Even though it has an exhausting beginning, I'm glad I was fortunate to see this extended version of one of the greatest horror films of all time. I'll tell you more thing: the new modern horror films like I Know What You Did Last Summer and Scream are for weenies. The Exorcist is the real deal. After seeing what Regan does with a crucifix to herself I'm convinced. I'm also convinced that its not something I really want to see again. Such is the power of The Exorcist.

On a scale of 1 to 10 obscenity-laced tirades : 10

[Note: Because The Exorcist is a re-issue it cannot be an option for year-end awards on this site.]