The Exorcist           

By Jeff Shannon

Director William Friedkin was a hot ticket in Hollywood after the success of The French Connection, and he turned heads (in more ways than one) when he decided to make The Exorcist as his follow-up film. Adapted by William Peter Blatty from his controversial bestseller, this shocking 1973 thriller set an intense and often-copied milestone for screen terror with its unflinching depiction of a young girl (Linda Blair) who is possessed by an evil spirit. Jason Miller and Max von Sydow are perfectly cast as the priests who risk their sanity and their lives to administer the rites of demonic exorcism, and Ellen Burstyn plays Blair's mother, who can only stand by in horror as her daughter's body is wracked by satanic disfiguration. One of the most frightening films ever made with a soundtrack that's guaranteed to curl your blodd, The Exorcist was mysteriously plagued by troubles during production, and the years have not diminished its capacity to disturb even the most stoical viewers. Don't say you weren't warned!

Academy Awards

The Exorcist received Academy Awards for Writing (Best Screenplay based on material from another medium; William Peter Blatty) and Sound (Robert Knudson & Chris Newman). The Exorcist also received Academy Awards nominations for Best Picture (William Peter Blatty - Producer), Actress (Ellen Burstyn), Supporting Actor (Jason Miller), Supporting Actress (Linda Blair), Directing (William Friedkin), Art Direction/Set Decoration (Bill Malley - Art Direction, Jerry Wunderlich - Set Decoration), Cinematography (Owen Roizman), and Film Editing (Jordan Leondopoulos, Bud Smith, Evan Lottman, Norman Gay).

Share Your Memories!

Is The Exorcist one of your favorite movies? What do you remember about it? Share your stories (or your reviews) with the world! (We print the best stories right here!)

		Your Memories Shared!

"I never tired of this film. It still has the power to frighten me every single time. I love the new version released in theatres not too long ago. With the added scenes, the movie is even better. With all the horror movies shown and released, The Exorcist still remains the scariest movie ever." --Sussane

"When The Exorcist was first released, I was the same age as the character of Regan MacNeil. My father reluctantly took me to see the film about a year after it had been in theaters. Not realizing how graphic certain scenes would be, he was mortified to sit side-by-side with his 12-year-old daughter as the possessed Regan impaled herself with a crucifix. I was too shocked to process it. Thirty years later, I decided to watch the film again, this time purchasing the Version You've Never Seen. As an adult, I understood significantly more about the story and its characters. I have a renewed appreciation for the film in general and the outstanding cast of actors. Ellen Bernstyn is so natural and convincing in the role of the loving and horrified mother. The late Jason Miller gives an incredibly deep performance as the tortured and unhappy priest who desperately wants a normal life. All the remaining actors give their best in each respective role, and the level of intensity never wavers. No matter how many times I watch this film, the chills never stop running up my spine. The special effects are still quite decent considering the film's age. It will always remain one of my favorites, and it's quite possible that the depth of horror will never be surpassed." --MaryCheetah

"One of the most horrifying movies I've ever seen. I was 12 years old and had to sneak in the theater with some other viewers. It scared me so bad I couldn't watch half of it. I had nightmares for years !!!" --jeannie

"I was a young boy when this movie was on TV. I sat along with my family wathing this movie. I was a little disturbed after watching it, But,, I was ok. I was able to sleep fine. My nephew and his mother (my sister) was living with us at the time it aired on TV. Well, when we went to bed, I let my nephew go first in out room. I acted like I need to go to the bathroom, I then crept outside, and went to our window, (which we shared the same room), I rubbed my fingernails on the screen. My Nephew freaked and jumped off of the bed and never touched the side. He was near the window, He jumped and cleared the side of the bed. I ran back in, and found him holding his mother. I asked him, "Hank, whats the matter? Are you ready to go to bed?". He replied, "Uh,, In a minute". I had to tell him I did it for him to even think about going to bed.. This movie was the scariest movie I have ever seen, and still to this day, Nothing compaires. I was down right Scared watching the scenes,, Talk about a Good Movie,, To all who help create this movie,, it was a Perfect job!" --Juice

"By far the scariest movie I have ever seen. I have seen it numerous times and it still scares me every time I view it. I left the lights on at night for five months after seeing it the first time!" --Anonymous