Runtime:
122 minutes
Release
Date: December 26, 1973
Rating:
R
Director:
William Friedkin
One of
the only drive-ins left in our area decided to stay open later this
season and show classic horror movies leading up to Halloween
weekend. First up was The Exorcist and The Shining. Since I'm sure
everyone in the world knows the plot of these movies, I thought I
would just do a few thoughts and observations rather than a
traditional straight up movie review.
*I never
thought I would get to see this on the big screen, and the atmosphere
surrounding the movie was just phenomenal. Since we went on a Sunday
night, which is the least busy day of the week, we were one of just
six cars watching the films. With trees around the lot blocking the
streetlights, it was the perfect creepy experience.
*The
Exorcist is a lot funnier than I ever gave it credit for watching it
in the past. There are moments in the movie that actually made us
laugh fairly loudly.
*Everyone
talks about Linda Blair, but Ellen Burstyn really made the movie. She
adds these special touches that take her character to the next level.
Whether it's the way her hand shakes when talking to Father Karras
for the first time or the way she furrows her brow when trying to
talk to Regan in the tub, she's just amazing.
*I had a
college professor who taught a lot of horror and sci-fi lit classes
and required that we read the book in class. He gave extra credit for
students who did something unique and different. He loved talking
about the two guys who went to the actual staircase and recreated the
last moment of Father Karras for his class.
*The
version we saw was the anniversary edition that included the spider
walk scene down the staircase. While a lot of people claim this is
the creepiest moment in the film, it kind of pulled me out of the
movie. It almost felt like it was shoe horned in and didn't really
belong.
*The
scene that did get me was when Regan goes in for the first series of
tests. I hate needles so much that I can't even look when I get my
own blood drawn. Seeing that needle go into her neck and then the
blood come out actually turned my stomach. I was pretty happy to
later learn that a lot of people feel the same way.
*So many
people remember the vomit/pee soup scene, but it really only lasts a
few seconds. It's actually strange that it's so memorable.
*The
same applies to the crucifix scene. For some reason, I always thought
that moment went on way too long because it made me feel so
uncomfortable. It really only lasts around 30 to 45 seconds.
*It
takes a lot longer for the film to get going than I remembered. A
large chunk involves the Father overseas, and it's probably 45
minutes until Regan demonstrates enough problems that Chris calls for
a doctor.
*Watching
The Exorcist on the big screen made me eager to head back for more
movies this month!
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