The Exorcist
In 1973, Director William Friedkin and screen writer William Peter Blatty produced a horror film that was ahead of its time. The movie is a close adaptation of William Peter Blatty's novel also called The Exorcist. The book was supposedly based on a true story. Sometime in the 60's (I think) there was a young boy who was supposed to be possessed by one (or many) demons. I believe the Catholic church intervened at some point and there may have been an exorcism performed. All of this took place in Georgetown, Washington. The same setting as the movie. Only, in the movie (and the book) the possessed child is a twelve year old girl.
     Regan MacNiel (played by Linda Blair) is the perfect daughter. Her mother is a successful film actress. Together they share a healthy, happy relationship. But this won't last long. You see, Regan has a secret habit of playing with a ouija board by herself. It is through this unsafe pathway to the netherworld that her body becomes host to something so foul her young innocent mind couldn't possibly comprehend.
     At first the signs of trouble are small and vague. Regan begins to have disobedient outbrakes and other foul episodes. After her symptoms grow worse, Regan is brought in for close psychiatric and physical study. After exhausting every possiblity of mental or physical compromise Regan's mother turns to a less practical but more efficient means to deal with the problem, an Exorcist.
     We get to watch Regan deteriorate into a blasphemus monster. Her features transform as well as her voice and her mannerism. It gets to the point where she has to be restrained to her bed for fear of her hurting herself or others. Father Damian Karas, a Jesuit Priest and psychologist agrees to examine Regan as a doctor, but not an exorcist. Through bizarre dialogue and even more bizarre acts of infidelity, Karas soon believes that this little girl is in fact, possessed. The climax calls upon Father Merrin (played by Max Von Sydow) who is experienced in the rite or exorcism. With Karas' help they must exorcise the demon before its very presence kills the girl.
     The graphic and shocking content of this film brought about a huge response from both audience and religious representatives. All over the nation, there were reports of repulsed viewers who couldn't sit through it. There were also reports of weak minded fools being driven to commit atrocities after watching the film. Being based on a true story, The Exorcist is an epic movie that shocked millions then and continues to shock new viewers today.

Click here for a clip from this terrifying movie in Real Player format.

Exorcist II: The Heretic
     Usually I'm happy to share a horror film with you. The first Exorcist is a treat to watch. The true heracy was following it up with this sequel. When the original viewing was laughed at, the director pulled the print and added new footage. Sadly, it didn't help much.
     This one came out a few years after the original film was released. It stars a slightly older (and much more bustier) Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil. Apparently, Mr. Friedkin and Mr. Blatty were quickly approached to make the sequel. After a meeting with the film 'suits' their decision was no, so another writer and director got the job.
     This movie is about Regan, seemingly normal a few years after the horrific exorcism. We are meant to believe that the evil that onced possessed her is still there only it's dorment. This sleep state is revived through a meddling priest and a device called a 'synchronizer'. We are introduced to a young Father Merrin and his exorcism that took place somewhere in Africa. The evil spirits use this synchronizer to show the past (and present). As the story unfolds, the evil is manifested as a swarm of locusts that are plaguing a village in Africa. The leader spirit known as Bazuzu is/was the spirit that once controlled Regan. The movie is truly a rollercoaster ride through the bizarre (and hard to follow).
     Most would call this sequel a cruel waste of time. I call it an attempt (at best) and I'm sure only hardcore horror fans will be able to appreciate this film.

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Exorcist III: Legion
     15 years after the orignial Exorcist stunned viewers with its blasphemus tale of a little girl possessed, writer William Peter Blatty and director William Friedkin bring us another installment in the Exorcist series. This film centers around Lieutenant William Kinderman (brilliantly played by the late Geroge C. Scott) and his new plunge into the world of the supernatural.
     As Exorcist I fans already know, Kinderman was the investigating officer into the MacNiel case. After the fall of Damian Karras (pun intended), Kinderman and Father Joseph Dyer become good friends. This friendship is severed when Father Dyer becomes a victim to a serial killer who remians at large. Father Dyer is one of many victims to be killed using the secret M.O. of The Gemini Killer (James Venemon) who was killed in the electric chair fifteen years ago. Kinderman is baffled when his investigation ends with a disturbed mental patient who greatly resembles his late friend Father Karras. Brad Dourif gives us a breathtaking performance as the Man in Cell 11.
     In his cell, our villain discloses some interesting information. He claims that he is the Gemini and that he is responsible for the murders. Of course Kinderman doesn't believe him and The Gemini offers to help with his unbelief. We find out how the Gemini escaped death and how he formed an alliance with the demons who were forced out of Regan around the same time he died in the chair.
     As the body count continues, Kinderman will have to face a killer that has the power of possession. He will have to destroy the man (and the beast therein) before his family becomes victim of the Gemini's wrath. He will need the help of a local priest who will take the task of Exorcising the demon. A demon who has played the game before and is now fully prepared.

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