[fatherbowdern]

You’re right about your choice number 1. While Regan is possessed by Pazuzu, the demon sneaks downstairs to retrieve the crucifix. Remember that Regan is “heavily sedated,” so the logic is that Pazuzu, who is not impacted by the drugs, did the dirty work of taking a the Christian symbol to do a demonic deed on his victim.

PS: I also agree that “masturbation” is a toned-down word for the “mutilation.” However, that mutilation is at the hands of the demonic powers in charge of Regan’s body.

[Witch of Endor]

How many times has this subject be posed on this board? I think that people should scan through all previous posts before starting a new subject. This topic has been addressed specifically many many times before.

Capt – is there some way to make it easier for people to search for previously posted topic before starting a new thread?

[Jason Stringer]

Witch, unfortunately no, there is no search function for this forum software I use. The new forum will provide this option.

[Witch of Endor]

Horray! How long do we have to wait for it? I was under the impression the new forum would had arrived by now!

[Ryan]

I’ll go with “2. The cross levitated up the stairs” for the lulz.

[ugotugotugotwhatiwant]

I’m sure this has been discussed on this site before, but I’m new here, so bear with me. While Chris is grilling Willie and Sharon about the cross she found under Regan’s pillow, Kinderman arrives. Chris sets the cross on a table—downstairs—when she goes to talk to Kinderman. During their conversation, the cross somehow finds its way back upstairs to Regan’s room, because the “masturbation” scene (I’ve never understood why it’s always referred to that way. It’s self-mutilation) immediately follows after Kinderman leaves. It seems to me there are only 4 possible explanations for the cross getting back upstairs:

1. While Chris and the detective were talking, Regan came silently down the stairs, took the cross, and went silently back up.
2. The cross levitated up the stairs.
3. Sharon, Willie or Karl returned the cross to Regan’s room.
4. It’s just a continuity goof.

I favor number 1 because it’s the creepiest, just like the disturbing thought of her sneaking out of the house to desecrate the church. Regan and her eerie secrets that are so subtly hinted at. In the novel, the most likely explanation is number 3 since Willie and Karl are described as devout Catholics, and I seem to remember Blatty stating somewhere that it was Karl who put the cross under her pillow to begin with. But in the film, Willie and Karl are not characterized this way and the appearance—and movements—of the cross are a complete mystery. Any thoughts?

[fatherbowdern]

Ooooh, good thought, Ryan. I can also envision that Chris went to the bathroom after drinking about 10 cups of coffee with Lt. Kinderman.

Therefore, it was actually Kinderman who saw the crucifix on the table in the entry way when he arrived at the McNeil household. Remembering this, Kinderman crept upstairs to the sick daughter’s room (“Watch out for drafts, drafts are a magic carpet for bacteria”) while Chris was taking a long whiz. He then put the crucifix under Regan’s pillow knowing full and well that the demon Pazuzu would “have his way” with Regan using the crucifix.

I know, “It’s probable, however, unlikely.” 🙂

[Author]

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