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I’ve thought about this also, and it would have been nice to see Karras connect the dots at some stage, but perhaps he never did? At the time of listening to the tape, he had no idea who Merrin was, so it would need to have occurred in a scene once Merrin is named to assist with the exorcism. From this point in the film, Friedkin definitely kicks things along quick-smart, so even if there was time for a scene like this, I think it would have found the editing room floor regardless.
Still, there is no discounting the fact that the recording DOES say: “Merrin… he’s a priest!”, so you’d THINK Karras would connect those dots!
Nice topic.
Thanks for the reply.
I agree with you that by the time Merrin is brought in the whole piece sppeds up – and as you say, very little time to insert what would be a filler.
It’s a shame Blatty himself didn’t develop this in the novel (it does occur in the novel? My memory of the book is vague now – must re-read it!)
I think it would have been of value for this to have happened. I have to say I wonder why it is never followed through in book or film.
It would also have been a further proof that the little girl WAS possessed – so perhaps considering the fake holy water scenes was not followed up on. Would have been GREAT to see the reaction of Karras upon meeting Merrin, though.Welcome JohnnyAlucard2009!
I’m jealous that you were allowed to do your dissertation on this film! I would love to read it. Do you think you could post it here or perhaps include a link? I think everyone here would like to read your dissertation as well.
I agree about the recording and why the word “Merrin,” in a singing fashion, was never expounded on.
We knew who Merrin was from the beginning and that word is actually a clincher for the audience to make a connection about the fact that Regan is truly possessed. Regan never knew, by any measure, who Merrin is. It’s never mentioned in the novel, script, or screenplay.
In fact, the scene in which Rev. Tom, President of University, is discussing the exorcism with Bishop Michael, there is a brief mention that Merrin just returned from “a dig near Nineveh.” Therefore, with Merrin being northern Iraq on an archeological dig, Merrin would not be known to everyone in that particular Catholic parish. When the Bishop has to ask about an exorcist, we know Merrin is a humble man. Merrin is truly an unknown figure to Karras (and especially Regan).
I think this is a just major clue that Blatty reveals with great undertone to make us think or connect the dots for ourselves while Karras is in the blind spot. I see this as a way in which scenes have been written where the reader/viewer is aware that the killer is hidden behind the door with an ax as the victim enters the room. 🙂
Hi again. Sorry I only get to post so infrequently – I work as a 3D artist for a game company and my schedule is just so tight right now.
About the dissertation – yes – what a coo idea I’ll be glad to get it put on here – be VERY interesting to see what all the fans of the film make of it.
Might take some time though- it’s a little over 10,000 words.
It’s called “fear or faith – the affect of The Exorcist”
I’ll see about getting it online.
As for the tape – it’s one of the things I have thought about for a while.
Partially because that sequence was one of of the more (for me) frightening pieces in the film.
Unlike many other scenes it’s not a direct assault upon the viewer (and I use the term assault in the sense that many times Friedkin “takes” (or should that be “drags”) the viewer into Regan’s room and we know we are going to witness something quite powerful and full on.
The tape sequence is rather different – and it works well. Personally I found it very scary. One of the scenes that plays on the mind.
It’s almost as if the evil is brought into his room through the recording.
Anyway must run but I will be posting soon.
Thnaks for such a friendly welcome.Didn’t this recording play a semi significant role in Exorcist III:Legion in connection to a certain Gemini killing victim?
Rat, not sure I remember the tape and EIII: Legion being connected to the original. I do know for EVERY Exorcist follow-up film, they use either a visual or audio link … just as did they with the prequel like this one here.
Hi Bowden, I rewatched it last night and Karras’s taped was specifically mentioned in dialogue between Kinderman and another priest.
Also I won’t go into too much detail but the crucified boy at the beginning is the connection to Karras’s tape.
Thanks for this topic. Now I too am curious about the connection between the crucified boy in E3 and Karras’s tape.
Good find, Ratboy. I really need to watch the film again. It’s the only one in the The Exorcist series that I like. However, the Granny crawling on the ceiling should have been ditched, but that’s probably a little of Blatty’s old slapstick comedy writing coming out of him! 🙂
Thanks fatherbowdern.
IMO EIII:Legion is very underated movie despite a few inconsistancies.
It doesn’t come close to the original … but it’s still a worthy follow up.
I like watching EIII back to back with TVYNS. Those extended scenes with Dyer and Kinderman really ties into Legion.
What I also liked was the last scene of The Exorcist was Father Dyer walking past and looking at the stairs and then the first scene of Legion was Father Dyer 17 years later walking past the same stairs.
Good points again. I know Blatty did not have a thing in the movie about an exorcism being performed, but he had to write one to appease the studio. I’m really sure if the let Blatty go for it on his own, it would have had more impact.
Blatty’s direction and opening scene in the church was awesome. Plus, your the image of your gravatar is probably the scene that scared the hell out of me most because it had a clever set up.
I always wondered about that in the back of my mind too. Also when Merrin walks in and Regan lets loose with that wall shattering scream of “MMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!”. I thought someone should have gave a “How the fuck did she know that?” look.
Ratboy said:
“IMO EIII:Legion is very underated movie despite a few inconsistancies.It doesn’t come close to the original … but it’s still a worthy follow up.”
I totally agree. I think if it would have stuck to the book we would have had a worthy sequel to the original. I tell prople to watch it up to the point where the nurse is subdued at Kinderman’s house then turn it off and read the last of the book.
I think it’s one of those rare movies that actually gives me the creeps. The particular scene in your avatar is one of the most brilliant scares I can think of. Excellent timing. It’s kind of like being on a bungie jump that you know is going to drop but it takes so long you give up, then it drops…..
Love that scene!!!
When Regan/Pazuzu shouts, “MERRIN!,” it sure as shit scared the hell of Sharon and everyone else. That scene was so fantastic in the way in which it was shot … the viewer looking down to witness the terror from above. Friedkin rocked that scene as it was another build-up to the exorcism.
I agree about the EIII: Legion scene … it scared the shit of out me when it happened which is so rare because Blatty set it up so perfectly! See it here.
Hello. New member here. Been a fan of this film since I was about 15. Did my university dissertation on the film even!
Finally joined up.
Anyway -this point has been bugging me for ages and I don’t think this has been covered (apologies if it has) before.
When Father Karras is listening to the tape recording of his conversation with Regan – is the mention of “Merrin” ever connected? He is introduced to the older priest later – yet there is never a mention (or is there?) that the girl is mentioning a man she has never met.
Was this glossed over in the film or simply not worth commenting on?
I would have thought that Karras would have mentioned or noticed this? Would have been interesting – and quite creepy too. I wonder why more wasn’t made of this.
ANyway it’s good to be here.JohnnyAlucard2009,
Welcome. I caught that scene, but never minded that Karras missed the connection. Most people wouldn’t catch it in the real world…
I’m interested to know more about your “university dissertation”. I’m the editor of AMERICAN EXORCIST (http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-3597-5) and am considering a sequel, so perhaps I could use it? We should talk one day soon…
Welcome again to the forum!
Cheers & God Bless
Benjamin Szumskyj
Editor, AMERICAN EXORCIST
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