[fraroc]

Also, during the scene where the demon speaks in Karras's mother's voice, Regan….that poor girl looked horrible, all sweaty and beaten. It almost looks like her skin was turning blue 🙁

[fatherbowdern]

That's true, too. So, was Regan aware of what was going on? Is Regan a witness to what’s going on while her body is being ravished by a myriad of individuals that Pazuzu brought forward to weaken the others; e.g., Chris and Karras? “Help me” is quite a statement. However, was it Regan or just another ploy by Pazuzu to strengthen Karras' belief that Regan is truly possessed, thus bringing his true nemesis, Father Merrin, to the scene?

Father Bowdern

 

[Steve Dunlap]

An interesting conundrum you bring up, Fr. Bowden.

On the one hand, since it is in Rags' handwriting, one could assume that it was Regan, managing to get a message out while Pazzuzu was asleep.  (Apparently even demons have to rest.)

Or, Pazzuzu was using his wiles to draw out Merrin.

[Sofia]

Father Bowdern said:

Sofia, is there any mention in the novel that closes the gap on the subject? The film tries to wrap it up in a nice little bundle with Chris’s statement about Regan not remembering any of it. Again, if we forget about the sequels, it does keep some questions going.

---

Hi Fatherb,

Well, in the original epilogue of the novel (you can read it on Blatty's book-novel to film) Chris and Regan have a conversation about what happened in Rags' bedroom that night. She remembers seeing a man in a funny black dress jumping out the window and asks her mom if he's all right. Chris answers that he is resting in a hospital and that someday they'll visit him. 

[fatherbowdern]

Thanks, Sof. I guess that would have solved the question about Regan's awareness of the exorcism, yet it would have ruined the mystique. I'm honestly glad Friedkin (not Blatty) asked for so many cuts to the script because it reinforces Friedkin's belief that viewers should take away something good or bad from the film. (Not in those words, of course, because Friedkin's are more lofty).

Father Bowdern

[Jenny]

Hi guys long time no post! Lol. Hope you all ok. anyhoo..

Deepest scenes for me are…

Chris meeting Karras and asking about how you get an exorcism. Love that scene.

Regan in the hospital having the tests. I still cant watch her having the needle in her neck even after all these years!

The deleted scene with Karras and Merrin on the stairs…Why this girl? Indeed.

Karras receiving the last rites at the bottom of the stairs especially since I found out it was from a real priest! I didnt know that till I watched the extras.

[DamienKarras]

As far as 'deep', the stair scene is amazing. They don't say MUCH, but hey that's the beauty.. Wonderful acting.

But my favourite scene will always be Chris and Kinderman in the kitchen!

[Author]

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