CaptainHowdy.com The #1 Exorcist Fansite Since 1999
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I’ve always notice that picture, too. I wonder if Blatty wrote that into the script (although it doesn’t appear in my copy)? Just another unique move in this film.
Father Bowdern
Interesting! If you read the part about what Burstyn says regarding the initial meeting with Father Karras in the Washington park, it appears to answer some of the cigarette continuity issues at play. With only 52 seconds to shoot between the rush of airplane engines and the time of morning (starting at 4:00 a.m.), it is no wonder that the infamous cigarette episode took place.
I guess this also answers the question about the location of the park as far as what city, too. 🙂
Father Bowdern
Sof,
I have the Travers book and I know its contents fairly well. However, you have to remember that Burstyn’s intent was to pull for all the actors in the film for a greater success rate (thinking of financial success here, too). In fact, she coached Jason Miller along in several scenes. So, if I were Burstyn, I would say Blair couldn’t act in the beginning and then say she was terrific when the cameras rolled. I believe Burstyn was implying her thoughts in a general way regarding the acting process (Blair’s a part of that picture). Of course, we could split hairs over the comment. But, it’s unnecessary.
I am content with Burstyn’s comment at face value in that Blair not couldn’t act, but can’t act. Perhaps we would have seen more parts of the build-up of the mother-daughter relationship that you and me so yearned for in the film; e.g., Washington sightseeing; Regan and Chris sharing a meal … something to show us the “normal” side of Regan.
Father Bowdern 🙂
Have you read Burstyn’s memoir, “Lessons in Becoming Myself”?
Ghetto, I love the film because of the cast and that does include Blair. I too obviously “bought her as that character 100%” in the demonic role.
My rationale may be slightly differing in the fact that Blair’s acting talents, or lack thereof, did not include the vocal range required for the demon; plus the aforementioned awful acting scenes prior to her character’s possession.
Friedkin was very selective about scenes to include in the film of Blair that represented her character as the young and innocent victim. In fact, there are very limited scenes of Blair that would have, IMHO, built a better “mind mousetrap” had Blair been a better actress.
I have to split the non-possessed Blair performance away from the demon, and hearing what Justin put together, caused much concern for Friedkin who knew the film was disastrous had he not thought of and acquired the great Mercedes McCambrige.
As far as Dietz, she is nothing more than a stand-in with only a few seconds of screen time all of which were dedicated to special effects and stunt double scenes. Again, IMHO, she belongs in the same classification as contortionist Linda Hager who performed the spiderwalk.
Father Bowdern
Ceru,
Have you heard the audio of what the sound crew did with Blair’s voice through audio distortion? It’s horrible, despite their best efforts. I’ll bet when Friedkin sat in the “preview theater” with others, he probably sank in his seat or yelled expletives left and right when he heard it.
I recall Ellen Burstyn saying that Blair couldn’t act. Burstyn was right. Blair just doesn’t have the innate acting abilities from a verbal stance to complete the demonic role using her own voice (despite alterations). She really didn’t have what it took to inflect the necessary emotional range required of this heavy-hitter role.
When TVYNS came out, I could clearly see why Friedkin chose to cut the scenes of Blair at the doctor’s office. It’s God-awful acting. Case in point: when Blair is attempting to “act” out the scene of flighty behavior, while humming, followed by her passing out, her acting is in accord with a very camera-conscious clumsiness that makes the scene implausible. Friedkin knew what he was doing, and I praise his editing decisions in the original version of the film despite the small commotion about the transitional scene regarding Regan’s sudden (and unknown) illness at the end of the party scene.
Oh, well … I digress.
Another Bonus! Here’s a link to the snippets I posted on here called, “Speaking in Tongues.” Enjoy!
Father Bowdern
I don’t, but I see Max is jumping for joy that he signed a contract where he gets a percentage of the box-office sales!
Father Bowdern
Sorry to all the fans of Blair, but this really shows her inability to act. No wonder Friedkin was bashing his head in trying to think of another actress to dub over Blair’s voice.
Indeed, it’s not only laughable, but a disaster for a failure. If it hadn’t been for Mercedes acting abilities, this would have been just a film instead of an icon.
Thanks for sharing, Justin!
Father Bowdern
Ceru,
GREAT find! Needs the front page on here.
We definitely know this is Friedkin talking because he curses so often. It’s interesting that he says Warner is obligated to come to him regarding other medium; i.e., 3D. If I remember correctly, WB, Hoya Productions, Inc., and Blatty has say so over any medium chosen.
I’m probably wrong though because I’m sure Friedkin will say he owns 51% of the stock. 😉
Father Bowdern
Ryan,
Did you also notice that one guy has the 25th Anniversary Lobby Cards that came from the box set for $295.00? The auction title says: The Exorcist – ORIG MOVIE LOBBY CARD SET OF 8 U.S. 1973. “Me thinks” that seller is not being too honest …
Don’t buy any wooden nickels, kids.
Father Bowdern
Nosferatu is one of my favorite pieces from this artist. This guy does incredible work.
Father Bowdern
