CaptainHowdy.com The #1 Exorcist Fansite Since 1999
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Great catch, Blizzi. Roman numerals “2” for the twin themes is very appropriate. Also – and this is stretching the point terribly – maybe it could also refer to the fact that Legion was the second, “number two” sequel – officially-from-Blatty – to the original novel. (As I say, it’s a stretch.)
Thanks for letting us know, Captain Howdy. I noticed that your post is not listed chronologically. As the newest post in this section, shoudn’t it be at the top of the list as “most recent post”?
I agree with you, Captain. The online video documentary is useful in showing the striking contrast between the times when The Exorcist came out, and our times.
While our times would suspect abuse, the late ’60s and early ’70s were more “innocent” in that regard. Unfortunately such “innocence” shielded molestation and other forms of abuse. This trend was unfortunately started by Freud and Jung, who tended to detect “incest fantasy” in all too many cases in which actual abuse was probably the actual cause of symptoms.
Pertinently, Blatty’s demon is itself a child abuser and (“the bone-white crucifix”) an actual rapist. Regan is Pazuzu’s “honey piglet” and his “pearl”, whom he claims has a “succulent c–t”. With _this_ nasty, evil figure, the novel and film don’t need poor Burke Dennings to fill in as a child-abusing character.
Moreover, in reference to the difference between The Exorcist’s time and ours: I wonder if Blatty could write that crucifix-rape scene today. Disregarding the pain, blood, and sadism, the scene is a blatant example of explicit child sexual activity. Blatty’s demon speaks with “a throaty eroticism” as the crucifix is sensually stroked in and out of the twelve-year-old’s private parts.
Such a scene today even if discovered in the worst sado-masochistic schlock horror pulp porn would evoke howls from the watchdogs of public morality. It’s amazing that a book with such a scene has survived without censorship and is available in bookstores and libraries for folks of all ages to read.
But coming as it did from a public figure whose reputation in film and literature was already well-established, would provoke a firestorm of outrage today. Can you imagine the headlines and headers for talk shows… “Has Bill Blatty lost his mind?… Is he trying to ruin his own career?… No, Mr. Blatty, we will NOT allow your book in our community, and consider your lectures and guest appearances cancelled… Explicit Child Rape Adorns Blatty’s Newest Novel (read all about it on page six!)!!!”…
Or, perhaps not. After all, the full cut of Leon does have Portman bedding Reno, if only for companionship. And Dakota Fanning’s latest flick has her (the plucky little trouper) endure a molestation scene, albeit acted-out in her safely semi-explicit body vinyl.
Anyway, maybe times have changed. Or maybe not all that much.
This seems to be the source that those imdb flakes of recent discussion here have been using to trash Burke Dennings…
lunuso, thanks for the compliment… we might be a wee bit sentimental, but I for one might get teary-eyed when the three graves show up on screen…
Speaking of funerals – off topic sort of – I would have liked to see Legion end in the cemetary with:
Long shot of cemetary;
Shot moving left to right thru headstones,
PAUSINGAt Merrin’s grave (assuming he was buried in Georgetown);
At Paul Morning’s grave;
FINALLYAt Karras’s grave.
It might make a touching tribute to those three martyrs – all killed while combatting the demonic.
