CaptainHowdy.com The #1 Exorcist Fansite Since 1999
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Well it’s just outtake footage, I don’t think it really represents what the final scene would look like. They still may show more?
I believe Friedkin was right to change Regan’s personality in the film anyway. It’s fine in the novel because obviously the characters are much more fleshed-out, but in the movie there’s only a small amount time to establish Regan as a normal little girl, and have the audience relate and sympathise with her.
Regan could have been a really annoying character, which would have been as ineffective as Jack Nicholson in The Shining. Then the whole movie would have been ruined…
Justin said:
New previews: http://www.movieweb.com/dvd/DVaGKBLugJVnee/videos/
SPOILER ALERT:
Not only will we be getting the amazing behind the scenes footage of almost every scene, but also footage from the Captain Howdy reel AND almost the entire deleted Washington sightseeing sequence… the main two things fans have been asking for. Is this a dream?!
Justin, I really enjoy the one on “Low Tech.” I totally agree with Friedkin about the original which is probably why I felt the CGI work did not do any justice to this classic. It only presented the novel idea that tampering with new technology for an older film is great for polishing films to remove dust, grain, scratches, etc., but overworking the technology is ridiculous. In fact, Friedkin is bragging over the use of the on-screen special effects; hence his thinking doesn’t represent TVYS in such a good light after all.
Father Bowdern
Oh, yea. “The Stairs” makes some sense from an outside point of view. However, the orientation of Regan’s bedroom is out of whack when you really think about it. Only one example is when Chris enters Regan’s bedroom during the masturbation scene while the old phonograph records are crashing into the window. This is the same window on the backside of the house from which Karras makes the plunge to his death. Technically, Burke and Karras would have to exit the side window to land on the Hitchcock Steps.
Maybe I’m missing something, but the aquarium lights from both inside and outside, Kinderman watching Regan’s shadow on the opposite side of the street, and the windows along the hallway don’t add up somehow.
Maybe it’s me; maybe it’s rats? I’ll get some traps.
Father Bowdern
I never noticed the whole window thing until you guys just brought it up. Could there be a possibility that Kinderman wasn’t looking at Regan’s window at all, perhaps another window in the house? If that’s the case, it makes the scene infinitely creepier because we know Regan is strapped to her bed in her own room…just a thought. Or maybe they originally meant for it to be Karl’s silhouette like it was in the book and that’s why the positioning doesn’t mesh up.
Father, I don’t think those traps aren’t gonna do any good, unless you’re in the mood to catch a stuffed animal. “Someone is funny,” you know.
“Technically, Burke and Karras would have to exit the side window to land on the Hitchcock Steps.”
Hmm, Justy tells me the same thing… but I built the house on The Sims 2, exactly like it is in the movie and I never had a problem placing the steps on the right spot. As I see it, the only fault in the movie is that Regan’s bedroom should have three windows rather than two.
“I believe Friedkin was right to change Regan’s personality in the film anyway. It’s fine in the novel because obviously the characters are much more fleshed-out, but in the movie there’s only a small amount time to establish Regan as a normal little girl, and have the audience relate and sympathise with her. “
Justin, Regan of the novel giggles too! except not ALL the time. She still acts like a normal, happy girl while not possessed. And,actually,a lot of reviewers of the movie have complained that Linda’s performance in the earlier scenes was too saccharine-sweet. A little bit of seriousness and shyness from her would have added to the horror! How can you not agree with this? I just can’t stand that she has to laugh even while saying dialogue that is supposed to be serious. For example:
Novel:
(discussing Burke)“Well, you like him.”
“Oh, well, sure I like him, honey; don’t you?”
She made no answer.
“Baby, what’s going on?” Chris prodded her daughter.
“You’re going to marry him, Mommy, aren’t you.” It wasn’t a question, but a sullen statement.Movie:
Linda (smiles) well, you like him.
Chris: Yeah, I like him. Don’t you like him? Hey, what’s going on, what is this?
– now Linda doesn’t even look away without responding like Regan does in the novel, she just keeps smiling:
Linda: You’re gonna marry him, aren’t you? Hahahaha… whaaat?Novel:
Regan: “Well, I heard. . .”
“You heard what? huh? From who?”
Whirling slivers of doubt in the eyes; hesitation; then a shrug of dismissal. “I don’t know. I just thought. . .”Movie:
Linda is laughing as usual: Well, I heard -differently.
Chris: OH, you did? What did you hear, huh?
Linda: I don’t know, hehehe, I just thought hehehee…” LolYou know, the first time I watched the movie I didn’t even get the feeling that Regan didn’t like Burke Dennings, it’s just so hard to tell with her talking so happily about it.
I think the truth is at that age Linda was not an accomplished enough actress to put across such subtle emotional inflection. It was plainly an awful lot to ask a 12 year old to carry such a complex movie, so it was probably wise to simplify the character.
I also think the quality of her acting had a lot to do with some of the scenes that were excised from the movie by Friedkin before release. Doctor’s Office etc.
Reading between the lines of what was being said at the press conference regarding “knowing when the film was something special” I have a suspicion that there was some trepidation on everyone’s part as to the success of the piece until Mercedes McCambridge came on board. It goes some way to explaining why Friedkin was frantically editing right up to the last minute before release.Sof (XXXOOO),
Take a look at a couple of things that Justin posted here re the house and the built-on extension. When you compare window sizes from an exterior and interior POV, they are off.
In particular, the window from which Karras plunges to his death does not match the double-sized window like the two small side windows. Those extension side windows include only the hallway window and the one additional window in Regan’s bedroom. That additional window would be the only window that Karras could have dove from, however, the focus was always on the large double-sized window on the back.
Lead me to your Sims again because I’m sure you’ve made sense of it.
Father Bowdern
I may be reading too much into it, but Friedkin says he’s all about stark opposites in The Exorcist film.
Dark/dimly lit scenes, followed by harsh light.
Cacophany, then immediate quiet (the ‘sow is mine’ scene, door slam, Chris and Sharon sitting silently), and vice-versa (Chris and Regan chatting, then the loud pub scene).So the introduction of an innocent, happy, laughing child versus a scowling demonic abomination, even when it’s a gradual change, seems okay for a two-hour film, as opposed to a novel that can take its sweet time.
(I will say though, the Regan and Chris play-wrestling scene verges on saccharine!)I only wish there had been more scenes of the relationship between Chris and Regan. More importantly, I really want a more established version of Regan’s character showing her innocence and vulnerability. However, if the doctor’s office visit is any indication about Blair’s lack of acting abilities, Friedkin was wise in minimizing Blair’s screen time. Blair may have not been the greatest actress in the role (IMHO). However, Friedkin fleshed out enough of Blair’s performance through much smaller sequences. I can only imagine what the film would be if a more gifted actress was in the role as Regan (you can think of one).
Father Bowdern
I have to disagree about Linda Blair’s acting ability or lack of as you put it. Her oscar nomination and golden globe win were well deserved. She was considered the best out of hundreds of girls looked at for the part.
Of course it’s all opinion but this quote from the book “The Story Behind The Exorcist” About the bedroom scene when Chris and Regan discuss her birthday sums it up perfectly for me.
“As expected Ellen Burstyn covers all the emotional bases with accomplished artistry, but Linda Blair is a revelation. The shifting naivete and sophistication in her expressions, the insinuation she managed to pour into a simple phrase like “I heard differently” was a remarkable display of virtuosity for a newcomer.”
I may be reading too much into it, but Friedkin says he’s all about stark opposites in The Exorcist film.
I agree, and that’s always how I’ve seen Regan’s character in the movie, especially keeping in mind the other deleted bits that would have followed the bitter-sweet scenes (like a very disturbed Regan coming down to the study complaining of noises).
Although I can see what Jagged is saying. I do think Linda was lacking ability in certain ways, but I just don’t think it actually had any impact on how Friedkin wanted her performance to be in the film.
In other news, here’s the Blu-ray artwork for the Australian release:
Unfortunately we won’t be getting the original theatrical version, otherwise I probably would have gotten a copy eventually because I like the artwork. I’ll just pick up the DVD version instead.
The stark opposites are obvious and that’s why the film so incredible. Just think about the scenes where the film goes from pitch dark to a blinding white with sounds that go from silent to a piercing level.
BTW, here’s a nut case that thinks he’s already seen the BR and put a User Review on Blu-ray.com already:
The Exorcist Blu-ray User Reviews
indefinentnj – 19 hours ago
Movie: 5
Video: 5
Audio: 5
Extras: 5
Overall: 5“EXCELLENT MOVIE
This movie is perfect on blu ray the PQ and AQ and the extra features are perfect i watched it hooked up to my home theater and you can hear everything crystal clear it has been a while since i seen this movie and now watching it again this time on blu ray it’s amazing and still scares the cr@p out of me they really took there time with this BRAVO..”This guy is dreaming or he’s a kiss-ass VIP.
Father Bowdern
Justin,
I've read from several websites that there will be a shortage of BRs because of a duplication problem … I sincerely hope that's a rumor going around. I'm headed to my local 24-hour store at 11:30PM to get a copy when it's available at 12:01AM. I haven't heard about any shipments.
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Father Bowdern
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