[Sofia]

Hi denzel, my favorite book in the world is The Exorcist. I wrote about it on my space. http://www.myspace.com/sofmaclaine

[Jason Stringer]

I have to say the film. While the book remains one of the best horror texts I have ever read, the film has such depth and quality that I really do regard it as one of the greatest films of all time. If studied correctly, anyone can learn a lot from Friedkin’s film, especially budding filmmakers like myself. This site exists because of that film.

Definitely the film for me.

[Buda]

The film for me although the book is also great.

[denzal]

really I like them both the same, i just think the book has more depth! The film was way ahead of it’s time.

[RatBoy]

Hi lunuso,

I browsed your myspace and was impressed. I’m happy to see that there are people your age that appreciates the classics rather than the crappy trash that Hollywood dishes out today.

There is some hope. 😉

Back on topic.

I’ve never got a chance to read the entire novel but I did like what I’ve read so far.

[Sofia]

RatBoy, that was so nice of you to say. 🙂

Well, I prefer the novel, of course. We know the characters in a way the movie doesn’t allow. This is personal, but I love stories that show a wonderful relationship between a mother/daughter and the book has a lot more about it.
I love the whole MENTAL vs. POSSESSED plot; the wonderful discussions about medicine, psychiatry, religion; the storylines within storylines that don’t appear in the film… well, everything.

[madaztec2]

I must say that both are great in their own way.I saw the movie first and it made a great impression in my life as it did to many out there.I saw the movie when i was like 12 or 13 years old so reading the book was like the furthest thing that i wanted to do.I had enough scare by just watching the film. Not till about a month ago i read the book by accident.I went in to a thrift book store to look for a book to read and BAM!!! There it was, THE EXORCIST ,I felt a tingle on the back of my neck as i recalled the night mares the movie had brought me as a child. Remembering the peircing yellow eyes as Regan feels or sees FR. Merrin stepping out of the cab and walking toward the house and stopping to look up towars the second floor window.That bright shinning light beaming down on him as like he was the center of attention at that very moment.Man, that just brings momories of fear and not to mention sleppless nights.
So,having read the book i must say that it was like seeing the movie again but with extra footage. So my take is that both are great .

[Vess]

This is one of those rare instances where the film manages to surpass the source novel.

[Sofia]

“This is one of those rare instances where the film manages to surpass the source novel.”

What?? You’re obviously in the minority. Most people say the novel is superior. I don’t understand how can some on this forum prefer the movie over the novel. Well, of course you’re entitled to your opinion..

[Jason Stringer]

I think it is probably because the movie is what first brought us to The Exorcist, so there is the nostalgic appeal. I have nothing against the book (it is a fabulous piece of text!) but I have a special place for the film and the way it scared me, so when asked to choose, I always say the film.

[Buda]

I agree with the Captain, although the book is excellent and goes into much more detail {most of which would basically be impossible to fit into a 2 hour movie} the film was what most people experienced first and it left such a mark on them.
In my opinion it is the best film ever made.

[Sofia]

Well, my favorite movie is The Exorcist, but I love the novel more. You’re missing a huge part of the story if you just go by the movie. So I really don’t think it’s fair to say that the movie surpasses it’s amazing literary source.

[Jason Stringer]

I don’t think we’re saying one is necessarily better than the other; we’re simply stating which we prefer when needing an Exorcist fix and reasons why.

[Jagged]

Book for me, probably because I read it first. The movie is far more shocking and accessible, but the book has the depth and background. I’ve watched the film countless times and it’s a masterclass on how to construct a movie but it is flawed when it comes to the narrative. Rightly so in my opinion as it has been sacrificed for the cinematic experience which was the right decision for the medium.
Reading the book though lets you into the minds and motivations of the characters. More importantly you realise just how cunning and dangerous a foe the demon is, rather than just being bludgeoned by it.
If more people took the time to read the book I suspect there would be far less questions on this forum 😉

[denzal]

I was just wondering which you thought was the best, the book or film?
I like the book better, but the film is still the best horror ever!!!

[Author]

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