[granville1]

Good topics for discussion. I never read Rosemary’s Baby so I can’t comment…

[Sofia]

Oh, thanks granny. I haven’t read Rosemary’s novel either. I meant the movie. 🙂

[granville1]

Oh, duh, I get it now… okay, I’ve seen the movie but it’s been sooooo long ago that I can’t recall the details. Probably a good time for me to view it again! I’m sure your observations will enhance viewing it again.

[Benocles_Czar]

Friends,

No, I’d say the connection is weak. After all, Blatty once cited RB as a comical take on a serious theological issue and can’t imagine him being influenced.

Cheers & God Bless
Benjamin Szumskyj
(editor of the forthcoming ‘American Exorcist: Critical Essays on William Peter Blatty’)

[Sofia]

Hi Benocles_Czar, I still see similarities between the movie, Rosemary’s Baby and The Exorcist novel, particularly the witchcraft book that has chapters about Black Mass rituals.
A funny connection is that RB’s novel was published in 1967, the movie was released in 1968 and Blatty started writing The Exorcist in 1969 lol.

[Benocles_Czar]

Lunuso,

Perhaps you are right. I am re-reading The Exorcist as we speak and there are slight similarities. In saying that, Blatty is a far more interesting author than Levin…
😛

Cheers & God Bless
Benjamin Szumskyj
(editor of the forthcoming ‘American Exorcist: Critical Essays on William Peter Blatty’)

[Sofia]

“In saying that, Blatty is a far more interesting author than Levin…”

To me, Blatty is the best writer in the world, along with Frank De Felitta. :o)

[kokumo]

I never considered the comedic quality to “Rosemary’s Baby” Blatty zoomed in on until the much inferior & overtly comedic “Son of Rosemary” hit the stands. (Heartbreakingly disappointing & to be avoided for all those who love “Rosemary’s Baby”). Quite like earlier Levin work such as “This Perfect Day”, “Deathtrap”, “The Stepford Wives”, “The Boys From Brazil” but more recent material like “Sliver” and the “Rosemary” sequel left me cold.

[Benocles_Czar]

Friends,

There is a great essay exploring the two novels in my AMERICAN EXORCIST volume entitled “A Devil for the Day: William Peter Blatty, Ira Levin, and the Revision of the Satanic” (by John Langan). Well worth a look…
🙂

Cheers & God Bless
Benjamin Szumskyj
Editor, AMERICAN EXORCIST
http://www.mcfarlandpub.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-3597-5

[Sofia]

I think Blatty looked for inspiration to the witchcraft book subplot in Rosemary’s Baby. And also the anagrams, Black Mass conversations, the big heavy bureau made out of teakwood…

I know this isn’t very interesting but since The Exorcist is my favorite novel I want to start more threads. 😉

[kokumo]

Actually, I’m ordering in a bunch of new books for 2009 & yours is on the list (if I can find a copy under $50 otherwise it waits til I can find one used.) Should be able to find it on Amazon or that linky-thing you posted. Looking forewaed to it.

[Author]

Posts