[Jason Stringer]

Hello,

Have always been a HUGE fan of this film, correction, this masterpiece. But lately I've been scrutinizing numerous scenes and storylines that I never took the time to fully understand…e.g., like why the reaction to tap water (which I understand now), plus others. For my latest inquiry, I thought this would be a good place to post it. It involves the statue appearing in Regan's room. I have two basic questions: 

1. If the statue was Pazuzu, and Reagan was possessed by Pazuzu, was he worshiping on his knees (with those strange body gyrations) to him? I always thought Regan/demon was bowing before the statue like a sort of servant/worshipper. But if the foundation of my question stands, why would she appear almost disciple like at that moment, when in fact Reagan was hosting the demon itself?

2. If you recall, right after Reagan came down from her levitation, Karras retied her hands together in handcuff fashion. Then came the violent shaking of the room, and the ever-so-cool appearance of the statue. Clearly, you can see Regan's outstretched arms untied as she gyrates before the figure. Then in the next instantaneous cut, Regan is back laying down in the bed, again with her arms tied together. Is this a case of bad editing continuity, or some weird momentary alternative dimension that Regan was in as the statue appeared in the bedroom? Either way, it leaves kind of a disconnect that has always had me scratching my head. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Beenolas

[Jason Stringer]

Apologies for the delayed reply to your questions.

If you ever come back to check for answers, you’ll have to elaborate on question 1 because I don’t quite follow what you’re asking about.

As for the continuity error you noticed in question 2, the image of Regan with outstretched arms and the superimposed Pazuzu statue behind her is seen by Father Merrin only. It’s Pazuzu playing mind games with him, showing him visions, tricking his mind. Regan isn’t actually doing that and the statue isn’t actually there at all– it’s all in his head.

Similarly, some people put forward that Regan spinning her had around never actually happens either; that it’s likely just the demon using trickery to conjure fear.

Thanks for your questions, I hope this answers them for you.

[Jason Stringer]

Hey,

Appreciate you finally posting an answer. Kind of forgot about this until now, and decided to check in on it.

About my 2nd question, it never dawned in me that it was the demon just messing with Merrin’s mind! But it makes sense at least. However, the only question I’d have then about that theory is why then did Karras have to rush back to put a blanket back on her (if I recall) as she lay with her arms outstretched upward? It would suggest that the blanket fell aside as if she had stood up (??)

And about my 1st question…sorry for the confusion. I guess to put it simply, was Pazzuzu bowing to himself as the statue appeared?

[miekeee2]

Ik vond je analyse echt interessant — dat soort details zijn me vroeger ook ontgaan. Toen ik laatst weer eens zo’n intense filmavond had, merkte ik hoe snel ik daarna iets nodig had om mijn hoofd leeg te maken. Ik kwam toen terecht op spinogambino casino, waar ze trouwens speciale bonussen geven voor spelers uit België. Het klinkt misschien gek, maar even wat spanning kwijt raken met een paar spins werkte verrassend goed. Vooral bij de game Sweet Bonanza voelde ik weer datzelfde soort spanning en focus als bij een goede filmscène.

• This reply was modified 3 days, 15 hours ago by miekeee2.

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