[cappy]

I haven't posted here in soooo long!

Tonignt I've been watching “The Exorcist” after two or three years of.. well, not watching it, lol.

I've watched 'The Version You've Never Seen' DVD, And I felt like posting a thread on which of the additions I thought were appropriate, and which aren't. I would love to hear you guys' opinions about this. Ok, so here we go.

Subliminal Images- Some I liked, some I didn't. For example, I loved the face that appears during Regan's examination, but didn't like the one on the stove and by the door to Regan's room. While the former was chilling to me, the latter ones kinda seemed silly and out of place, as an attempt to sort of “modernize” and CGI-ize the horror. Totally unnecessary IMO. However, the just-for-a-second facial addition to Regs' face during the hypnotism scene was brilliant! Yes, the original shot is great too and doesn't lack, but I found this addition to be a very nice touch and subtle enough.

“Good night” instead of “Good night Dims”- Umm, why?

Medical Examination- I'm not really sure about this one. On the one hand, the acting there, I think, is a bit poor compared to all other scenes. On the other hand, it didn't feel out of place for me, and kinda made up for the fact that in the original release one moment Regan seems completely fine, then the next there's talk about nerve trouble and taking pills. I didn't feel like these scenes slowed the pace of the film or anything, yet it wasn't fullfling enough execution wise.

Removal of “I've been on this f**ing line for twenty minutes!”- Again, why?

Brandy dialogue between Chris and Merrin- I thought it was top notch. Short enough, honest, well-paced and it presented another layer to Merrin.

Conversation between Merrin and Karras on the stairs after first Exorcism round- Somehow, I thought it was unfit. First of all, the silent version of the original felt more powerful and intense to me. Second, in the novel the Demon says many taunting things to Merrin and Karras during the Exorcism, and to all others. He really does want the people to “see themeselves as animal and ugly”. But in the movie, the Demon just sort of.. roars and groans most of the time, and does things which are more physically disturbing, and less psychological or philosophical. That's why I thought this dialogue wasn't necessary here.

Conversation between Kindermann and Dyer in the end- I loved it. It done well to echo the friendship between Kindermann and Karras, and I think it was important to show how the events deeply affected both the detective and the priest. You could see that during their exchange. I don't necessarily think that without this addition people would interpret the movie “as a downer” like Friedkin feared, and yet the added convo does end it on a higher, softer note, which does well to balance or counteract the toughness of all that took place prior.

Ok! That's a wrap.. (:

[ReganMacNeilfan]

I liked the examination scene.

[granville1]

TVYNS is understandably controversial, but for the record, I am grateful that it contains

 

Regan's first medical exam

Karras' one and only encounter with the real Regan via listening to audiotapes of her voice in the language lab

The “Why” discussion between Merrin and Karras on Chris's stairway

The “heartwarming Merrin” scenes with Merrin and Chris in front of the fireplace, Merrin asking for Regan's middle name

The incredibly enhanced sound effects

 

I am not grateful for

 

The new “suspense” music explicitly written for TVYNS

Regan's morphing monster face in the hypnosis scene

The multiple Dietz Faces, the Pazuzu image on Regan's wall

The pointless, inexplicable appearance of Mary Karras' face in the window just before Karras jumps

 

That's about it, I guess.

[Author]

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