CaptainHowdy.com The #1 Exorcist Fansite Since 1999
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
PRO
I somewhat agree with RatBoy’s idea above. If it were a completely new film, taking complete inspiration from the novel as apposed to just remaking Friedkin’s film, it MIGHT be half decent.
The trick would be to NOT call it ‘The Exorcist’.
And, no, ‘The Possession of Regan MacNeil’ doesn’t work, either.
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.
I’ve always had the opinion that while there are many great things about Blatty’s book that we now have an interest in seeing as footage, there is no doubt Friedkin’s original cut of the film did what it needed to do in terms of deleting the stuff not needed for screen and keeping the film very on-track.
I would like to see more of Karras investingating the possession, which also goes into much more detail in the book.
I actually think this would make it less terrifying and more ‘dumb-fuck’ proof, which is what most horror films are subject to these days for the average movie-goer. The filmmakers do all the thinking for you. It’s boring.
At least The Exorcist had/has us thinking when we view it.
Watching Regan hear the noises and slowly becoming possessed would be “oohhhh I think something freaky is going to happen…. BOOM! It did!! Wow, that looked awesome! Now what? Credits? OK, thanks for the popcorn…”
*sigh*
Very nice, Mikey, I wish you all the best with this project! Film school students will study it one day, with valuable lessons contained, I’m sure.
CON
Only a garbage director could be handed this project, because any director with respect for the original would quickly realize the original cannot be topped or even equaled today. You just simply cannot get the same effect from todays desensitized audiences. So, any director who signs on thinking they can do better is likely both of two things:
1 – An idiot, and
2 – Clearly in it for the dollars and the dollars only.But aren’t they all?
Unfortunately, Buda, I’m a film buff at heart and wouldn’t even imagine venturing too far from that branch.
PRO
There are directors working today who could still do a great job on an Exorcist ‘revisioning’. I know I personally would be extremely excited if David Fincher or Paul Thomas Anderson were signed on.
CONS:
iamnoone, the original will lose its effect if a viewer sees it after watching the remake. They will know what happens to Regan and how the whole plot develops, thus removing the thrill of watching it for the first time. It would make it a very pointless exercise.
How many people watched the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake, or Amityville Horror remake, and then rushed out to watch the original because they were suddenly huge fans? Not many.
How easy is it to rent the ORIGINAL TCM? You have to wade through 15 copies of the remake to find it in any video store I’ve been in.
Picking up the book, I agree with – but to be honest, its the film I care about and love most.
I am Lutheran and have been all my life. I am part of a very religious family. I am the webmaster of this website and I can promise you I am in now way doomed to Hell.
I questioned my faith and belief until I saw this film. It brought me closer to my religion. How dare you pass judgment at me and the visitors here on MY OWN WEBSITE!
Shame.
Please, take a moment to consider the positives that result from this film. It is NOT EVIL. It is a story of supreme Faith and the power of good. Research a little – or even WATCH THE FILM – before pointing a guilt-finger for the sake of your self-righteousness.
