[cxx]

spicediver said:

***WARNING: SPPOILERS***

 

Cxx – I'm surprised you didn't get the possesed patient/nurse's demise – the 2nd cop shoots her! Admitedly there's no cutway shot of him reaching for his gun, because no footage was available. It was the best I could do. There *is* a shot of Kindermans wife screaming and then covering her ears (it's a reversed shot – originally it was: hands on ears, hands off ears and scream). I inserted this a split-second before the shooting to suggest she's anticipatating it.

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You know, moments after posting my review the other day I did think just that to myself! I re-watched the scene and had a big 'ahaaa' moment. Thanks for clearing it up too, though I think most people will get it!

[cxx]

Hi there, I'm a big Exorcist fan and have been coming to this site and reading the forums for quite some time now.. Spicediver's fantastic edit of Exorcist III made me want to join to share my views!

I have to say, while the edit isn't perfect it might well be the closest we come to ever seeing what Legion, the movie, was to begin with – unless that 'lost' footage is actually found, one can pray. I agree with Father Merrin that the film felt different from start to end. I don't know if it's related to consciously knowing I was watching a different edit or because it actually was that different. There were details that stood out more I hadn't noticed before, the plot somehow made more sense and the mood of the film was even more creepy and haunting. The original Exorcist III always gives me goosebumps all over at certain times, but it happened even more watching this edit. Very spine-tingling and haunting!

There are some possible spoilers below, so if you do want to know yet don't read!

 

…….

 

 

 

What I felt worked:

– The removal of the exorcist sub-plot really improved the film and made it seem a lot less cheap and forced, and of course naturally closer to Blatty's original story.

– The added footage of the priest in the church was completely unexpected and sent a chill down my spine. While not technically perfect it really does enhance that scene, well done.

– The sharper edits in places of certain scenes – I'll have to re-watch the original to figure out exactly what was missing, but then again that means it was done perfectly when I didn't even notice! The edits certainly made the movie a lot tighter and to the point.

 

 

What I felt didn't work:

– As Father Merrin mentions above, the added footage of the rose/fall down the steps towards the end distracts from the scene a bit and does make it seem a bit chopped up. And it's also the second time we see the fall down the steps so it feels like it's retreading old ground. I like the idea, but I'm not sure it works in the context. Then again I'm so used to seeing nothing but the gloomy cell in that particular scene, so others might feel different.

– The nurse collapsing in Kinderman's house at the end – I don't quite get what the sound of the gun shot is meant to signify. A premonition? The Gemini killer giving up? I might be being stupid but I would love to get it cleared up.

– The tomb stone at the end – just a personal preference but I felt it was a bit cheesy and overly explanatory. Then again, I do know the story well.

 

Overall though, excellent job considering what limited materials you did have available! Next time I convince friends to watch this movie with me I'll definitely be playing your edit. Thanks for putting the work in and thanks for sharing!

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