CaptainHowdy.com The #1 Exorcist Fansite Since 1999
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I’ve always thought it was Regan as well. You could chock it up to another universal hullicination that Merrin and Karras keep having during the exorcism; done just to confuse Kinderman and fueling his doubt to interfere with Chris.
quote: “Im defenitly gonna have to see this.”
Definitely, Hatter. Sounds very interesting, Lamont. It seems you got some really good thoughts in mind. Perhaps some of those really pretentious lines can be left out as well.
You know that made me think of an unusual comparison. Forgive me for making such a comparison, but it’s the same thing I’ve noticed about Harry Potter though not as effectively handled in The Exorcist’s case. For example, I was asking a couple of die-hard Potter fans concerning some deeper elements that apparently are not in the films, but are more carefully explained in the books. What this means is that the people who get the most enjoyment from that universe obviously had to read the books as well because they know some things that the audience who just watch the films won’t know. What this means is there is one advantage and one disadvantage. The advantage I already mentioned, but the disadvantage is that when a screenwriter has to adapt a book he has to leave things out because he only has 2+ hour time slot to fit them in nicely without any of the details that are from the book that feel arbitrary or like fluff. That’s why adaptation is a very important matter. Films and books are two different mediums and therefore shouldn’t depend on each other for one’s understanding in the material. In HP’s case, it seems that all will be explained when the entire series is over, so it can be better expounded later. Unfortunately, it leaves a lot of things to assumption for the film audience and the films (and books) become a little too dependent on each other for information.
In Exorcist’s case, this is not a problem. You hear and see all the necessary information you need to see in order for the film to work totally on its own. If you want more, the new 2000 version works for this. However, both don’t need the book in order for things to make sense or details to be clarified.
Those are some really interesting points, Granville. Perhaps Blatty was referring to something outside of the Catholic practice as seen in The Ninth Configuration. As Kane explains, “There is a difference between suicide and giving up your life.” I’m not referring to the fact that Kinderman killed him, but more so to the idea that Karras gave up his life in order for the demon to not reconquer his already incredibly fragile body. And although Kinderman is not James Bond (in justified killings I mean), it could be concluded that this was another bit of “Kill one to save others” philosophy. Those are just some thoughts. 🙂
Trying to make a good film out of EII (and not I’m being cynical), would be probably one of the most difficult and challenging undertakings ever to set yourself to and just as difficult (if not more so) in trying to be successful at it. Considering there are so many hokey elements in it, which is why it is one of the worst films ever made, it’s very hard to avoid its inherit vile creative decisions.
Hi there,
As an editor, I’m not sure where one would begin in wanting to make a better film out of Exorcist II. I would be inclined to say the film’s premise is too terrible to make it good in any other way. Re-editing it does not change its obvious problems inherit in its writing. Now it would be interesting to see it in a different way if it were better, but I’m not sure if its original concept involving syncronizers and such can be avoided. Using footage from other films for lack of story is also a big sign of being too dependent on better films and the weight of them. Despite my skepticism, I wish you luck nonetheless.
I like the idea of the light and I think that would be enough. You don’t need some extra whammy (a term coined by Renny Harlin which is interesting that it’ll prove this point) like this explosion to make your climax. I think if you just use the light like what is supposedly happening in the scene– that’ll justify the dissolve if it is obscured by the light and still will remain subtle.
Yes, I don’t see why someone would want to see a special edition for Exorcist II, but I do admit wanting to see what the Dutch got on those 2 discs for Dominion. Everything we wanted for The Exorcist including the full Fear of God doc, the E! THS doc, the old ’73 interviews, etc. would be nice. Jaws got something like that for their 30th anniversary, so something for Exorcist should be a natural choice. Something as in the case for the Jaws 2 special edition might be ok for the better sequels, but what Exorcist follow-ups merit a special edition considering none of them have proven substantial in history’s eyes like many believe Jaws 2 has and therefore has received a decent SE with docs and all?
I actually had thought about that the instant I saw the new scene with the kids playing, but it’s true that you do notice things you’ve never noticed until various times of watching later. 😉
Very sad indeed, yet it is very comforting to know that he had passed peacefully. My prayers go to him and his family of course.
I pretty much hate all celebrities that act like an ass in front of the world to either gain more publicity or to show off their vanity and obsession in their opinions: Michael Moore, Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Barbara Streisand, Sean Penn, Mel Gibson, etc. It’s so incredibly obnoxious.
Thank God Trey Parker and Matt Stone are around to satirize them to make us feel better. 🙂
Just to let you know Ben, I haven’t forgotten about our exchange. I’m having a lawyer friend of mine go over your contract. I was also wondering about essay lengths myself.
Whoaaaa, that’s expensive. But if it actually eminated from the Middle East, it should be that expensive. Then again, to sound like Indiana Jones…,”this should be in a museum.”
I think they’re enjoyable, but I do think the scene where the girl gets raped by the tree branches crosses the line. I read a girl’s review of the film who happened to be a rape victim who found the film absolutely unforgiveable for such a horrendous depiction. And don’t say, “well that just proves it scary.” Rape in any story are some of the most hateful and haneous things to reenact anywhere. It’s very hard to make rape look “acceptable” in any way.
I just think that was too far.
Now THIS is very interesting! I find this really intriguing to get into. I too am a writer and critique many films including The Exorcist. I’ve also obviously have had many things to say about Blatty’s The Ninth Configuration (Twinkle, Twinkle, Killer Kane) and his adaptation of Archard’s play A Shot in the Dark into the excellent Inspector Clouseau film.
Here is my essay for The Exorcist. It is on the bottom of this site’s page 🙂 :
