CaptainHowdy.com The #1 Exorcist Fansite Since 1999
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Blatty should write a work of non-fiction concerning his ideas, theories, and beliefs rooted in or derivied from Teilhard de Chardin’s; the philosophical, seemingly out-there stuff. His thinking transcends the basics of Christianity and Catholicism is some ways, I gather, and it would be fascinating to get a distillation in book form. *heads to petitiononline.com* 😛
M.I.K.E.
Actually, I’m back early, guys. I really missed this place and you. I’ll probably not be here as constantly, but I had some time to kill today and wanted to distribute my two-cents to some of the recent posts/threads…starting with this one:
Thank you for your well-wishes. It’s tough, but easier than I’d thought; the whole family has felt sorrow and a bit of relief. My mother, God bless her, was incredibly courageous and self-sacrificing the past four years, overseeing the care and legalities of my grandparents before they died; my grandmother passed away a few days ago, and her husband, my granfather approximately ten months prior — and they both took ill about a week apart just about 4 years ago; in nursing homes, and eventually the same nursing home, since.
Right now I’m entering my second semester as a masters student in Illustration at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, and it’s wonderful, but incredibly demanding, which is to be expected. This latest tragedy upped the daily challenge, however. But all things considered, including other recent events, I remain unconvinced that my life is purely a series of meaningless accidental events, whether good or bad — too many things, good and bad, worked out beautifully for the best, and not always precisely what I had in mind, either. I’ve felt the hand of God guiding me throughout, and beckoning when I failed to trust Him. But family tragedies and awareness of one’s mortality have me asking myself, “Can I do better, for God?” Life is so fleeting; am I doing what I should be doing? And the answer is yes to both of those questions; for in His timing, and with trust, no matter what he calls me to, He’ll call me through it. This is more or less the sermon the priest gave at the funeral (my grandmother was Catholic). And how I hope and pray it caused my family there to reflect as I have, and how I hope you might as well. That’s all, just to reflect; I’m not trying to convert anyone. It’s just that, yeah, the priest was right: we live in some very challenging times, on all fronts. And there are many things that are negative and destructive that we seem to wholeheartedly accept or condone by virtue of its popularity and presence in our culture. Such is life, but letting go of that, trading in sin for righteousness, pleasing God by living for our fellow humanbeings, meeting them where they are at and seeking to love them as ourselves, reflecting Christ’s example and God’s love for His creation, using our unique spritual gifts to glorfy Him, pointing the way to salvation through Christ. That’s what it’s all about, this life. And I couldn’t be happier.
God bless you men and women. So glad to be back. I’ll be here weekly, if not more frequently; CaptainHowdy.com, in its own way, points people to THE EXORCIST, and thus, the Lord. It is a book and film designed to tell a story but also cause individuals to question good and evil, and where they ought to fit into the equation.
Incidentally… so, too, does Ben S.’s forthcoming book of essays on Blatty’s life, career and works. And, before I forget, I’d just like you to know that my essay on DEMONS FIVE, EXORCISTS NOTHING has been officially approved, accepted and canonized with rest of what will be 14 (?) essays comprising this book. I’m in. Probably the honor of a lifetime, if I’ve ever heard of one associated with Mr. Blatty. I screamed like a little girl when I got the good news. Not only is it good for my ego as a fan, but infinitely more importantly, God has allowed me to participate in what could be a major light in the literary world: the first book of essays concerned with Blatty, pointing people to Mr. Blatty’s works, and… by God’s will and grace, Christ. 😀
Conclusion: It’s been a rollercoaster of a year — two years, actually — and God has been so good to me. I don’t deserve any of this, fom my point of view; that’s where He and I disagree. And I’m okay with that. 🙂 Thanks to each of you for your encouargement and kind words. You are true friends.
Blessings, no stressings.
M.I.K.E.
Ps.If you’ve made it this far, check out my other posts (give me some time, if they’re not already up). catchup time as I go post away…! Cheers!
Boy would I like to get a copy of this script…! Mouthwatering. 😐 More, please, Ryan. 😀
By the way, GRANNY: Get this: There’s still MUCH time for an essay of your own, if you care to write one. That’s all I know, for a fact. 🙂 No pressure. Just know: Still time.* 😀
*Pretty sure!
M.I.K.E.
This movie continues the tradition of PSYCHO and THE OMEN… remakes. Guess what I mean by this. 🙁
M.I.K.E.
And don’t forget: Mary Jo Perrin, from the novel.
PERRIN. Ironically similar to the name of that old Jesuit tomb digger-upper-turned-exorcist, eh?
M.I.K.E.
Welcome, Granny. 🙂
And yes… the most conceivable as being realistic in happening: An alternate version of the Legion novel. Blatty, of course, has revised Twinkle, Twinkle, “Killer” Kane into The Ninth Configuration, tying in with the film version, if I understand this right. AND, Morgan Creek commissioning two novelizations — one for the first prequel, and then the replacement. Maybe they’ll “double-dip” here as well, if they own any rights. Then again, they own all FUTURE rights, counting THE EXORCIST III aka, Legion, but NOT — if I’m not mistaken — the current Legion novel, a work created independently of its later cinematic visage. Morgan Creek only own the script. Sooo, while Blatty might not be able to do much, perhaps he create all new or significantly different material compared to what he brought to the lost and released versions of the film. I’d settle for THAT, I don’t know about you guys. 😀
The law can only afford Blatty so much, so perhaps he ought to cut his losses and rise to the occasion, striving to tell the best “Legion” story he can independant of any of the film version’s baggage, concentrating on presenting what could conceivably be — or may as well be, rather — a veritable brand-new novel. The same novel, just improved.
M.I.K.E.
Ryan, that is a nice, mysterious and HUGE TNC poster. Compelling imagery. I’ll have to see the film again to recognize it, I confess, however. 😮 Can you get us a close-up of this poster? Thanx. 😀
M.I.K.E.
Sorry missing this more than a year, but here’s my reply… 🙂
Hatty, loved your MVS/SS pic, maybe you could do such a pic combining Williamson and Skarsgard. Because, hey, why not? 😉 No pressure, though. 😀
M.I.K.E.
E:TB, that piece of work, is 2 years old. Sorry to remind y’all if you preferred to forget. Just mentioning this in the interest of history. 😉
Incidentally, Dominion is technically 4 years old; if it were released on July 18, 2003, after all. Again, for you history buffs. 😉
And yes, I believe Dominion will endure longer in terms of appreciation than E:TB, even though it will never achieve the awareness of the original, naturally.
Oh, and The Heretic is 30. Say, who wants a special edition DVD of it packed with special features? I think there’s a bigger chance of that than the original, ironically — if the experts are to be trusted.
M.I.K.E.
Nice analysis on the presenter’s part, but such insights ought to be validated only in a remake of the film (where they could could conceivably update the story for the modern day masses who seem to crave the sexual in their entertaiment — and maybe then, incidentally, they wouldn’t laugh at the subject matter(…?!); it’s the culture we find ourselves in today). In the original, I do grant that from my modern day point of view it’s easy to imagine that Burke was up to something. But I’m not sure 1970s Blatty had such an idea in mind, much less to exploit and hype as much as this guy seems to want to. I mean, the way Chris talks about Burke, I hear more sympathy for a lonely man and family friend, than a family friend who’s attracted to any female he can find.
Oh well, the more the film is discussed, the better, right? 🙂
M.I.K.E.
Ryan. Wow.
That is absolutely AMAZING, buddy. Let this be a sign from God Himself for you to take your life from good to GREAT, from satisfactory to excellent, for His glory and others’ benefit (including your own); the secret to life, why we are here — IF… I may be so bold…! 😉
Now then, there’s gotta be some “Mike” *-personalized-by-the-man ones out there, now that I think about it…! 😛
Blessings, indeed!
M.I.K.E.
Ps. Would you kindly let us know how ‘Mecca, Jack?’ and ‘Billy Shakespeare’ are, please? I’m intrigued, and have been holding out for far too long on them!
* “Michael” would suffice, in this case! 😛
Good times, buddy. 🙂 Thanks in advance for your opinions on those two books. 🙂
Incidentally, wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear a speech, lecture, sermon by Mr. Blatty. I know he’s got other priorties, but he really does have an interesting philosophy rooted in Christianity and Tailhard de Chardin (sp?). I’m sure he may have given a speech or two in the past; perhaps mp3s exist. Hmmm…
Anyway, I happen to know as well what it’s like to deal with God-hating professors who teach philosophy. It’s odd how all other views are elevated and offered up as serious options of thought and religion, but not Christianity.
And yeah, it IS depressing, not just what they choose to say, but wondering what could have possibly caused them to hate God. As a believer, I can’t help but consider these things.
Cheers!
M.I.K.E.
