CaptainHowdy.com The #1 Exorcist Fansite Since 1999
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Though I think The Exorcist is matchless – remember when The Blair Witch Project * was considered a 'challenge'? – I was amazed at how good and scary this was. It's a kitchen sick of just about every hoary horror trope you could think of, yet it works beautifully. Expertly paced, determinedly restrained, sparse on CGI, ruthless towards the audience. As effective a spookfest as I've seen in years.
*The Blair Witch Project is an interesting, occasionally chilling endeavour, ground-breaking, the progenitor of the found-footage sub-genre.
Thanks, guys. I didn't know Friedkin had removed those visuals. Now, if he'd only get rid of that superimposed face on Regan during the hypnosis scene.
I do prefer the soundtrack on TVYNS, though. Far more evocative and atmospheric. That subtle, portentous aural piece as Kinderman and Karras discuss the desecration and Denning's murder is especially welcome.
granville1 said:
Sorry, I don't know the answer. The final shot is open to interpretation. I always thought that it represented the exchange of Fain's body with Karras'. After the (highly improbable) fatal shooting of Karras by Kinderman, we are seeing Karras' body finally laid to rest, as should have been done some twelve years earlier. I don't know its original order in the original, pre-studio tampering Legion film.
Do you feel that Legion adapted faithfully – if not verbatim – would have made for a stronger film? I've grown exceedingly fond of III, even the much-maligned exorcism. Kinderman's vitriolic response to the demon as he's forced to the wall is one my favourite scenes.
Thank you both. Come to think of it, there is supposed evidence that the final shot of The Exorcist III was rearranged to complete Karras' redemptive arc. But it was originally part of a scene – when the film was Legion, before studio interference – in which the grave is exhumed at Kinderman's request to determine whose corpse it was. Any truth to that, guys?
Intriguing interpretation, Granville, but I have a question regarding Brother Fain…
I've sadly yet to read Legion, so perhaps it is addressed, but why wouldn't Fain immediately inform his superiors that Karras/Venuman had escaped the “cheap” coffin? Of course, logical human behaviour would have robbed the film of its revelation and delicious ambiguities, but it always sat a tad silly with me that the tragic death and subsequent resurrection of a priest would be kept on the QT for fifteen years. Did he die of fright or killed and used to replace Karras' body in the coffin?
Ahh, it seems Librium increases heart rate with a standard dosage, so the massive amount Karras pumped Regan with would indeed put her at near-certainty of a cardiac arrest if the demon kept her body awake…
http://doublecheckmd.com/Effec…..8;eid=4572
Librium may cause fast pulse/rapid heart rate (rare).
Question is: was such knowledge available when Blatty researched the drug? Must have been.
Maybe the new print is only available to certain audiences…
Friedkin and author Blatty will attend a special 40th Anniversary screening of their film at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., on October 30. The film will also have an exclusive theatrical engagement October 31 through November 7th at the AMC Georgetown.
No, I adore the crucifix scene, if that's the right word? Just feel that the Spiderwalk is a step too far before she mutilates herself.
I love both, but the original cut is my favourite. Don't understand how anybody could hate the extended version. The same movie, with a few inserts, some more welcome than others.
Oh, I forgot about all those bloody demon face superimpositions in the 2000 version. Now that was overkill. Especially before Regan grabs some doc dick. Linda's original expression was infinitely more malevolent.
I prefer the shorter additions…
The eerie opening shot of the McNeil residence and the pan across to Prospect street. Merrin's kindly appreciation of a wee bit of booze in his tea, asking Regan's middle name, Sharon with the ear phones, vainly attempting to block out the cacophony.
Never liked the Spiderwalk, neither visually nor narratively. The vaginal mutilation scene is the ultimate tipping point for Chris. Seeing Regan descend the stairs in such an impossible fashion would ring major alarm bells that her daughter needs non-medical/psychiatric assistance STAT, rendering the crucifix stabbing almost moot, which is unforgivable, since it's one of the most powerful, shocking, indelible moments ever committed to film. It should never have been added. Novel to see, but regrettable to include.
Dr. Klein's discussion with Chris about her daughter's emotional problems is okay, though. It does give the audience false hope that we may merely be dealing with a sad, troubled child.
Captain Howdy said:
Welcome to the boards, Teddy Headspin (great username). I agree with what you had to say. Sorry you had to buy the original Blu-ray twice already. I did the same but for different reasons– one for watching, one to remain sealed on the shelf.
Thanks for tweeting Friedkin, Sofia. I should do the same. It would be great if he had a response.
Thanks, Howdy.
I know the extended cut has a steelbook edition, but what about the theatrical version?
Wonder if they'll go the digibook route again for the forthcoming release.
Ooh, just saw your post on the new artwork! A beautifully atmospheric alternative to the iconic 'shaft of light' image. Subtle, evocative, portentous.
Greetings! My first post on this wonderfully dedicated site…
In short, I won't be buying this, unless there's the new print confirmed later, which seems unlikely. I've already purchased two copies of the Blu-ray, since the first one's discs became irreparably scuffed.
The new docs will eventually end up online, so there's little point. If they had waited three years and released the existing package, people would be largely delighted.
