The Exorcist 1973 Warner Brothers
In 1973, The movie, "The Exorcist" broke all box office records and scared the "hell" out of audiences everywhere. For many, it was a chance to experience real demonic evil up close for themselves. The movie, adapted from the best-selling novel by author William Peter Blatty, became a landmark in cinematic horror and an instant runaway classic that would go down in movie history as being one of the best and
"One of the scariest films of all time."
One of the greatest novels of all time. Blatty's book captured what nightmares are made of. True
evil at its core. The book is timeless and a must for anyone interested in demonic possession.
What most viewers of the movie are unaware of is that the book was inspired by true events that took place in Mt. Rainier, Maryland in 1949.
(To Learn More About This Please Return To Home Page For The Exorcist: The Real Story )
While the Exorcist became an instant sensation, it was also banned in several countries because of the "evil" and terrifying effect it had on movie audiences. Claims of people vomiting, becoming hysterical, crying, and fainting. were just a few of the stories making news. But some of the most brazen of all claims were of a select few that became possessed simply by watching the film. Devilishly ridiculous or fact?
While some believed the movie had managed to etch "evil incarnate" into celluloid, The Exorcist also sparked rumors of a curse that was attached to those directly involved with the film. Oh curses, curses...
So was this the Devil at work? Hollywood hype used to promote the film to generate more sales? Or over-imaginative minds at work? This one is up in the air for debate.
Movie Synopsis
An elderly priest of declining health, Father Lankester Merrin (Max Von Sydow) is on an archaeological dig in Iraq. He discovers a statue of a Mesopotamian demon god known as Pezuzu.
The Exorcist 1973 Warner Brothers
This scene opener sets the ominous tone for the film. Here, Father Marrin
meets his nemesis Pezuzu and senses the wickedness that is about to
take place. This scene also captures the essence of good verses evil.
Later while studying the head of the statue, Merrin feels a sense of foreboding, signaling the onset of an encroaching evil. He heads to another dig site and comes face to face with an all encompassing evil: The statue of Pezuzu. Merrin's sense of dread leads him back home.
Meanwhile, in Georgetown, actress Chris McNeil (Ellen Burstyn) begins hearing strange sounds in her attic. She thinks it's rats, but none are discovered. Later at a film shoot, she notices one of the spectators, a conflicted psychologist Catholic priest, Father Karras, (Jason Miller) who is struggling with his faith, his mothers declining health, and her eventual death. Karras and Chris' eyes meet for a split second. She later notices the same priest on her way home.
Chris heads home to her idyllic life with her her 12 year-old daughter, Regan (Linda Blair). Later, Father Karras heads to his ailing mother's apartment. He is overwhelmed with guilt for leaving her alone. He tries to convince her to move but she is adamant about staying where she is. Karras leaves with a heavy heart, all the while, his faith is faltering.
Conflicted Karras going through the motions (Jason Miller)
Photo Credit: George http://www.flickr.com/photos/george/283215429/
Next, Chris discovers the Ouija Board her daughter has been playing with, and Regan introduces her mother to her new friend, "Captain Howdy." And after that, at a nearby Catholic Church, a statue of the Virgin Mary is found desecrated. As the days and weeks pass, Regan begins to exhibit behavioral changes and anxiety. She is taken to a doctor who claims it's her nerves. He prescribes drugs to calm the child, but back at home, strange and disturbing phenomena begin to take place in their home.
Chris Finds Regan's Ouija Board
Burstyn and Blair pull off the role of mother and daughter genuinely.
This scene also suggests the evil that is unleashed naively enough, and
ultimately sets out to destroy that which is sacred, the innocence of a
child, and the family union.
Next, Father Karras's ailing mother is placed in a mental ward of a hospital and believes her son has betrayed her. She passes away, only adding to the Karras' sorrow. He begins having nightmares of his mother and something much malevolent as he tries to deal with his guilt over her death.
Regan's Transformation Begins
Linda Blair executes the role of Regan chillingly well. The cherubic faced
Regan transforms from innocence to demonic spawn as she becomes
possessed by evil.
One night Chris throws a party at her home. Her guests include a Jesuit Priest, Father Dyer (Reverend William O'Malley). Chris learns that Dyer and Karras are friends. During the party Regan appears in her nightgown in front of all the guests, makes an ominous prediction to a guest and urinates on the carpet. After the party, Regan is put to bed, but only seconds after leaving Regan's room, Chris rushes back in when she hears her daughter screaming, and is shocked to see the bed shaking violently.
Next, Regan is subjected to a series of grueling and painful medical tests, including a brain scan to find out what is wrong. When they are unable to come up with answers, they claim it's all in her head. Later that night, the doctors are called to the McNeil home, Regan's appears to be exhibiting unexplained violent fits.
Regan: Title Holder For The World's Fastest Sit-ups?
When they try to sedate her, she attacks the doctor, followed by Regan shouting, in a vile voice, "Keep away! The sow is mine!" Eventually they gain control of the girl and sedate her. The doctors tell Chris the phenomenon is still all in the child's head. Chris is unconvinced. Out of answers, the doctors suggest she contact a psychiatrist.
Death By Demon
One evening as Chris arrives home, she discovers that her friend Burke Dennings is dead. Regan's window is open, and Burkes' body is discovered at the bottom of the steps by Chris' house, from an apparent drunken fall.
Jack MacGowran shines in his role as the inebriated but harmless
Burke Dennings. His death in the movie proves to be mysterious
and suggests something evil is taking place in the McNeil home.
Next, a psychiatrist tries to hypnotize Regan, but she grabs the doctor's prized jewels and the session ends abruptly. Shortly after, Damien is approached by a homicide detective named Kinderman (Lee J. Cobb), who is suspicious of Burkes' death. He questions the priest about the church desecration and Dennings death. Meanwhile, Dr. Klein, out of answers, suggests to Chris that Regan might need an exorcism and advises her to see a priest.
Then Kinderman goes to the scene of Burkes' death and finds a clay figurine at the bottom of the stairs. He questions Chris about the murder, and notices the same type of clay figurines that Regan made. He is reminded of the crude clay desecration on the Virgin Mary statue and starts to draw his own conclusions.
The Ever Suspicious Detective Kinderman Questions Chris
Lee J. Cobb plays the convincing role of the shrewd, relentless, and slightly
annoying detective Kinderman, who has a sneaky suspicion that the absent
Regan upstairs may be responsible for Dennings death but can't prove it.
After Kinderman leaves, Chris rushes up to Regan's room to find her defiling a crucifix.
Let Jesus ....you.
When she tries to stop her, the girl attacks her with super-human strength and hurls her across the room. Then Regan's head suddenly turns 180 degrees backwards to face her, and the voice of Burke Dennings emerges from her. Chris finally knows who is responsible for Burke Dennings death.
Regan: A Real Head-Turner
Desperate, Chris meets with Father Karras, and talks to the skeptical priest about an exorcism, then begs him to see her daughter. Karras, believes it is most likely mental illness, and not possession, but reluctantly goes to meet with Regan.
The Encounter
The priest is shocked by the girl's monstrous appearance, chilling course voice, and the fact that she is restrained. When Regan announces that she's the devil, Karras is not so convinced. Then Regan claims "Your mother's in here with us." Karras asks what his mother's maiden name is. Unable to answer, Regan shoots a green projectile of vomit in Karras' face.
"Here's Your Answer Karras." "In Your Face!"
Karras is still not convinced that Regan is possessed and needs proof. Chris pleads with him to obtain an exorcism, and swears that the "thing upstairs" is not her daughter. Meanwhile, Kinderman waits in his car outside as Karras leaves the McNeil house, ever-suspicious. When Father Karras returns to the McNeil home to records his conversations with Regan, she says, "What an excellent day for an exorcism." Karras is amused and plays along. But when Regan is sprinkled with water she believes is holy water, she reacts violently.
The priest tells Chris that it will be hard to prove a case of possession because he used tap water and not holy water. Chris then confesses that Regan killed Burke Dennings. Karras goes home, still unconvinced, to study the recordings. He discovers the recordings of Regan's psycho babble is in fact English backwards. While studying the tape, Karras is called back to the McNeil home. He is aghast when the words "help me" materialize on Regan's stomach. Damien then obtains an exorcism.
The Arrival of Father Merrin
The church calls in an experienced exorcist, Father Merrin, (who almost died during an exorcism ) to perform the exorcism, with Karras assisting. His heart problem is a concern, but he agrees to help. Next, he arrives at the McNeil house.
Father Merrin Arrives at the McNeil Home
Max Von Sydow's role as a man of the cloth and expeller of evil
is frightening and convincing from the moment he steps foot in front
of the McNeil house.
When Merrin arrives at the McNeil house, Regan becomes hostile and belligerent. Merrin warns Karras about conversing with the demon, and tries to prepare him for the exorcism.
The Exorcism Begins
Upon entering Regan's icy bedroom, she launches a vulgar verbal assault upon the priests, which persists throughout the ritual. As Merrin and Karras recite the ritual of exorcism, the girl exhibits strange manifestations, including levitation, telekentic powers, roaring, spitting, and vomiting.
As the ritual continues, Merrin demands that the unclean spirit leave Regan's body, puts the sign of the cross over her forehead, and watches as Regan's head makes a complete 360 degree turn, further shocking Karras. Then the demon blames Damien for his mother's death.
"Regan, Ever Hear Of A Bath And A Toothbrush?"
Karras retorts violently as Merrin does his best to keep Karras from losing his faith. Next, Regan's straps break free and she begins to levitate up from the bed.
"It's The Power Of Christ That Compels You!"
While the priests take a break, Merrin heads to the restroom for his Nitroglycerin tabs. Karras returns to Regan's room and sees the ghoulish image of his dead mother. The cunning demon uses his mother's voice to torment him, further breaking down the priests' resolve. Karras tries to ignore the demon and listens to the girl's heart, which is growing weaker.
Scary Mama Drops By To Visit Damien
Vasiliki Maliaros executes the roles of loving mother and ghoulish granny
to perfection. This scene is disturbing and memorable.
After an outburst with the lying demon, Karras is sent out of the room by Father Merrin. When Chris asks Damien if it's over and if Regan will die. Karras responds, no, stands up, and suddenly seems determined to save the girl. At that moment, the ever-suspicious Detective Kinderman arrives at the front door. When Karras returns to Regan's room, he finds Merrin dead from an apparent heart attack, tries to revive him, then goes ballistic when Regan starts to laugh.
The priest attacks Regan and demands that the demon enter him.
The Demon Enters Damien
This scene is chilling as Jason Miller leaves the viewer
spellbound and repulsed. Karras is now doomed.
Karras gets his wish. The demon enters him, but before he can kill Regan, the human part of him that still exists, forces him to dive out of the window and save the girl. His body lands in a bloody heap at the bottom of the stairs. Kinderman rushes into the room with Chris to find Regan balled up on the floor crying, and the dead body of Father Merrin, along with the holy water on the floor. He then sees the broken window and rushes over to looks out. He sees Karras' broken body at the bottom of the steps.
In the closing scene, the McNeils are leaving the house for the last time. Father Dyer drops by to say good-bye. Regan seems to be her old self again but does not recall a thing that happened. She seems transfixed with Father Dyer's collar, and a moment later, she rushes to hug and kiss him good-bye. Then the McNeils drive away.
Regan Says Good-bye to Father Dyer
What makes this film even more convincing is the acting done by
an actual priest, Father William O'Malley. The role of Dyer came natural
for him. This last scene is thought provoking as the story ends with
good triumphing over evil.
And so it seems that good has triumphed over evil. Good thing it's only a movie...
Curse On The Set
A little over three decades have passed since the release of "The Exorcist" but the film continues to haunt some. A curse that is shrouded in mystery has left some convinced that evil pervaded the set of the movie. The following sentiment and incidences are believed to be associated with
The Curse of the Exorcist:
Wicked Vibes
On August 29, 1972, while shooting commenced, the feelings on the set was recalled by many as being one of foreboding. Some felt an ominous presence on the set, while others felt as though something terrible was taking place. Some felt as if evil were after them. At times emotions were so tense that arguments broke out, and some of those involved couldn't wait for the production to be over so they could leave and never look back.
Bad Luck Begins
In September, Jason Miller took his children to the beach for a day of fun in the sun, but tragedy struck when his son, Jordan, was run down by a motorcycle. His legs were nearly crushed and the boy was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. After 10 days in the hospital, he made a miraculous recovery. As bizarre occurrences and electrical problems transpired on the set, and people were starting to get spooked.
The Set Moves To Washington D.C.
By October, the production company traveled to Washington D.C. to start filming at Georgetown University. The cast and crew were so frightened by strange and unsettling events that they started to believe something evil, possibly even the devil, was trying to keep them from completing the film. William Blatty, who was producing the film, called in a Catholic priest, Father Thomas King, who taught Theology at the university. He came and blessed the set and sprinkled holy water on the cast, set, and the crew. Then filming commenced.
More Bad Luck
After the blessing, the set seemed a bit calmer, but not for long. Bad luck struck again. The following day after filming the scene of Father Merrin's arrival, Max Von Sydow received the news of his brother's death in Stockholm, Sweden. He had to fly back home. The mood on the set was further cloaked in gloom as more "coincidences" piled up.
While filming resumed, the Vatican published an exposé on the Devil and his presence on the earth. The mood on the set was even more dismal. As the strange occurrences plagued the set, the fears of an evil presence on the set were once more realized.
On January of 1973, actor Jack MacGowran ( Burke Dennings ) suddenly died from influenza, just after completing his scenes. He was only 54 years-old.
More Coincidences?
Suddenly, the whispers of a curse on the set seemed to ring true. A fire engulfed one of the sets, destroying it. There are those that attribute it to hot cables or faulty wires. The exact facts surrounding the fire are still a mystery.
Is it possible it was just another fluke on the set?
(Later some would dispute this story while others were adamant about it )
During the bedroom scenes where Linda Blair was flipping around on the bed, she fractured her lower spine when the harness that she was strapped into came loose. The scenes of her screaming were real, not acting. Even today, Linda continues to suffer from the injury she sustained so many years ago.
But the bad luck did not stop there. During a scene when Chris and Regan are fighting with the crucifix, Ellen Burnstyn was slammed into the wall so hard she injured her back. The painful screaming was real, not acting.
When filming ended, there was a sigh of relief among many of those involved. Now the film would go to editing to be completed. In July of 1973, the film was taken to a building in New York City for the finalizing process. The address was 666 5th Avenue. Just another Coincidence?
The Curse Lives On
When The Exorcist Part II came out, it was a complete failure. Even considered laughable. Whispers of the curse were attributed to this, but Author William Blatty said the only curse was a bad story, which he did not write or have any affiliation with.
The Exorcist II:
A horrible film. It's surprising it ever made it to theaters.
Blatty went on to write and produce a movie adapted from his book "Legion." The Movie was called "The Exorcist III." It was well received but not quite as successful as the original.
Jason Miller in The Exorcist III
This film is creepy good, as Patient X (Miller) delivers
the goods. Another brilliant Blatty novel gone movie.
Fast Forward To 2000
The Exorcist, newly restored, with never released scenes, reemerged from its shadowy past. It hit theaters across America, terrorizing audiences all over again, including new fans who were too young to see the movie when it came out, and those not yet born when the original film was released. With the return of the film, it seems that the curse also made a comeback. In May, 2001, Jason Miller died suddenly of a heart attack. He was 62.
More ill fortune was on the way, when in July 2002, Morgan Creek Pictures began production on "Dominion: A Prequel To The Exorcist." John Frankenhiemer would direct this movie and it was sure to be a success. The movie tells the story of a younger Father Merrin, who comes face to face with the devil for the first time.
But on July 6, 2002, John Frankenhiemer went into surgery for his back, he suffered a massive stroke and died. Then actor Liam Nieson, who would have played the part of the younger Father Merrin, quit. A new director, Paul Shrader, took over. Stellan Skarsgard replaced Nieson for the role of Merrin.
When shooting began, it seemed that strange things started to happen. One day while in the production office, the fax machine turned itself on and started spewing out hundreds of 666666666's line after line. The office personnel were very shaken up about this. Just another fluke or something more ominous?
It seemed the film was doomed to failure from the start. A great portion of the film was shot with Shrader directing, but eventually, he was fired and replace with a new director, Renny Harlin. The new film, "Exorcist: The Beginning" was re-written and re-filmed.
Stellan Skarsgard stayed on, but new actors were hired to replace the others. And right away it seemed that the curse was actively reaching out with cold clammy tentacles in all directions, in search of new victims. After shooting a particularly disturbing bloody scene, Harlin went home to find his dog hemoraging. The blood was spraying everywhere and the poor dog was yelping in pain. When Harlin arrived at the pet clinic, the dog was dead and had to be revived. She was given a transfusion and released later. But the strangest part of this story is that the veterinarian could not find a cause for hemoraging, nor anything else wrong.
But more bad luck was on the way. In September of 2003, Renny flew to Rome to begin shooting there. While on a break from filming, Harlin was leaving a restaurant after dinner. He began to walk across a crosswalk, when out of nowhere, a car suddenly appeared and hit him, almost killing him. When Harlin was shown his X-ray, he noted that there was 13 screws in his leg. Sound a bit strange yet?
It gets stranger. While filming continued, one of the film's investor's son died. He had to fly home for the funeral. Suddenly talk of the curse was back. In 2005, both film versions were released, but not before costing over 90 million dollars to make and distribute, just to try and recoup what was lost.
What Some Have To Say About The Curse
Some priests of the Catholic church believe the Devil did not want to be exposed and so he tried to stop the movie from being made. They also claim there was no coincidences here, but something much more evil at work.
Actress Ellen Burnstyn, who played Chris McNiel, claims 9 deaths were attributed to the curse, including a night watchman who was killed while patrolling the set.
Linda Blair was too young to appreciate most of the stories attached to the curse, but did say that after making the movie, she was stalked by crazed people who really believed she was evil. The studio had to hire protection for her and her family after the release of the movie. Then later, she had problems finding work, and still had problems with her back after her accident. Luckily, she has gone on to be successful in the film industry and will always be remembered for her role as Regan in The Exorcist.
Max Von Sydow does not believe in a curse and never did, despite the sudden death of his brother and all the other odd coincidences that plagued the set. He also felt that the hype was great for movie sales.
In Conclusion
So here we are, left to wonder about the many tragedies or "coincidences" that revolved around the movie sets, cast, and crew members of the "The Exorcist," and the prequels. If there was indeed a curse that plagued these films, then this is perhaps one of the best examples of bad luck at work. Maybe it might just alter the skeptic's views about such nonsensical things such as curses and the Devil.
While there are those who do not believe in an all encompassing evil that stalks the planet, in order to destroy mankind, there are a vast majority, from various faiths and cultures around the world, who believe the opposite is true. And whether that entity is known as the Devil, or another malevolent force to be reckoned with, we can only surmise. In the end, it all comes down to each individual's right to decide for themselves what they believe, and a personal faith system to back up that conviction.
But what of the old saying, if you believe in something strongly enough, then it makes it true. Tell that to those who were directly effected by the curse. Merely coincidences? It seems highly unlikely in most instances. But for other circumstances, perhaps it can be attributed to ill health associated with aging. Regardless of the case, there are still unanswered questions that come to mind, and in the end, we are still left wondering.
Note: I would like to recall all those who have passed on and pay my respects to them. May their souls rest in peace.
Copyright ©Sylvia Zimmer 2009
Related Videos
Sources:
The Exorcist
The Curse of the Exorcist
Exorcist: The Real Story
Hollywood Curses
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