Something almost beyond comprehension is happening to a girl on this street, in this house… and a man has been sent for as a last resort. This man is The Exorcist.|May. 31, 1973|USA|122 Min.|R
Genre: Horror
Description: “The Exorcist,” a 1973 American supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin and written by William Peter Blatty, is based on Blatty’s 1971 novel of the same name. Starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, and Linda Blair, the movie tells the story of a twelve-year-old girl, Regan, who becomes possessed by a demon. Her desperate mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to perform an exorcism. This film marked the beginning of “The Exorcist” film series.
Blatty, who also produced the film, and Friedkin faced significant challenges during casting. Despite the novel’s success, they struggled to secure major stars and ultimately chose relatively unknown actors like Burstyn, Blair, and Miller, a decision studio executives at Warner Bros. Pictures strongly opposed. Filming was fraught with difficulties, including a fire that destroyed most of the set and on-set accidents that left Blair and Burstyn with long-term injuries. As a result, production took twice as long as planned and cost more than double the initial budget.
Upon its release in late December 1973, “The Exorcist” opened in 24 theaters across the United States and Canada. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film drew massive audiences. Many returned multiple times, braving long lines in winter weather. Some viewers experienced severe physical reactions, including fainting, vomiting, and even heart attacks, during particularly intense scenes. Controversy arose when children were allowed to watch the film, leading to accusations that the MPAA had compromised by awarding it an R-rating instead of the harsher X-rating. Some cities attempted to ban the film altogether or restrict children’s access.”
Cast director: William Friedkin
Cast actor: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, William O’Malley, Barton Heyman, Peter Masterson
Original name: The Exorcist