The Exorcist was released December 26 1973 and was
an instant sensation. Directed by William Friedkin - the film was based
on a novel by William Peter Blatty and tells the story of a sweet 12
year old Regan MacNeil ( played by Linda Blair) who becomes inhabited
by an evil entity that claims to be the devil himself. As it becomes
apparent that Regan's bizarre and offensive behavior ( and that is putting
it mildly) is more than just a medical or mental disorder - her mother
becomes desperate. Chris MacNeil (played by Ellen Burstyn) turns to
the Catholic Church and a local priest by the name of Damien Karras
for help. Karras (played by Jason Miller) - who happens to be fighting
his own demons - calls upon Father Merrin (played by Max Von Sydow)
to lead the battle against evil and drive the malevolent spirit out
of the child. This movie was frightening and disturbing at the time
of its release and is the all time classic modern-day horror movie in
my opinion. |
