5 - The Exorcist (1973)

There are few movies considered classics in the horror movie genre.  There's Psycho, there's the Shining, and then there's the Exorcist.  I don't recall ever reviewing The Exorcist before.  I'm not sure why.  Seems like a prime choice for a horror movie review.  Not sure why it took me so long to get to it.  Anyways, let's get on with the reivew!

The Exorcist (1973) is about, well, an exorcist.  It doesn't really start out that way.  There's an actress, and her daughter, and Psychiatrist / Priest, who happens to be a big fan of the actress.  The actress is in town shooting a movie, and the actress' daughter, Regan, finds an old Ouija board in a closet.  She starts playing with it, and contacts a spirit, whom she refers to as "Captain Howdy."  Sadly, Captain Howdy is shy, and only talks to Regan.  Later that evening, Regan's mom hears something in the attic, and immediately thinks "rats."  But it's not rats.  It's not much of anything.  Could it be Captain Howdy?  We never know, because Regan is starting to feel, shall we say, not quite herself?  Yeah, you know what's coming.  All hell is about to break loose.

I love how, even in 1973, it's all about the Ouija Board.  I love how even the mother knows you aren't supposed to use it by yourself.  I love how, when I'm two or three years old and this movie is being made, they already know all about Ouija boards and they are already so much of a horror movie trope that all they even do in this movie is mention it in passing, and you just already KNOW that's how "Captain Howdy" makes his way into Regan.  They don't even have to show it, like they do in all the fancy remakes, making a huge deal about how the piece moves by itself!  :-o  Nope, they are just like "Yep, Regan's playing with a ouija board." and you're already all like "Aw, shit, that's bad news right there."  Forty seven years and 47 different pale imitations later, The Exorcist is still the gold statndard when it comes to Ouija boards infecting people with evil spirits.

Special effects are very well done for 1973, and hold up pretty well even today.  Linda Blair does an excellent job as Regan, and let's be frank, will probably be remembered for her role in this film for the rest of her natural life, and even afterwards.  Max Von Sydow is Father Merrin, who looks like he's on death's door here, and still somehow managed to live until this very year.  RIP, Mr. Max von Sydow!  You are already deeply missed.  Ellen Burstyn is Regan's mother, the famous actress, and Lee J. Cobb (12 angry men) is in one of his last great roles in this movie as Lt. William Kinderman, investigating the death of Burke, one the actress's friends.

I caught this movie on IFC, but they'll probably show it on AMC at some point this month, and maybe a few other channels as well.  This month is perfect for this movie.  There's even a scene in this movie showing kids trick or treating around halloween, and there's certainly a lot more scenes of fall foliage in the Exorcist than there were in Halloween with Jamie Lee Curtis.  :-D  Then again, The Exorcist does NOT have Jack-o-lanterns in it.  So.  There's that.  This movie is infinitely re-watchable.  Enjoy as often as you can.  :-)

In other news, that's all for tonight.  It's already nearing my bedtime.  Have a good one.  See you guys soon!