Audience reactions toThe Exorcistupon its release includingrunning from the theater and fainting are well-documented.
Despite this, it was a hit.
Nominated for 10 Academy Awards in 1974, it received Oscars for Best Screenplay and Best Sound.
Image via Warner Bros.
Now, at 50,The Exorcistcontinues to terrify audiences.
There are numerous reasons for its profound impact and staying power on pop culture.
The result was a movie that was fresh and new and did not rely on predictable horror movie tropes.
When a young girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
The Exorcistis more than a horror movie, it’s a morality tale.
Wisely, when castingThe Exorcist, Friedkin populated his movie with solid, believable actors instead of household names.
A lot of huge names from that era were considered.
If the film had gone down the route, it would have been a completely different picture.
There is also the possessed Regan’s use of obscene and graphic language.
We feel shock, horror, nausea, fear, and some small measure of dogged hope."
Image via Warner Bros.
The film broke a lot forpractical effects in horror movies.
Yet these elements are not gratuitously used by Friedkin.
Consider the horrific crucifix scene, for example.
Image via Warner Bros.
Not so withThe Exorcist, which provides no respite for the terrified viewer.
As a result,The Exorcistis a supernatural terror ride that sustains its ominous atmosphere from start to finish.
But, let’s face it, no one watches a movie likeThe Exorcistfor the laughs.
A lot of cast members were affected by “the curse.”
Max von Sydow’s brother died on the actor’s first day of shooting.
The interior set of the MacNeil home burned down during filming.
Image via Warner Bros.
In 1979, Bateson was convicted ofmurdering film industry journalist Addison Verrill.
Either way,the so-calledThe Exorcistcurse reinforces the movie’s position as the number one scariest movie ever made.
The Exorcistis available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Rent on Amazon Prime
NEXT:The 100 Best Horror Movies of All Time, Ranked
