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There is much to discuss in this film that may have been the most controversial fin I know of.It's a horror film,even religious and a film of self discovery and redemption.AND for its time,released in 1973 and running 122 minutes,scary as all hell.From that music,"tubular bells"and a opening scene shot in Iraq, pre the wars,there is much to sink your teeth into.
Its a film about demonic possession and the catholic rite of exorcism that is still practiced even to this day.Raised a catholic I can remember being scared and somewhat offended by this film that I did see in the theater, when it was released.I hadn't seen it till a few days ago since. You can't separate the religion from this film,but,its about the possession and NOT the religion per say other than it took a challenged and really washed up priest to make a final act of love to save a child and thus redeem his life in death.Through the years there have been a few sequels and even a "prequel"but none have the power of the original.Many only remember the fine acting by young Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil,the young 12 year girl who is possessed and does the most shocking things on screen, that a few are still shocking today,imagine the effect it had on audiences in 1973 !!!.
However there are fine roles put in by Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil,her mom,the always great Max von Sydow as the old priest Father Merrin ,even old favorite tough guy Lee J. Cobb as Lt. William Kinderman .However never forget the great job put in by Jason Miller as Father Damian Karras ,who has fallen from grace and resurrected his immortal soul by saving young Regan's life. Its powerful and disturbing weather you are religious or not.Must see cinema.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary below.
A visiting actress in Washington, D.C., notices dramatic and dangerous changes in the behavior and physical make-up of her 12-year-old daughter. Meanwhile, a young priest at nearby Georgetown University begins to doubt his faith while dealing with his mother's terminal sickness. And, book-ending the story, a frail, elderly priest recognizes the necessity for a show-down with an old demonic enemy. Written by Andrew Harmon <aharmon@erols.com>
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