The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Gems: The Exorcist (1973)

How do you choose what to watch on all those streaming services you have access to? There are so many options that it is just overwhelming. These services constantly release new content and overshadow all the great films from the past that are already there and ready to watch. Now there is The Wasteland Gems! Here is a great film on streaming right now that you should check out this weekend:

The Exorcist (1973)

What is one of the greatest faith-based films that no one ever gives enough credit to? William Friedkin’s The Exorcist. That probably was not the film most of you reading this would expect. But it is important to state that this megahit horror film is a richly layered exploration of faith ripped from the pages of William Peter Blatty’s novel. This is also one of the most iconic and successful horror films of all time. A film does not simply gross $430 million in the 1970s without being a grand cultural touchstone and success. This is one of the biggest films of all time and a film that opened the door for the horror genre. On top of that, all other exorcism films stem from this point. The feat of creating an exorcism film out from behind the shadows of Friedkin’s film is damn near impossible. This makes a great choice to get you in the mood for this Halloween season!

What makes this film such a powerful film about faith? The central premise is about an actress who struggles with the reality that her daughter is possessed by a horrific demon. But her main chance of redemption comes at the hands of Jason Miller’s Father Karras. His mother has died after a great illness. His faith is shattered. But where does a priest go from such a precarious place with their faith? Blatty’s story gives Karras plenty of space to explore his faith and reckon with the pain that life provides no matter how much of a man of faith you are. But it is through this mission that Karras looks evil in the eye and finds his strength and resolve to save the day, thanks to his faith. This is a journey full of doubt which feels like such a human experience because it is something we all struggle with in different aspects of our lives. Karras’ journey is powerful, tragic, and poignant.

Are there more story elements that make this film even deeper? Besides the rich journey of religious faith, the core of the film is really a story about a mother and her daughter. There is a helplessness that overcomes Chris MacNeil as her daughter, Regan, slowly changes. The use of curse words. Heightening anger. These are common issues with a young girl growing into her teens. But it is the more grotesque occurrences that become more terrifying and heartbreaking for a mother to witness. Medicine does nothing. This leaves Chris hopeless. Father Karras is resistant. This leaves Chris frustrated. But witnessing the power of maternal love gives The Exorcist so much depth and emotional resonance. This is such a powerful cinematic experience.

But why do audiences come to The Exorcist most frequently? Horror. Terror. Suspense. Thrills. Friedkin directs the hell out of Blatty’s story with rawness and ferocity. There are few elements of this film that don’t amaze the audience. The make-up is disturbing as young Linda Blair is transformed into a blistered, morphed, and grotesque entity that is only slightly human but deeply evil. The visuals of the demon, Pazuzu, are horrifying to see. The director’s cut of the film has plenty more with the statues in the desert. The atmosphere is engrossing and unnerving for sure with plenty of chilling effects, fogginess, and the use of shadow and light. But one of the most chilling elements of the film is the iconic score which is chosen so perfectly for the film. The climactic exorcism sequence is one of the most iconic scenes in any horror film with the great addition of Max Von Sydow as Father Merrick and the shocking and brutal resolution to this possession.

Why is The Exorcist still considered one of the greatest horror films of all time? This is a film that transcends just being another horror film. This was a cultural phenomenon that captured the public’s need to be repulsed and scared. This was the trendsetter for a whole subgenre of horror (exorcism films). The performances are incredible with a strong casting delivering plenty of emotions. The practical effects and scares have become truly iconic at this point. There is also something profound to say about motherhood and faith. The Exorcist is a towering achievement and a defining film for a whole genre.

The Exorcist is streaming on HBO Max.