Firstly I don’t think I was honestly scared once, maybe I was the first time I saw it, but nothing really freaked me out this time around. And second, I think I watched it in the wrong time frame. This is a movie that came out in 1973 and let’s all be honest, things were different back then. I can imagine that when this movie came out nothing like it had ever been done before and it was a complete shock to everyone that watched it. It might be the fact that I’m watching it over 35 years later, or it could be the fact that I watch some strange movie anyway but nothing caught me as particularly odd or out there. Granted there were some scenes that I can see certain people having issues with, such as the crucifix scene, or some of the things that Linda Blair’s character yells out.
With that said however, there were some things I completely loved about the movie. The scene where she walks down the stairs is great (I don’t want to give anything away if you haven’t seen it). And any time you have a character masturbating with a crucifix while yelling “Fuck Jesus, Fuck You” over and over and then later tells a priest that “Your mother sucks cock in hell” then the movie can’t be all that bad.
Acting: I give it a 5. Linda Blair(although I hear she’s a bitch now) really pulls off the character of Regan quite well. Reverend William O'Malley is great as Father Dyer and the rest of the cast is awesome in their role’s as well.
Humor: Gave it a 3 here. Not a funny movie, but there were scenes that made the laugh just a little. Like the scene with the statue that has been desecrated and the first time that Regan pukes up on someone just tickled me the right way.
Blood/Gore: Maybe it’s the fact I’m part of the new generation of horror movie watchers, but I think there should have been more blood or gore here. There is a part where Regan bleeds out of the mouth and then the part with the crucifix, but other than that not too much going on in this department. Have to give it a 3
FX: No nudity in this movie, but then again who’s really supposed to get naked in a movie like this anyway right? Instead I focused more on the FX used during the film, and again I have to go back to the staircase scene, which I honestly think is one of the greatest FX I’ve seen in a long time, which says a lot when you consider they made this back in 73. That along with the make-up they put Linda Blair in during her late stage of being possessed is simply amazing. Another 5 here.
Cinematography: Really good throughout, except for the scenes where Regan and her mom are talking to the numerous medical officials trying to figure out what her problem is. Maybe it’s the fact most of the rest of the movie is dark compared to this scene, but it just seemed really bright in contrast. Give it a 4 though because the rest of the movie is done so well.
Directing: William Friedkin did an awesome job with this film I must admit. I’ve never read the book or the screenplay, so I’m not sure how close I think he should have been but it was a great job none the less. At least he was willing to go out and make something like this at a time when nothing even close was being done in the world of movies. Unless I’m forgetting some movie that pushed the envelope before this one did, he did an amazing job. I give it a 5
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OVERALL RATING--3.5-- |
2 comments:
Nice review, rather than focus on the story which we already/should know, you focused on your likes/dislikes. I'd have given it a higher rating, but then again, maybe I'm a little dated too. I'm sure a lot of my fondness stems from my mom keeping us guarded from it as kids, plus it's still a kick-ass movie. It's a shame it was injusticed by it's weak and unneeded sequels. Keep that review enthusiasm going!
I was up at midnight, and I watched this movie in TV at the age of 6 years old.
The movie made me a captive.
It is my favorite now.
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