The Exorcist Review

Written by: Alex   

The scariest movie of all time? It's arguable. But for me, the answer is a definite yes. Why? Because it contains the most shocking scene in the history of horror cinema. Directed by William Friedkin (The French Connection), "The Exorcist" is not your typical horror outing.

It was based on the best selling novel by William Peter Blatty, which in turn was supposedly inspired by a real life case. And so Friedkin grounds the film in stark realism. He takes his time setting up characters and locations before literally giving the devil his due. And when the devil does come into possession of a little 12-year old girl, the movie becomes an intense, in-your-face, visceral assault on the senses. After all these years, it still has the power to shock viewers.

It is a movie that provokes thoughts and questions long after the screen has gone black. The photography is exquisite, the acting is great and the music is haunting. It may not be for everyone, but "The Exorcist" is one of the great movies of all time. To me, it is about how far the devil is willing to go in order to shatter our faith and scare our souls. Forget the 2000 re-release and go with the 1973 original instead. It is a masterpiece of the genre. If you've never seen it before, then hold on tight, because it is an experience you'll never forget.