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The Exorcist: A Deep Dive into the Classic Horror Film
The chilling whispers, the projectile vomiting, the head-spinning contortions – William Friedkin's The Exorcist isn't just a film; it's a cultural phenomenon. Released in 1973, it transcended the horror genre, sparking intense debate, religious scrutiny, and a lasting legacy that continues to fascinate and frighten audiences today. This in-depth exploration delves into the film's enduring impact, examining its narrative, thematic resonance, and lasting influence on cinema and popular culture. We’ll unpack the reasons behind its enduring power, exploring its psychological horror, religious themes, and groundbreaking special effects. Prepare to confront the chilling reality of The Exorcist.
The Story of Regan MacNeil: Innocence Lost
At the heart of The Exorcist lies the story of Regan MacNeil, a seemingly normal 12-year-old girl whose life takes a terrifying turn. Initially exhibiting strange behavior, Regan's condition rapidly deteriorates into a demonic possession, leaving her mother, Chris, desperate for answers and solutions. The film masterfully builds tension, slowly revealing the horrifying extent of Regan's possession and the desperate battle for her soul. This slow burn is crucial to the film's effectiveness, gradually immersing the viewer in a growing sense of dread and unease. The gradual descent into chaos allows the audience to fully empathize with Chris's growing horror and desperation.
The Descent into Darkness: Early Signs and Escalation
The film doesn't immediately jump into the full-blown demonic displays. Instead, it carefully establishes Regan's initial changes through subtle shifts in behavior: unexplained noises, unsettling vocabulary, and increasing aggression. This slow build-up is crucial in creating a believable and terrifying portrayal of demonic possession. The escalating disturbances are mirrored by Chris's own increasing desperation, as her attempts to seek conventional medical help prove fruitless, pushing her to the brink of despair.
The Arrival of the Exorcists: Confronting the Supernatural
As Regan's condition worsens, Chris's last resort leads her to seek the help of two priests: Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest grappling with his own faith, and Father Lankester Merrin, an aging exorcist with years of experience combating demonic forces. Their arrival marks a turning point in the film, as the fight for Regan's soul transitions from a personal struggle to a spiritual battle of immense proportions. The contrasting personalities and approaches of the two priests add further depth to the narrative, reflecting the complexities of faith and doubt.
The Thematic Depth of The Exorcist: Beyond the Horror
The Exorcist is more than just a horror film; it's a profound exploration of faith, doubt, and the battle between good and evil. The film skillfully intertwines these themes, creating a complex and multi-layered narrative that continues to resonate with audiences decades later.
Faith Under Pressure: Exploring the Internal Struggles of the Priests
Both Father Karras and Father Merrin are complex characters grappling with their own beliefs and doubts. Father Karras, struggling with his own personal demons and the loss of his mother, finds himself questioning his faith while facing the immense power of the demonic entity. Father Merrin, despite his years of experience, recognizes the magnitude of the evil they face and is deeply impacted by the experience. Their internal struggles add layers of depth to the narrative, grounding the supernatural elements in human experience.
The Power of Belief: Examining the Role of Faith in Confrontation
The film's central conflict underscores the power of belief in the face of overwhelming evil. The exorcism itself is not merely a physical battle; it’s a spiritual contest between faith and demonic influence. The film suggests that faith, even amidst doubt, is a crucial weapon in confronting the supernatural, highlighting the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror.
The Lasting Legacy: The Exorcist's Impact on Cinema and Culture
The Exorcist's impact on popular culture is undeniable. It redefined the horror genre, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on screen. Its groundbreaking special effects, particularly the unsettling portrayal of Regan's demonic possession, remain iconic and influential.
Groundbreaking Special Effects: The Visuals That Defined a Genre
The special effects in The Exorcist were revolutionary for their time, creating a sense of unease and dread that went beyond mere jump scares. The realistic depiction of Regan's possession, coupled with the film's dark and unsettling atmosphere, contributed to its enduring power and impact on audiences. Many of the techniques used are still studied and emulated by filmmakers today, showcasing the film’s lasting impact on special effects technology and horror cinematography.
A Cultural Phenomenon: Beyond the Screen
Beyond its cinematic achievements, The Exorcist sparked intense cultural conversations about religion, faith, and the nature of evil. The film's controversial content and its graphic depiction of demonic possession fueled debates and discussions that continue to this day. Its enduring popularity showcases its ability to resonate with audiences across generations and transcend the limitations of its time.
Conclusion
The Exorcist remains a cinematic masterpiece, a film that transcends its genre to explore profound thematic concerns with chilling effect. Its unsettling visuals, complex characters, and compelling narrative combine to create an unforgettable cinematic experience that continues to captivate and disturb audiences decades after its release. Its legacy extends far beyond the screen, influencing filmmakers, artists, and cultural discourse in ways that few films have ever achieved.
FAQs
Q1: Is The Exorcist truly scary?
A1: Yes, The Exorcist is widely considered one of the scariest films ever made. Its unsettling atmosphere, disturbing visuals, and psychological horror elements are designed to evoke intense fear and unease.
Q2: What makes The Exorcist so enduringly popular?
A2: Its combination of groundbreaking special effects, compelling characters, complex themes, and an unsettling atmosphere contribute to its enduring popularity. The film continues to resonate with audiences due to its exploration of faith, doubt, and the battle between good and evil.
Q3: What are the key religious themes explored in the film?
A3: The Exorcist explores themes of faith, doubt, the power of prayer, and the struggle between good and evil. The characters grapple with their beliefs, questioning their faith while confronting a powerful demonic entity.
Q4: How did The Exorcist influence the horror genre?
A4: The Exorcist redefined the horror genre by moving beyond simple jump scares and focusing on psychological horror. Its realistic depiction of demonic possession and its exploration of deeper thematic concerns profoundly impacted subsequent horror films.
Q5: Are there any sequels or related films?
A5: Yes, there are several sequels to The Exorcist, though none have achieved the same level of critical and cultural acclaim as the original. These sequels explore further aspects of the story and characters introduced in the first film.
| the exorcist: The Exorcist William Peter Blatty, 2010-01-26 Father Damien Karras: 'Where is Regan?' Regan MacNeil: 'In here. With us.' The terror begins unobtrusively. Noises in the attic. In the child's room, an odd smell, the displacement of furniture, an icy chill. At first, easy explanations are offered. Then frightening changes begin to appear in eleven-year-old Regan. Medical tests fail to shed any light on her symptoms, but it is as if a different personality has invaded her body. Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest, is called in. Is it possible that a demonic presence has possessed the child? Exorcism seems to be the only answer... First published in 1971, The Exorcist became a literary phenomenon and inspired one of the most shocking films ever made. This edition, polished and expanded by the author, includes new dialogue, a new character and a chilling new extended scene, provides an unforgettable reading experience that has lost none of its power to shock and continues to thrill and terrify new readers. |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist Mark Kermode, 1998 Publisher Description |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist William Peter Blatty, 1994 A young girl becomes possessed by the devil and causes several violent deaths before she can be cured. |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist Legacy Nat Segaloff, 2023-07-25 The definitive, fascinating story of the scariest film ever made and its enduring impact in Hollywood and beyond—from the director’s biographer comes a must-read for horror fans and cinema buffs, just in time for the movie’s 50th anniversary and the release of the first movie in a new Exorcist trilogy. Includes a foreword by John Russo, author and cowriter of the seminal horror film Night of the Living Dead. On December 26, 1973, The Exorcist was released. Within days it had become legend. Moviegoers braved hours-long lines in winter weather to see it. Some audience members famously fainted or vomited. Half a century later, the movie that both inspired and transcends the modern horror genre has lost none of its power to terrify and unsettle. The Exorcist Legacy reveals the complete story of this cultural phenomenon, from the real-life exorcism in 1949 Maryland that inspired William Peter Blatty’s bestselling novel on which the movie is based, to its many sequels, prequels, TV series, and homages. Nat Segaloff, biographer of the film’s director, William Friedkin, draws on original interviews with cast, crew, and participants as well as revelations from personal papers to present an intriguing and surprising new view of the making of the movie, and its aftermath. Segaloff also examines as never before the keys to the movie’s enduring appeal. Friedkin and Blatty’s goal was far more ambitious than making a scary movie; they aimed to make people “think about the concept of good and evil.” The Exorcist succeeds, and then some, not just by creating on-screen scares, but by challenging viewers’ deepest personal beliefs—and fears. |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist , 1972 |
| the exorcist: Jesus the Exorcist Graham H. Twelftree, 2011-07-11 That the synoptic writers believed that Jesus cast out demons and that such a role figured prominently in the Synoptics' portrait of him can scarcely be denied. And yet, only scant scholarly attention has been focused on Jesus' role as exorcist. Even less consideration has been given to the significance of Jesus as exorcist for understanding the historical Jesus. Now, in a provocative and insightful study, Graham Twelftree helps New Testament scholars move beyond such myopia. Twelftree examines exorcists and exorcism in first-century Palestine, assesses the New Testament accounts of demons and their demise, and explores the implications and significance of the fact that Jesus was indeed an exorcist. The volume appeared originally in the noted German series Wissenschaftliche Unteruchmungen zum Neuen Testament. |
| the exorcist: My Best Friend's Exorcism Grady Hendrix, 2016-05-17 Soon to be a major motion picture. This ENHANCED DIGITAL EDITION features TONS of TOTALLY AWESOME ’80s bonus materials—including Satanic Panic educational pamphlets, a do-it-yourself exorcism cheat sheet, a Spotify playlist of awesome ’80s tunes, animated cover artwork, and much more! From the New York Times best-selling author of The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, this unholy hybrid of Beaches and The Exorcist blends teen angst and unspeakable horrors into a pulse-pounding supernatural thriller. The year is 1988. High school sophomores Abby and Gretchen have been best friends since fourth grade. But after an evening of skinny-dipping goes disastrously wrong, Gretchen begins to act…different. She’s moody. She’s irritable. And bizarre incidents keep happening whenever she’s nearby. Abby’s investigation leads her to some startling discoveries—and by the time their story reaches its terrifying conclusion, the fate of Abby and Gretchen will be determined by a single question: Is their friendship powerful enough to beat the devil? |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist Danel Olson, 2011 Massive new book on The Exorcist covers every aspect of production, with essays, interviews, and essays on all the sequels. |
| the exorcist: Jesus the Exorcist Graham H. Twelftree, 1993 |
| the exorcist: Interview with an Exorcist Fr. José Antonio Fortea, 2014-06-26 In today’s culture of scientific enlightenment, many consider belief in demonic possession and exorcism to be superstitious remnants of the Dark Ages. Even many Christians, contrary to the clear words of Jesus in the Gospel, scoff at the notion that the Devil and demons really exist. Is demonic possession real? Are believers really in any danger from Satan and his crafty minions? What is the truth about exorcism? In this captivating book, you will find answers to these questions and many more. Written by one of the Church’s foremost experts on the topic, Interview with an Exorcist is based on Fr. Jose Antonio Fortea’s years of working as an exorcist, his extensive investigations of cases of suspected possessions, and his attendance at hundreds of exorcisms. You will learn: ● What really happens at an exorcism. ● The signs that show when possession is present. ● Why the number of possessions has been increasing in recent times. ● Why the permission of the local bishop is required for an exorcism to occur. ● Why some within the Church disparage this essential apostolic ministryAnd much more. ● The difference between demonic possession, obsession, and infestation. ● How to tell the difference between psychological problems and demonic influence. ● Why consulting mediums, dabbling in witchcraft, or having recourse to other occult practices is an open invitation to demonic spirits. |
| the exorcist: An Exorcist Tells His Story Gabriele Amorth, 2015-07-21 In this powerful book, the renowned exorcist of Rome tells of his many experiences in his ministry as an exorcist doing battle with Satan to relieve the great suffering of people in the grip of evil. The importance of the ministry to expel demons is clearly seen in the Gospels, from the actions of the Apostles, and from Church history. Fr. Amorth allows the reader to witness the activities of the exorcist, to experience what an exorcist sees and does. He also reveals how little modern science, psychology, and medicine can do to help those under Satan's influence, and that only the power of Christ can release them from this kind of mental, spiritual or physical suffering. An Exorcist Tells His Story has been a European best-seller that has gone through numerous printings and editions. No other book today so thoroughly and concisely discusses the topic of exorcism. |
| the exorcist: Diary of an American Exorcist Msgr Stephen Rossetti, 2021-06-22 Archdiocese of Washington exorcist Msgr. Stephen Rossetti and his team have a very active caseload of demonic possessions. Msgr. Rossetti presents many of these stories here, without varnish or hype. In these ninety-five detailed cases, two vivid lessons consistently emerge: 1. Demons possess or simply harass people in myriad ways and need to be taken seriously, even when they do not enter a soul. 2. Demons are defeated, decisively, by the power of Christ and His Church, employing prayer, sacramentals, rites of exorcism -- and especially, invocations to the Blessed Mother. Despite all their bluster and arrogance, demons are cowards, Msgr. Rossetti reveals. In fact, in every section of his work, he offers detailed Theological Reflections explaining the meaning of these possessions, why he thinks God permitted each, and the spiritual benefits accrued. The devil is no match for the Lord of Heaven and Earth. |
| the exorcist: An Exorcist Gabriele Amorth, 2015-09-15 Following up his international best- selling book, An Exorcist Tells His Story, Fr. Gabriele Amorth, the renowned chief exorcist of Rome, expands on some of the key topics of his previous book, covering important details about demonic or occult issues. He uses concrete examples from his own experiences and those of other exorcists to illustrate and substantiate his points. Since satanic sects, occultism, s?ances, fortune-tellers and astrologers are so widespread today, Father Amorth asks the question why is it so difficult today to find an exorcist, or a priest who is an expert in this field? The example and the teaching of Christ is very clear, as is the tradition of the Church. But today's Catholics are often misinformed. Exorcisms are reserved for appointed priests, while all believers can make prayers of liberation. What is the difference? What norms must be followed? What problems are still open and unresolved in this field? The new book by Father Amorth answers these and many other questions, supporting his discourse with a rich exposition of recent facts. A valuable, practical and instructive manual for priests and lay people, on how to help many who are suffering. |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist Mark Kermode, 2020-10-01 Inspired by an alleged real case of demonic possession in 1949, The Exorcist became an international phenomenon on its release in 1973. A blockbusting adaptation of a best-selling novel, it was praised as 'deeply spiritual' by some sections of the Catholic Church while being picketed by the Festival of Light and branded 'Satanic' by the evangelist Billy Graham. Banned on video in the UK for nearly fifteen years, the film still retains an extraordinary power to shock and startle. Mark Kermode's compelling study of this horror classic was originally published in 1997, and then extensively updated and expanded in 2003 to incorporate the discovery of new material. This revised edition documents the deletion and reinstatement of key scenes that have now been integrated into the film to create The Exorcist: The Version You've Never Seen. Candid interviews with director William Friedkin and writer/producer William Peter Blatty reveal the behind the-scenes battles which took place during the production. In addition, exclusive stills reveal the truth about the legendary 'subliminal images' allegedly lurking within the celluloid. |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist Bob McCabe, 1999 Published to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the filmâs release, this book explores the shocking truths and myths that surround the film. |
| the exorcist: The Rite Matt Baglio, 2009-05-05 In 2005 a Vatican-run university opened its doors to priests from around the world, running a course for would-be exorcists. Looking for a story, Rome-based investigative journalist Matt Baglio attended the class, and there met Father Gary Thomas - a Californian priest who had been chosen to attend by his bishop. Father Gary was concerned that many of the 'possessed' were in reality suffering from psychological disorders best left to the care of doctors. How and why his view changed is the subject of this book. We follow Father Gary's year-long training with a senior exorcist as he is transformed from a doubter into a believer. Baglio gained unprecedented access to this world, including participating in exorcisms and culminating with Fr. Gary's own fearsome confrontation with the Devil. Woven into his story is the fascinating history of exorcism, its rites and rituals, and the ways and reasons that people become possessed. Matt Baglio speaks to psychologists and detectives, as well as Vatican clergy, to wrinkle out the truth about this most Gothic of subjects. THE RITE is proof that the truth about demonic possession is not only stranger than fiction, but far more chilling. |
| the exorcist: Diabolical Possession and the Case Behind The Exorcist Sergio A. Rueda, 2018-10-29 Reexamining the purported 1949 exorcism of a 13-year old boy in Mount Ranier, Maryland--the most famous and widely documented case in history--the author explores the subject of demonic possession in the light of science. Eyewitness accounts, unpublished photos and never before published documents from the archives of the Rhine Research Foundation provide fresh perspective on the events that inspired the novel, and later the film, The Exorcist. |
| the exorcist: Penpal Dathan Auerbach, 2012-07 |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist Effect Joseph P. Laycock, Eric Harrelson, 2023-11-07 The Exorcist Effect examines the relationship between horror films and religious culture, focusing on the period from 1968 to the present. Films like Rosemary's Baby (1968), The Exorcist (1973), and The Omen (1976) claimed to be based on actual events, religious traditions, and Biblical texts. These films inspired subsequent beliefs and experiences, which became the basis for yet more horror films. This book draws on archival research to shed new light on such figures as Ed and Lorraine Warren and Malachi Martin, who inserted themselves into this cycle. It also incorporates interviews with horror authors, film writers, and paranormal investigators. |
| the exorcist: William Peter Blatty on The Exorcist from Novel to Film William Peter Blatty, 2015-04-21 In William Peter Blatty on The Exorcist: From Novel to Film, the New York Times bestselling author reveals the real-life incidents that inspired his famous novel and how it evolved into the groundbreaking Academy Award-winning screenplay of the 1973 groundbreaking William Friedkin film. Featuring the original, controversial ending of the novel, and both the first draft of the screenplay and the shooting script, Blatty presents his behind-the-scenes commentary on the differences between the book and screenplays, detailing the specific reasons why the changes were made for the final cut. This is the true story of the making of The Exorcist, an insider's guide to Hollywood in one of its most creative eras. Includes photographs At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied. |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist of Sombor Dániel Bárth, 2020-05-13 The Exorcist of Sombor examines the life course, practice and mentality of an eighteenth-century Franciscan friar, based on his own letters and documentation, creating a frame around the tightly packed history of events that took place between 1766-1769, and analysing the series of exorcism scandals that erupted in the Hungarian town of Sombor, from the perspectives of social history and cultural history. The author employs a method which reflects historical anthropology, the history of ideas and the influence of Italian microhistory. Based on the activity of an exorcist priest in the early modern period, the documents of the ecclesiastical courts and a considerable body of autograph correspondence are thoroughly examined. Analysing these letters gives the reader a chance to come into close proximity with the way of thinking of a person from the eighteenth century. The research questions in connection to the documentation aim to identify the causes for the conflict. How was it possible to have correct and wrong methods of exorcism within the practice of one and the same church? What sort of criteria were used when certain previously accepted practices were dubbed superstitious in the second half of the eighteenth century? What were the changes that took place in the attitude of priests and friars within the ecclesiastical society of the period? How can a conflict be focussed on a practice (healing by exorcism) which has roots going back thousands of years? How many different variants of demonology existed in the clerical thinking of the age? As a highly accomplished source analysis within microhistory, The Exorcist of Sombor will be of great interest to early modern historians, anthropologists and culture researchers interested in microhistory and themes such as religion, magic, occultism and witchcraft. |
| the exorcist: Diabolical Possession and the Case Behind The Exorcist Sergio A. Rueda, 2018-10-09 Reexamining the purported 1949 exorcism of a 13-year old boy in Mount Ranier, Maryland--the most famous and widely documented case in history--the author explores the subject of demonic possession in the light of science. Eyewitness accounts, unpublished photos and never before published documents from the archives of the Rhine Research Foundation provide fresh perspective on the events that inspired the novel, and later the film, The Exorcist. |
| the exorcist: The Omen David Seltzer, 2006-05 Now updated, this classic tale of the antichrist who comes to Earth in the form of a young boy is available in time for 20th Century Fox's contemporary remake of the 1976 classic film, starring Liev Schreiber, Julia Stiles, and Mia Farrow, scheduled for release on June 6, 2006. Reissue. |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist William Peter Blatty, 2017-10-24 Originally published in 1971, The Exorcist is now a major television series on FOX. It remains one of the most controversial novels ever written and went on to become a literary phenomenon: It spent fifty-seven weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, seventeen consecutively at number one. Inspired by a true story of a child’s demonic possession in the 1940s, William Peter Blatty created an iconic novel that focuses on Regan, the eleven-year-old daughter of a movie actress residing in Washington, D.C. A small group of overwhelmed yet determined individuals must rescue Regan from her unspeakable fate, and the drama that ensues is gripping and unfailingly terrifying. Two years after its publication, The Exorcist was, of course, turned into a wildly popular motion picture, garnering ten Academy Award nominations. On opening day of the film, lines of the novel’s fans stretched around city blocks. In Chicago, frustrated moviegoers used a battering ram to gain entry through the double side doors of a theater. In Kansas City, police used tear gas to disperse an impatient crowd who tried to force their way into a cinema. The three major television networks carried footage of these events; CBS’s Walter Cronkite devoted almost ten minutes to the story. The Exorcist was, and is, more than just a novel and a film: it is a true landmark. Purposefully raw and profane, The Exorcist still has the extraordinary ability to disturb readers and cause them to forget that it is “ just a story.” Published here in this beautiful fortieth anniversary edition, it remains an unforgettable reading experience and will continue to shock and frighten a new generation of readers. |
| the exorcist: Deliverance from Evil Spirits Dr. Francis MacNutt, 2009-02 A guide to deliverance ministry explains the biblical record and clarifies what a deliverance ministry is and how it functions in the church of today. |
| the exorcist: The Devil Is Afraid of Me Fr. Gabriele Amorth, Marcello Stanzione, 2020-01-19 “We can do nothing against you because you are too protected!” So declared a frustrated host of devils to Father Gabriele Amorth, the priest exorcist in Rome who spent thirty years battling the Devil and his minions by performing more than sixty thousand exorcisms. All the while, he deftly used modern media to awaken our disbelieving modern culture — and even the Church — to the reality of the Devil and his nefarious actions at all times and everywhere. In these eye-opening pages, angelologist Father Marcello Stanzione tells the fascinating story of Father Amorth and his life as an exorcist. You'll learn of his daily schedule and how he managed to perform dozens of exorcisms each week. You'll find out what his exorcism room looked like, and how various devils responded to his bold practice. Best of all, you'll read Father Amorth's own startling explanations of many truths about the Devil that our culture has forgotten — and about th |
| the exorcist: The Black Exorcist Joseph Nazel, 1974 |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist Mark Kermode, 1997 No Marketing Blurb |
| the exorcist: What Did Jesus Look Like? Joan E. Taylor, 2018-02-08 Jesus Christ is arguably the most famous man who ever lived. His image adorns countless churches, icons, and paintings. He is the subject of millions of statues, sculptures, devotional objects and works of art. Everyone can conjure an image of Jesus: usually as a handsome, white man with flowing locks and pristine linen robes. But what did Jesus really look like? Is our popular image of Jesus overly westernized and untrue to historical reality? This question continues to fascinate. Leading Christian Origins scholar Joan E. Taylor surveys the historical evidence, and the prevalent image of Jesus in art and culture, to suggest an entirely different vision of this most famous of men. He may even have had short hair. |
| the exorcist: The Exorcist William Peter Blatty, 2010 |
| the exorcist: The Friedkin Connection William Friedkin, 2013-02-05 The long-awaited memoir from the Academy Award–winning director of such legendary films as The French Connection, The Exorcist, and To Live and Die in LA, The Friedkin Connection takes readers from the streets of Chicago to the suites of Hollywood and from the sixties to today, with autobiographical storytelling as fast-paced and intense as any of the auteur's films. William Friedkin, maverick of American cinema, offers a candid look at Hollywood, when traditional storytelling gave way to the rebellious and alternative; when filmmakers like him captured the paranoia and fear of a nation undergoing a cultural nervous breakdown. The Friedkin Connection includes 16 pages of black-and-white photographs. |
| the exorcist: American Exorcism Michael Cuneo, 2010-09-30 Conducted by officially appointed exorcists or by maverick priests sidestepping Christian sanctions, by evangelical ministers and Episcopal charismatics, the ancient rite of exorcism is flourishing in the new millennium. In New York alone, four priests have, since 1995, officially investigated over 40 cases of suspected demonic possession, the Archdiocese of Chicago has appointed its first full-time exorcist in over 160 years while exorcists have appeared on television, courtesy of the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Larry King. Written with objectivity, insight and a healthy amount of irony, AMERICAN EXORCISM is an inside look at this - to some extraordinary, to others preposterous and to many, terrifying - phenomenon. Having attended over 50 exorcisms in person, and interviewed many of the participants - both the exorcists and those who believed themselves to be possessed - Michael Cuneo explores this netherworld of American, and ergo, British, life, and reflects on the meaning of exorcism in the 21st century, and on the relationship between religious ritual and popular culture. As well recounting in gripping detail the ceremonies he witnessed, he touches on such provocative topics as the 'satanic panics' of the 1980s, repressed memory and ritual abuse. The result is a remarkably revealing, entertaining and fascinating work of cultural commentary. |
| the exorcist: Death in Her Hands Ottessa Moshfegh, 2020-08-27 'This is a story about what might happen when a woman takes charge... A glorious visceral mystery' The Times While on her daily walk with her dog in the woods near her home, Vesta comes across a chilling handwritten note. Her name was Magda. Nobody will ever know who killed her. It wasn't me. Here is her dead body. Shaky even on her best days, Vesta is also alone, and new to the area, having moved here after the death of her husband. Her brooding about the note grows quickly into a full-blown obsession: who was Magda and how did she meet her fate? From the Booker-shortlisted author of Eileen comes this razor-sharp, chilling and darkly hilarious novel about the stories we tell ourselves and how we strive to obscure the truth. __________________________ PRAISE FOR DEATH IN HER HANDS: 'Routinely hailed as one of the most exciting young American authors working today' Guardian 'A new kind of murder mystery' New Yorker 'Dark, devious' Observer 'A fine line between shocking realism and the absurd' New Statesman 'A brilliant off-kilter detective story' Evening Standard 'A beautiful novel' Sunday Times |
| the exorcist: Carnosaur Harry Adam Knight, Will Errickson, 2022-09-06 It stood over six feet tall and was the color of dried blood. It was absurdly reminiscent of some giant plucked bird, like an ostrich-but it had the head of a reptile. The partly opened mouth revealed rows of curved, pointed teeth. It was a walking impossibility-a creature that had died out sixty-five million years ago-but it was alive. And it wasn't the only one. In a sleepy rural town, one man's dream had become everyone else's nightmare-and dinosaurs once more roamed the earth. First published in 1984, six years before Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park, Harry Adam Knight's Carnosaur is a gory dinosaur-filled romp sure to delight fans of '80s paperback horror fiction. |
| the exorcist: Elsewhere William Peter Blatty, 2015-04-07 Elsewhere is an incredible haunted house novel by William Peter Blatty, the legendary author of The Exorcist. Disturbing, unsettling, chilling, and laced with a nasty streak of dark humor. This is a must-have for all fans of dark fiction and sure to become a time-honored classic in the genre. ...a witty ghost story of Jamesian complexity. -- The Boston Herald At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied. |
| the exorcist: Wishtress Nadine Brandes, 2022-09-13 Her tears grant wishes. Her next tear will end her life. She didn’t ask to be the Wishtress. Myrthe was born with the ability to turn her tears into wishes. But when a granted wish goes wrong, she is cursed: the next tear she sheds will kill her. She must travel to the Well to break the curse before it can claim her life—and before the king’s militairen find her. To survive the journey, Myrthe must harden her heart to keep herself from crying even a single tear. He can stop time with a snap of his fingers. Bastiaan’s powerful—and rare—Talent came in handy when he kidnapped the old king. Now the new king has a job for him: find the Wishtress and deliver her to the schloss. But Bastiaan needs a wish of his own. He gains Myrthe’s trust by promising to take her to the Well, but once he gets what he needs, he’ll turn her in. As long as his growing feelings for the girl with a stone heart don’t compromise him. Their quest can end only one way: with her death. Everyone seems to need a wish—the king, Myrthe’s cousin, the boy she thinks she loves. And they’re ready to bully, beg, and betray her for it. No one knows that to grant even one wish, Myrthe would pay with her life. And if she tells them about the curse . . . they’ll just kill her anyway. “A beautiful tale about self-worth, second chances, and mysterious enchantment.” —Kathryn Purdie, #1 New York Times bestselling author Exciting and clean YA fantasy Stand-alone novel Book length: approximately 125,000 words Includes discussion questions for book clubs |
| the exorcist: The Gospel According to Mark , 1999-01-01 The earliest of the four Gospels, the book portrays Jesus as an enigmatic figure, struggling with enemies, his inner and external demons, and with his devoted but disconcerted disciples. Unlike other gospels, his parables are obscure, to be explained secretly to his followers. With an introduction by Nick Cave |
| the exorcist: The Story Behind the Exorcist Brenda Jackson, Penguin Books Staff, Ronald L McDonald, 1974-12-03 |
| the exorcist: The Library at Mount Char Scott Hawkins, 2015-06-16 “Wholly original . . . the work of the newest major talent in fantasy.”—The Wall Street Journal “Freakishly compelling . . . through heart-thumping acts of violence and laugh-out-loud moments, this book practically dares you to keep reading.”—Atlanta Magazine A missing God. A library with the secrets to the universe. A woman too busy to notice her heart slipping away. Carolyn's not so different from the other people around her. She likes guacamole and cigarettes and steak. She knows how to use a phone. Clothes are a bit tricky, but everyone says nice things about her outfit with the Christmas sweater over the gold bicycle shorts. After all, she was a normal American herself once. That was a long time ago, of course. Before her parents died. Before she and the others were taken in by the man they called Father. In the years since then, Carolyn hasn't had a chance to get out much. Instead, she and her adopted siblings have been raised according to Father's ancient customs. They've studied the books in his Library and learned some of the secrets of his power. And sometimes, they've wondered if their cruel tutor might secretly be God. Now, Father is missing—perhaps even dead—and the Library that holds his secrets stands unguarded. And with it, control over all of creation. As Carolyn gathers the tools she needs for the battle to come, fierce competitors for this prize align against her, all of them with powers that far exceed her own. But Carolyn has accounted for this. And Carolyn has a plan. The only trouble is that in the war to make a new God, she's forgotten to protect the things that make her human. Populated by an unforgettable cast of characters and propelled by a plot that will shock you again and again, The Library at Mount Char is at once horrifying and hilarious, mind-blowingly alien and heartbreakingly human, sweepingly visionary and nail-bitingly thrilling—and signals the arrival of a major new voice in fantasy. Praise for The Library at Mount Char An engrossing fantasy world full of supernatural beings and gruesome consequences.—Boston Globe Vivid . . . the dialogue sings . . . you'll spend equal time shuddering and chortling.—Dallas Morning News |
| the exorcist: A Printer's Choice PATENAUDE, W. L., 2018-08-28 In January 2088, life in outer space is rocked with news of its first homicide. The dead man—a young Dominican Priest—had secretly made his way “upside” and lived as a common laborer. His intentions are a mystery and the killer’s identity and motive are questions that the best investigators of the new world cannot answer. With public order threatened, the reputation of the ruling engineers at stake, and criminal elements seizing the opportunity to gain control, authorities seek help from Earth—itself recovering from decades of war and environmental crises. With assistance from the Vatican, they recruit Father John Francis McClellan, a parish priest from Boston and a retired US Marine Corps expert in “high-defs”—the artificially intelligent three-dimensional printers that built the new world. A Printer’s Choice tells a story of faith, the future, and the power of free will. It explores questions about sentience, choice, and the necessity of choosing well. Set in locations on Earth and in the orbits, the story takes place in a future extrapolated from today’s geopolitical and ecological turmoil.In this epic debut novel, author W. L. Patenaude illuminates not just the struggles of our world, but also the promises and implications of building a better one, one choice at a time. Praise for A Printer’s Choice Patenaude’s masterful debut novel tells a gripping story of the near future. This is a superb morality tale in which the power of free will and the implications of making good choices are carefully woven together. Patenaude’s take on the possibilities of technology is inventive and in line with contemporary science, and his work truly shines as a nuanced, character-driven drama. This work is a must-read for those who enjoy thought-provoking, challenging speculative fiction. —Publishers Weekly Starred Review The novel grabs our attention from the first page, and delivers a suspenseful whodunit set in the chilled darkness of outer space. There are rumors that the novel could be the first in a series, and we certainly hope those rumors are true. —Dr. Kelly Scott Franklin, Writer, Assistant Professor of English at Hillsdale College Complex, action-packed and thought-provoking all at once, A Printer’s Choice is a uniquely crafted piece that doesn't handily limit itself to a single genre, but spreads its message and vision across a broad spectrum to attract a diverse audience of readers who like their sci-fi intricate, original and compelling. —D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review Just as Aragorn embodied the role of a king in The Lord of the Rings, Father McClellan's portrayal in A Printer’s Choice captures what Christians and priests should be. His actions speak of a love for others grounded in a God who is love itself. By setting his story in the future and space, Patenaude enables readers to see the universality of this truth—that the choice to love is at the heart of the universe—more clearly. —Dr. Jason King, Professor of Theology, St. Vincent College Father McClellan is artfully drawn and compelling in his hard-won spiritual wisdom works. He uses his Marine toughness, programming skills, and gritty faith to sort out potential motivations and methods to solve the murder of an undercover priest, Father Tanglao. An engineer himself, Patenaude describes all the technological details, societal tensions, and moral ambiguities of New Athens with confidence and finesse. The most compelling passages, though, are the human ones, where McClellan and other characters grapple with their troubled pasts and future options, and the free will choices before them. —Marybeth Lorbiecki, Author A Fierce Green Fire Mr. Patenaude is a highly skilled and masterful storyteller. He crafts a story that is unique and absorbing. The ability to weave elements of science fiction, faith, and purpose into one book is truly inspiring. —Trudy Thompson, AML W.L. Patenaude pens an out-of-this-world, whodunit mystery in A Printer’s Choice. —Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite |
The Exorcist 4K Blu-ray Review - AVForums
Oct 29, 2023 · From Friedkin’s brilliant mix of classical and experimental shooting style melded with some outrageously graphic scenes, dialogue and themes, to Jack Nitzsche and his team’s haunting and sensorial battering musical and sound work, to Dick Smith’s sublime make up work (more so on Max Von Sydow who even today, makes a mockery of many acting greats playing …
The Exorcist (1973) 50th Anniversary Collector's/Deluxe
Dec 1, 2009 · Controversial, haunting and popular from the moment it opened, William Friedkin's masterpiece The Exorcist turns 50 years old, featuring stunning 4K UHD restorations of the original 1973 Theatrical Version and the 2000 Extended Director's Cut.
Discussion of our review of The Exorcist III 4K Blu-ray
Oct 7, 2024 · Exorcist III must be the only film in history where the ending of the director's cut is too anti-climatic and the studio mandated ending is too overly climatic. BenQ W2700, Denon AVR X3600, Apple TV 4K, Zidoo Z2000 Pro, Oppo 203 (Region A), Denon 1713, Xbox Series S. Running a 7.2.2 set up with XTZ M6 and S5 speakers and dual-XTZ subs.
Discussion of our review of The Exorcist 4K Blu-Ray | AVForums
Oct 29, 2023 · Im not a big horror film either (unlike 90% of the film threads it seems!) but The Exorcist is probably my no.2 favourite horror film after The Shining. And you should watch it properly - its got a feeling of dread like pretty much no other film.
The Exorcist (1973) 50th Anniversary Collector's/Deluxe
Jul 20, 2023 · 3x Documentaries: Raising Hell: Filming The Exorcist, The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown, Then and Now and Faces of Evil: The Different Versions of The Exorcist; Commentary by Director William Friedkin; Theatrical Cut Blu-Ray. 2 Commentaries by Director William Friedkin and Producer/Screenwriter William Peter Blatty; Introduction by William ...
The Exorcist III (1990) Limited Edition 4K UHD - AVForums
Dec 1, 2009 · -The Exorcist III: Vintage Interviews, archival interviews with cast and crew members including William Peter Blatty, producer James Robinson, actors George C. Scott, Jason Miller, Grand L. Bush and Ed Flanders-Falling Down a Long Flight of Steps, an interview with special effects artist Randy Moore
The Exorcist (1973) 50th Anniversary 4K UHD - AVForums
Jul 25, 2023 · Links: Amazon.co.uk - HMV - WB Shop UK - Zavvi Release date: 18/09/2023 Controversial, haunting and popular from the moment it opened, William Friedkin's masterpiece The Exorcist turns 50 years old, featuring stunning 4K UHD restorations of the Original 1973 Theatrical Version and the 2000...
For Sale All Sorts. Exorcist III. New titles regularly added.
Jul 20, 2011 · Exorcist III w/slip (Arrow U.K.) £19 Blade Runner Final Cut (UK) £10 Shawshank Redemption (UK) new/sealed £12 Contagion (Zavvi U.K.) Steelbook £30 Bad Boys Trilogy box set (Spa) £30 One False Move Criterion (US) £30 Aquaman (HMV original) Steelbook £30 Shazam (U.K.) Steelbook £22 FB Crimes Of...
Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary Studio Collections (1939-2022
Feb 6, 2023 · Warner have a busy catalogue slate of discs leading up to the summer (Training Day, Rebel Without a Cause, Cool Hand Luke, Maltese Falcon and the expected Superman box set), so it's reasonable to expect that Exorcist and Enter the …
Se7en (1995) 30th Anniversary 4K UHD - AVForums
Dec 1, 2009 · There’s a whole range of options they could have gone with, based on the seven deadly sins, religious themed, similar to The Exorcist 4K. It’s as if The Exorcist team decided to do a 4K special edition based on a spinning head or pea soup vomiting. Shock value, but totally misunderstanding the point of the movie itself.
The Exorcist 4K Blu-ray Review - AVForums
Oct 29, 2023 · From Friedkin’s brilliant mix of classical and experimental shooting style melded with some outrageously graphic scenes, dialogue and themes, to Jack Nitzsche and his team’s haunting and sensorial battering musical and sound work, to Dick Smith’s sublime make up work (more so on Max Von Sydow who even today, makes a mockery of many acting greats playing …
The Exorcist (1973) 50th Anniversary Collector's/Deluxe
Dec 1, 2009 · Controversial, haunting and popular from the moment it opened, William Friedkin's masterpiece The Exorcist turns 50 years old, featuring stunning 4K UHD restorations of the original 1973 Theatrical Version and the 2000 Extended Director's Cut.
Discussion of our review of The Exorcist III 4K Blu-ray
Oct 7, 2024 · Exorcist III must be the only film in history where the ending of the director's cut is too anti-climatic and the studio mandated ending is too overly climatic. BenQ W2700, Denon AVR X3600, Apple TV 4K, Zidoo Z2000 Pro, Oppo 203 (Region A), Denon 1713, Xbox Series S. Running a 7.2.2 set up with XTZ M6 and S5 speakers and dual-XTZ subs.
Discussion of our review of The Exorcist 4K Blu-Ray | AVForums
Oct 29, 2023 · Im not a big horror film either (unlike 90% of the film threads it seems!) but The Exorcist is probably my no.2 favourite horror film after The Shining. And you should watch it properly - its got a feeling of dread like pretty much no other film.
The Exorcist (1973) 50th Anniversary Collector's/Deluxe
Jul 20, 2023 · 3x Documentaries: Raising Hell: Filming The Exorcist, The Exorcist Locations: Georgetown, Then and Now and Faces of Evil: The Different Versions of The Exorcist; Commentary by Director William Friedkin; Theatrical Cut Blu-Ray. 2 Commentaries by Director William Friedkin and Producer/Screenwriter William Peter Blatty; Introduction by William ...
The Exorcist III (1990) Limited Edition 4K UHD - AVForums
Dec 1, 2009 · -The Exorcist III: Vintage Interviews, archival interviews with cast and crew members including William Peter Blatty, producer James Robinson, actors George C. Scott, Jason Miller, Grand L. Bush and Ed Flanders-Falling Down a Long Flight of Steps, an interview with special effects artist Randy Moore
The Exorcist (1973) 50th Anniversary 4K UHD - AVForums
Jul 25, 2023 · Links: Amazon.co.uk - HMV - WB Shop UK - Zavvi Release date: 18/09/2023 Controversial, haunting and popular from the moment it opened, William Friedkin's masterpiece The Exorcist turns 50 years old, featuring stunning 4K UHD restorations of the Original 1973 Theatrical Version and the 2000...
For Sale All Sorts. Exorcist III. New titles regularly added.
Jul 20, 2011 · Exorcist III w/slip (Arrow U.K.) £19 Blade Runner Final Cut (UK) £10 Shawshank Redemption (UK) new/sealed £12 Contagion (Zavvi U.K.) Steelbook £30 Bad Boys Trilogy box set (Spa) £30 One False Move Criterion (US) £30 Aquaman (HMV original) Steelbook £30 Shazam (U.K.) Steelbook £22 FB Crimes Of...
Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary Studio Collections (1939-2022
Feb 6, 2023 · Warner have a busy catalogue slate of discs leading up to the summer (Training Day, Rebel Without a Cause, Cool Hand Luke, Maltese Falcon and the expected Superman box set), so it's reasonable to expect that Exorcist and Enter the …
Se7en (1995) 30th Anniversary 4K UHD - AVForums
Dec 1, 2009 · There’s a whole range of options they could have gone with, based on the seven deadly sins, religious themed, similar to The Exorcist 4K. It’s as if The Exorcist team decided to do a 4K special edition based on a spinning head or pea soup vomiting. Shock value, but totally misunderstanding the point of the movie itself.
