The Exorcist: What else can be said?

Contains spoilers!

The Exorcist, released in 1973, is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films of all time, and it's not hard to see why. A question that often comes to mind as I'm watching a film is, "Do the filmmakers know that what they're making will stand the test of time?" It seems that director William Friedkin had a suspicion this was the case, and the entire cast brings their A-game. The film follows the demonic possession of Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) and the lengths her mother Chris (Ellen Burstyn) goes to to save her daughter. To this extent, Chris enlists the help of Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) and Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow).

It seems, often, that Blair's performance outshines Burstyn. While Blair does give a phenomenal performance, Burstyn clearly conveys that Chris will go to any lengths and exhaust every resource to save her daughter.

Miller's Karras also shines, as well. He's a priest that is going through a crisis of faith, but he joins Merrin in the exorcism and saves Regan, restoring his faith in the process. His offer to take Pazuzu and ultimately sacrifice himself is the ultimate display of the old phrase, "Greater love hath no man than to lay his life down for a friend." Merrin, in contrast to Karras, is the head priest in Regan's exorcism, and he stays calm throughout the whole movie. Though Merrin disappears for a large chunk of the runtime, his return puts us at ease. He's a man that's seen his fair share of evil and defeated it; he'll do the same for Regan.

The Exorcist has stood the test of time since its release in '73, and I have no doubt its legacy will endure for even longer. Quite frankly, it's a film where I forget just how good it is. Nevertheless, I'll be down to crabwalk to my next viewing.

Cast

Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil

Max von Sydow as Father Lankaster Merrin

Jason Miller as Father Damien Karris

Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil