Ellen Burstyn on The Exorcist

Ellen Burstyn talks about making "The Exorcist" and working with William Friedkin.
October 18th, 2006

[cellardoor]

I feel like Requiem For A Dream is what she's known for in a younger generation, but her performance in The Exorcist is legend. Great actress. Love you Ellen.

[jcneverquits]

Imagine what Hollywood would be today if they kept writing for actress of her caliber? Nothing but grace and class! An absolute legend!

[ashleywalker]

Her portrayal as a mother in a situation like that is unparalleled.

[christophervanepps]

Burstyn was robbed of her Oscar in 2001 for Requiem. ROBBED, I tells ya!

[sidviscus]

The reason The Exorcist is so good is because it's made like a real movie, not a horror movie.

[cherylb]

Ellen is one of the most talented actresses I have ever seen.
She to this day, still is remarkable and humble.

[Toracube]

One of Americas greatest actresses. What a legacy she has.

[dcrobclark]

Burstyn was in three of my favorite films from the 70's. "The Last Picture Show", "The Exorcist" and "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore". Bogdanovich, Friedkin, and Scorsese. Pretty impressive.

[jasonkh]

The role she’s best known for? She was absolutely robbed of an Oscar for her portrayal of Sara Goldfarb in Requiem for a Dream, one of the best performances ever put to film

[marcmaschal]

I liked how she acknowledged the movie attracted some dark energy when being made. It is truly a movie that is disturbing to watch and scares people on a deeper level then any horror movie I've ever seen.

[jaygarcia]

Her performance on that movie was absolutely legendary 🙌🏼

[CHguy]

The Exorcist didn’t scare you with what you saw. It scared (the hell out of you) with what you DIDN’T see! Classic movie! Just as good today as when it was released!

[fordkoleski]

The power of her acting is rarely found today. The Exorcist & Requiem showed so much depth and emotion.

[Dobie_ByTor]

Ellen is an underrated beauty. In the movie, she’s so emotional and it doesn’t come out in the traditional way. But there are a few shots of her that really pop out her natural beauty. She still looks great in this interview.

[aaroneschenburg]

I had the opportunity to work with Ellen and Heather Graham on a movie about ten years ago and they were both incredible to work with. Ellen and I chatted a lot as we are both Detroiters and had a lot of fun. Definitely a very, very talented actress.

[liirthropp]

Amazing actress. She always impresses with her work. She absolutely broke my heart in Requiem for a Dream. One of the most devastating, soul crushing performances I've ever seen. She was robbed of an Oscar that year. Completely. One of the finest actresses of our time. Glad to see her doing well.

[salmanuel]

A woman fainted while watching the Exorcist in the theater, and as she was waking up, Ellen Burstyn was patting her hand. Before the startled audience member could recognize her, Ellen ran off, saving her from certain relapse. Great story, I love this woman!

[kayblue]

She aged like fine wine she deserved so much mor recognition🥰🥰

[stephenbastasch]

Thanks for having Ellen talk on this haunting and remarkable film. She's a grande dame and she gave an unforgettable performance. No matter how the new Exorcist movie turns out, it is nonetheless gratifying to know that both Ellen and Linda Blair have been invited to play in the new film. A nod to cinematic history and great acting.

[DavidAndersen]

8 to 9 months of that kind of traumatizing shooting? Ellen Burstyn is tough! Bless her. She carried that film on her back. If it were not for her contributions it would not have been emotionally authentic enough. I can't think of another actress that could have achieved her performance.

I am very impressed by this channel. Well done on the series.