Excavating the Exorcist (film analysis)

A very in depth study of the excavations opening scenes of The Exorcist and how those scenes relate to the rest of the movie.
Be sure to check out my other vids on The Exorcist as well.

[alexfurnas]

The Iraq scene gives the film a sense of scope. Regan's possession is scary, but the prologue conveys that it's just the tip of an iceberg of ancient evil.

[jimmycrackkorn]

Almost 45 years later, and I still think that this film is a cinematic masterpiece and it still holds up to this day.
People dismiss it as just some outrageous horror movie with head spinning, vulgarity, and vomit.
But its actually a great film about evil, faith and redemption.

[gaagsl]

There's something absolutely terrifying about the opening sequence . It's unsettling and you don't know why. Even the call to prayers feels like a warning. It's like, is telling the audience that something.wlicked, ancient and unholy is taking roots. It still haunts me. Absolutely brilliant.

[looney]

I particularly like the instant where Merrin is confronted with armed guards. He waves them off so casually, not even afraid or cautious of the fact that he could be shot dead. And then we see the the thing that truly strikes terror in him is the statue. It implies that the threat of this statue is greater than any material, human danger, preparing us for something cosmic and beyond our comprehension.

[damienholland]

Most films aren't done with this much creativity and intelligence.

[marmcd]

It's so crazy to think that Max Von Sydow was only 44 when he played Father Merrin and he looks to be about 74. Very well done.

[zoeee]

This film is nearly 50 years old and it's still one of the best films ever made, in my opnion

[BochaChang]

In the past, many blacksmiths lost sight in one eye as they constantly peaked into the furnace to check the condition of the metal and fire, causing visual damage to one of their eyes. In fact, the Japanese blacksmith god 天目一箇神 is one-eyed.

[darthcheeseburger]

The Iraq opening has always been so creepy to me. The whole thing just gives me the shivers. Have always loved it.

[passuoutnw]

You neglected to mention the facial expression by Merrin as he uncovers the artifact. It's part horror and part recognition...he knows this demon.

[Lambis]

In an older interview with Friedkin, he talks about his fondness and impact of sound and noise in film. This is exemplified perfectly in this movie

[celticwinter]

The audiobook read by the author (also on YT) gives me goosebumps every time. He speaks every one of the characters with so much fervor. And he has that raspy, booming voice. It's a special pleasure.
The audiobook made me acknowledge the achievements of the movie even more.

[spartan]

This film is a masterpiece. I think it's one of the best movies ever made. Brilliant in all aspects!

[JeffCfreeradiorevolution]

That opening scene is one of the best it horror movie history.... the suspense is so palpable. Wonderful performance by Max Von Sydow! Great breakdown.

[billg]

The Iraq sequence is great because it really speaks to how ancient this evil is. It has been around for eons, waiting for a worthy adversary. And it has found one in Merrin.

[lee-daniels]

This is the only movie that frightened me on every possible level of fright.

[jjarichardson]

For me the Iraq sequence emphasizes the universality of Pazuzu's evil. The opening is set in a completely different environment, society, language, and the prayers (I assume) are Islamic rather than Christian. Yet Pazuzu''s malevolence transcends even the theological differences between Islam, ancient Middle Eastern religions and Catholicism. It signals to the viewer that the evil is inescapable, implying that Regan's possession is real and not just a culture bound phenomenon.

[katb]

I found the opening to be quite beautiful, unnerving, but gorgeously shot and composed.

[westonmj]

It makes me happy to know there are those that love this movie like I do. Still the best movie ever made. Music, effects, and so well acted, but the writing is top tier. Great video

[cciccone]

I couldn’t sleep for two nights after watching this movie. That’s what makes powerful cinema.