The Exorcist
Wow. I think I've seen the most perfect horror film.
I saw this film many years ago as a teen, but that was on commercial television, with the re-edit and breaks. I thought well of it, but I couldn't remember it well.
Having seen a number of horror films since, I can see why this is so well regarded. The narrative progression is almost perfect, leading us step by step into the world that the character Marrin knew so well-- that of demons possessing humans. It assumes our doubt and distrust of the narrative and draws us in with expertise. It tells us nothing too early, and gives us some data, allowing us to make our own conclusion. We are the detectives, we are the doubters. And by the climatic scenes we are sold.
The character of Father Karras is perfect. He is a psychologist, a man struggling with his faith and his calling. He has his own struggles and we are sympathetic if not empathetic by the time his story enters the story of a young girl with a severe trauma. Even his name speaks of his struggle, for in Greek his name means "Demon/Grace" (Damion Karras).
The mother, movie star Chris McNeil is also perfect. She isn't proud, but a mother with her own struggles and love for her daughter, and money is no object to help her daughter overcome her trauma, until she knows enough that money won't help in this case. She needs a priest, the right priest.
In this case, the right priest is Marrin, played by Max von Sydow, who has more gravitas in his little finger than most actors have in a whole production of Hamlet. He speaks little, but he need not say much.
And that is the power of this film. It is a perfect example of show, don't tell. It is a marvelous piece of cinematic art, as well as a horror film. And it is compelling beyond what the subject matter deserves.
4.5/5
Probably between 1SO and LukeRobot scary.