The Exorcist Review - Off The Shelf Reviews 

The greatest horror film every made. And many people do not understand that this film is not about demon possession nor the devil. It's about idea of losing faith.

From what I understand a lot of the deleted scenes put back into the director’s cut were done as an apology to William Peter Blatty. However the reason the spider walk scene wasn't included in the theatrical cut was because the wires were visible and there wasn't a satisfactory way to remove them until CGI.

It's amazing how Sydow had tons of makeup put on him to look very old and then when he actually got old many years later, he looked almost exactly like he did in The Exorcist. It's uncanny.

Oh god Iain’s entry to the synopsis made me laugh and Gary’s reaction is priceless, great review

The Last 30 minutes of The Exorcist hits like a Locomotive. I believe it intentionally kept that slow pace all thru the movie, which adds even more impact to the last 30 minutes.

Thanks for mentioning Mercedes McCambridge's performance as the voice of Pazuzu. I don't believe the movie would have been nearly as good without her. If i recall correctly she was originally not given credit for her work in the theatrical release. That voice scared the hell out of me as a kid and it's still deeply unsettling.

This is a cinematic masterpiece, without out doubt the greatest horror film ever made, it shocks, and is explicit and it disgusts in its putrid and explicit depiction of demonic possession of a innocent little girl , its graphic content is brilliantly done which leave's an unsettling feeling within you, and its a film that hits your emotions like an hammer to the head, just an epic horror classic that stands head and shoulders above all in it greatness

Gary's reactiom when Iain goes FUCK ME at the very end of this is priceless.

I saw this movie when it came out. I was 16 and went with 4 other male buds. The line was long and the theater was crowded. I had read the book first so I had some inkling of what was coming but my mates were clueless. Once the film was over we all got back into the van we had come in and began the trip home. I'll never forget that trip because the film had jolted everyone so much all we did was fight and argue all the way home. Those were the days. Great film.

This movie will make you immune to all other Horror movies. Possession is demonic ownership of the vulnerable. whosoever told u not to watch it has already seen it so draw ur own conclusion. The movie stands up even today a the greatest ever horror movie because it happens to the girl next door in a middle-class neighborhood in a street near you. Stunning acting by Linda Blair and the priests Miller and Von Sydow. Superb direction music and photography a total masterpiece. Very scary and thought provoking .

One of the most disturbing parts of this film fo rme was when Carris walks into the room and he see's his mother sat on Reagans bed and the room is completely white and she is just staring at him. To this day that frightens the life out of me and as somebody who has lost their mother personally, seeing that just makes it even more disturbing....

Another great review! You guys are criminally underrated.

Max Von Sydow is not British - he is a famous Swedish actor - one of Bergman's favourite.

I loved your review of the Exorcist. I saw it in the theater when I was 13 yo. It had a huge impact on me as a kid. There has not been a horror film since that is as thought provoking. I got to meet Linda last month at a local con. She looks amazing still.

My absolute favourite movie, this review hits the nail right on the head as to why I love it. People should watch it at least once in their life, it's a horror fans staple!!

I was raised with strict Christian beliefs and I was warned against ever watching this film, as it was said to have satanic influence. I've since changed my beliefs a lot, and when I finally watched it it became one of my favorite films of all time. It's so wonderfully made.

~ I've always seen this as a drama with some horror elements. But it is a favorite in either genre.

I hate all the fucking prequels and sequels and tv re-imaginings that attempt to demistify or extend the mythology of The Excorsist. Some films should be left alone.

You guys have been really at the top of your game in the last few reviews. Another funny & insightful film analysis. I hope u guys do the sequels. Either way keep it up and thanks for the reviews.

Another fantabulous review. Thank you guys for continuing in your high class reviews. Yes, The Exorcist, is must watch fare, regardless of what genre one considers it to be.

First saw this flick as a young lad and it scared the shit out of me.

These two have the best reviews n recaps anywhere on RU-vid! Love it!!!

I think _Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde_ (1931) was the first horror film to win an Oscar (Best Actor: Fredric March), let alone nominated. But _The Exorcist_ was the first horror film to be nominated for "Best Picture".

The "actor" that Friedkin slapped was a real Jesuit priest, btw.

Great film.I remember when the film first came out in the uk in about 1974 ,my in went to see it and I asked her about .She didn't say very much but did mention the head spinning scene which totally freaked me out ,just her description of it.Needless to say as an adult I watched the film and was totally blown away by how brilliantly made it was.The direction,acting,special effects and sound all fantastic.A cinematic masterpiece.

Loved the Jesse Ventura and Mean Gene snippet from Repossessed

I saw this movie when I was 7 with my dad. I cried for weeks, yelling at my dad for letting me watch it. I told him it "ruined my life". I used to watch it weekly with my best friend, and we wouldn't be able to sleep. We told ourselves we'd watch it til we were "over it". I am still not over it, and still utterly fascinated by this film.

when Iain screamed FUCK ME, Greg legit got spooked out lol, Great video Mates!

So glad you put this back up, I watched the movie yesterday and always love your guys' opinion

My family took me to see this when I was in the 3rd grade. I didnt sleep in my own bed until 6th grade after that

In the book The demon-as Dennings-admits the head turned all the way around was an accident from getting caught in an angle in the stairs. Read the book, rewatch the movie...all the 'random' things the guys are discussing are fleshed out.

This Movie Still Scares Shit Out Me Also As I Got Older I Came To Appreciate The Cinematography The Plot and The Acting

I remember watching this when i was 14. I had rent it and during that evenings dinner (before i saw the movie) my parents said that they went to see it in the cinema together when it was released. I asked how it was, but all they said was that they didn't want to talk about it even though I kept asking. Ofcourse this made it extra spooky and mysterious even before I had seen it. That evening I watched it in a dark room on my own. I didn't sleep for 2 weeks...

Excellent review! I mean, the respectful discussion that you gave this masterwork of cinema (sorry for sounding so pretentious).

The problem of the death of Burke Dennings in the film is that the area is not cordoned off and there is no crime scene investigation. Further it is not likely that anyone being pushed from the window would hit the bottom of the steps because there are at least 2 or 4 platforms on the steps.

This was (I believe) my second OTSR review I watched. And, what a classic. Anyway, since then, I have come to appreciate the way both of you bounce each other. After the intro, Iain sometimes meander around parts of the movie (specially when the film evoked strong feelings on him) but he somehow always finds a way to return to where they left. And Gary makes sure to prod and keep the pacing of the conversation agile (while delighting us with the trivia bits or reacting to weird opinions). Other guests just don't have such level of synergy (nevermind having something interesting to say, to begin with). So.. when Lake Mungo? When the wind blows or The Road? Also, have you watched the Russian series "To the Lake"?

Exorcist and Exorcist III...just skip Exorcist 2. It isn't even in the same class of film.

Probing the situation. Not " poking the situation." 😂😂😂 👍

The book is partly autobiographical. Father Karras' mother is based on Blatty's own mother. He discusses it openly in his book 'I'll Tell Them I remember You'. At the time of his mother's death Blatty was an un successful screenwriter in Hollywood (Hence the film milieu that Regan's mother circulates in). Blatty's mother died miserably in hospital like Karras' mother. She promised her son that she would send him a sign of the afterlife. According to him, she did. That precipitated his interest in the occult. Discussions with friends in the clergy brought him to stories of possession and exorcisms. This was only a few years after the second vatican council in 1962, so the church was very cagey about its history and some of its more arcane practices. The Church was trying to re-vamp its image and modernize. One thing led to another and Blatty wrote The Exorcist. Re: The house. It is implied that the McNeils are living in Georgetown for the duration of the film shoot in a house provided by and paid for by the production. As the film's star the actress would be provided with a very nice home. Re: The party scene. Blatty thought of that scene as the true starting point for a sequel. It led to his writing Twinkle Twinkle Killer Kane (made as 'The Ninth Configuration' a few years later). RE: The Detective. Kinderman had a much bigger role to play in the book. His friendship with Karras comes about during his investigation of Burke's death.

Absolute Masterpiece

"Exorcist III" also had a great performance by Miller (plus those by George C. Scott and Brad Dourif). It helped me forget "Exorcist II: The Heretic", which was a waste of film stock.

Stay away from Captain Howdy...

R.I.P Max Von Sydow, forever immortalized in some of the greatest films in history. EDIT: Amazing shirt Gary

Imagine watching this film alone in a dark attic of an old house.

I find possessed Karras scarier than possessed Regan. As Pazuzu was in Regan's body for a short time, he couldn't do alot. Then he possess Karras for 15 years which makes possessed Karras incredible strong. See the differences in the exorcism scenes in The Exorcist and The Exorcist 3, Regan procrastinates in a way but Karras gets the job done gruesomely when fighting the priest.

FINALLY! A new video lol, im hooked, keep up the great job fella's

My favorite (and the best) horror movie of all time, simply unmatched. New subscriber to the channel, been working my way through y’all’s reviews, great job guys, love the reviews

I am SO happy you have finally reviewed this film! Awesome review! Any chances of reviewing BATMAN (1989) and/or THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS?

Why does everyone talk about this movie and totally ignore exorcist III? which is actually the true sequel to the first book/movie. Its far scarier and still one of the scariest movies ever. Its got many samples put in dark music as well.

When the two priests are discussing Father Merrin, one of them mentions that he performed an exorcism 12 years ago in Africa. This would mean he faced Pazuzu in 1961; but Exorcist the beginning and Dominion both take place in the 1940's. So either the people who made the prequels fucked up the continuity, or Father Merrin returned to Africa and performed yet another exorcism. Or maybe the prequels just aren't canon.

Detective Kinderman poking around, asking questions about what happened to Dennings makes Reagan's mother realize that her daughter probably killed him. That's another reason she goes to the priest. If you notice she never let's the detective see her in the room, she doesn't want him to see her in that condition.

Mercedes McCambridge was also "fed raw eggs" by Freidkin during the recording. This, he said, had the bizarre effect of "producing double and TRIPLE voices" gurgling out of her. Haha I've always thought this description sounded slightly sexual. BDSM succubus pron.

My favourite Horror movie.

In addition to The Godfather (which someone in the comments already mentioned), Dick Smith also aged 30 year-old Dustin Hoffman to be 121 years-old in Little Big Man (1970) and 44 year-old F. Murray Abraham to be in his 70's for Amadeus (1984) for which Smith won an Academy Award.

Actually, according to Friedkin's autobiography-which I highly recommend-the spiderwalk sequence was only left out because they didn't have the technology to hide the wires the stunt double was using. The other omitted scenes, however, were left out for the reasons you state.

Wonderful review, lads. Don't have the slightest idea why Friedkin would think he wasn't making a horror film! Hey... not to be picky but... wish you could get a handle on your volume levels. They spike when you're shouting at each other (maybe use some sort of limiter), spike with some of your quick cuts, and some of the movie clips are nearly inaudible.

I remember waiting in line for the movie premier and the anxiety level was high. When the crucifix/masturbation scene happened, I left. I thought I was going to faint. The detective in the book is just as integral as in the film; he is actually the one who absolves Reagan (in my opinion) of her sins by choosing to close the case of Burke's murder without resolution.

12:40 Lol it depends of what kind of rats you are talking about I've seen pretty big ones

13:40 when people say they "fainted" etc etc, it wasn't the exorcism. It was that exact scene, the doctors and the blood.

Iain keeps rocking the 'An American Werewolf In London' T shirt, come on guys... the second best movie behind Jaws, really needs to be reviewed by you both, so so much to talk about and it would make a wicked 1hr review, not many on RU-vid, I know you will both do it justice!!!

The laugh at 34.35, kills me everytme

I hope y'all plan to do the other Exorcist films, as well as Repossessed & Exorcism of Emily Rose.

The most chilling thing about this film is the 70s decor.

check out the 40th anniversary edition of the book. The detective is integral to both the story of the family and the priest. Worth a read, or listen to the audiobook. Adds a lot to the story that is not in the film.

this was a fun analysis and review I laughed a lot. You guys are funny. I’m going to nitpick a little because I revere this film so much… It wasn’t the spider walk scene that split Blatty and Friedkin up, it was all of the excised scenes, especially the conversation between the two priests on the stairwell at the end regarding “why a little girl”and also the epilogue with the detective walking off with the priest which lets you breathe a little bit and realize the world is not thoroughly as bad as we’ve seen for the last few minutes.

Talking about the soundtrack to the movie, the Tubular Bells album had just come out in 1973 (the same year as the movie) and it's one fine example of perfect timing. Thanks, Mike Oldfield. Thanks, Richard Branson (no record company wanted to produce the album, except for Virgin Records. Their first record ever produced).

Friedkin slapped the actor who gives Karras the Last Rites and that actor was an actual Jesuit priest. Also, Karras wasn't a psychologist, but a psychiatrist, a medical doctor.

How about reviewing William Friedkin's overlooked masterpiece "Sorcerer" someday?

Kinderman is an even bigger character in the book.

By far, the scariest thing I ever saw. I refuse to rewatch it. I am kind of surprised I set through this. Still remember the terror I felt. Saw it in 1973, the first week it was out. You did a great job on review.

My favorite film, it just because grabs me (you, too ?) on so many different levels, w/o shoving pat answers into my psyche. The weariness of just being human, causing a presumed loss of faith in God then the relentless testing of a faith that's unrecognizable to the person that's fighting that awful ancient evil and then the sad victory, really a redemption in itself, over that evil, is a beautiful testament to the power of a true faith in God, and life itself, really.. doubt isn't a loss of faith, it's just a temporary state, the symptom of living amongst people, facing a real evil, while in that state of doubt and willing to die physically while kicking evil's ass makes this more than just a horror film. Can you tell Father Karras, is my favorite person ? lol Jason Miller, as Father Karras, is the reason I love this movie, and that's the reason I'll never get tired of seeing this film ! I first saw this movie when I was 12 or 13, I'm 50 now, my love for The Exorcist, just grows deeper as the years fly by... RIP: William Peter Blatty and of course RIP: Jason Miller

I can't believe you haven't reviewed An American Werewolf in London!!!!

This film is terrifying. I have read several horror novels: The Omen, Jaws, Books of Blood, The Stand, It. However, I avoided the novel, The Exorcist and have only watched the full movie once because to me this could happen in real life. In fact I don’t watch any exorcism films. They freak me out. 😳😳😳😳

hope you do the sequels i really like exorcist 3

Here's why Regan reacted to the holy water. Karras was a priest and that ordinary water turns into holy water

My favourite 'Exorcist' film is Part III starring George C. Scott. To me, it is the best 'Exorcist' film.

12:48 sorry I have to disagree with you on that one - if I hear something in the attic I’m not going to go ‘oh there’s a demon in my attic - better call the Catholic priest’. Of course she is going to assume the logical thing (that there are rats in the roof). That’s the beautiful thing about this movie - the psychological terror as she comes to the gradual realization that her daughter is possessed. Also Max von Sydow’s makeup is amazing - he looks now as an old man pretty much how he does in the film.

Should review The Omen, if you haven't already. I mean the 1976 original, not the 2006 remake. Well, actually do both lol

I just finished watching this film, I thought it was great. I immediately got excited because I could finally watch your review of it, and boast it to my friends.

should of kept the original spider walk scene.

0:50 Fuck you!!!! Had head phones on and im the only one at home.... scared the shit out of me LMFAO!

0:51 Years back, I once scared my grandmother with this prank video.

Also, in the third film, Blatty showed himself to be a great director.

Excellent film. Great review guys!

I can still remember the Samaritans outside the picture house handing out leaflets to everyone ..Those we're the days

Well Rosemary's Baby" was 5 years befor this movie,and stil one of the best horror movies of all time,but i love this to :)

Ouija is a board game owned by Parker Brothers. It was never meant to contact spirits or demons! This movie changed all that!

Great review! Thank you!

ive never watched the version of the exorcist with the serpent tongue in its full... so it would be interesting to see if there are other parts of that movie that didnt make it in the directors uncut and cut version....but i have seen that serpent tongue scene here on youtube and it always makes me laugh just the way regan kept taunting and playfully (seemingly) chasing sharon around the house, after all she is still a kid first who was playful so it felt like a bit of hope that regans soul was still there. but the other scene the spider walk and with mouth full of blood that freaked me out the first time i saw that scene...i was a kid when i first saw this movie and it freaked me out then but i dont recall any of the spider walk scenes so when i finally did see it it just blew my mind and added that something extra ....roddy piper said it best "just when you think you have all the answers i go ahead and change the questions" and that is what the exorcist is still to this day. best movie of all time for its time era and what they had to work with and the touchy subject of religion and limited special effects and very limited cgi effects and yet this is still the most powerful movie and in my opinion nothing has come close to what this masterpiece is, sure they even tried to recapture this magic but even nothing with all the follow ups never quite hit the mark as the one and original did. dont get me wrong there are tons of great horror movies most in their own right....but the exorcist is an entity all of its own and all of it makes this movie truly the best thing ever.

Great review guys. I saw this movie 167 times. And it keeps getting funnier, every time I see it.

I think the director stated in a documentary on the film that the spider walk scene wasn't filmed up to the standards he would have liked, so he cut it. I've seen both versions and like that it was left out.....it went a bit too far to where if I was the mother I would have just bought a shotgun right there and end of movie you ain't my daughter.

The Detectives plot in the scenes taken out then added back in, had a mishap, they could not find any of the soundtrack of good enough quality, so it just ends kind of stupid. But, it was meant to be a continuum from the Detective and Father Kerras going to movies together, to the Detective now going to the movies with Father Dyer. And when they are crossing the street, the scene should have said, you know Father Dyer, I think we have the beginnings of a beautiful friendship or relationship, or something close to that a la (Casablanca).

A brilliant review of one of my all time favourite movies!

I was raised completely unreligious so this movie is not scary to me in any way. I saw it for the first time when I was about 14 years old. I could tell right away that it was the best made horror movie I had ever seen.

just watched this vid and the part where the ellen burstyn character opens the door to first meet karras and he was silhouetted against the door reminded me of the cover to the blue nile album "hats " just sayin...

I can't watch it at night because my brother made me watch the whole movie at 3 years old.I am still terrified of the movie to this day.

oh yeah please review the exorcist 2 so I can see the look on your faces

"...That bitch is possessed!" Classic.

Love the film but as skeptical as most of the characters were of Regan's issue, like you guys pointed out this is the first exorcism film. It is like pointing out Jamie Kennedy's don't get killed rules from Scream but without the decades of films to back that up.

The theme of faith, evil, science, hypocrisy all that is is what I love...and it’s FUCK ALL SCARY!!!