The Fear of God: 25 Years of The Exorcist

The Exorcist, directed by William Friedkin and released in 1973, stands as one of the most influential horror films in cinema history. Two years shy of the film's thirtieth anniversary, in 1998, Paramount Pictures commissioned a retrospective documentary to commemorate twenty-five years of terror in the form of The Exorcist. This behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Exorcist would delve into the intricate production process, offering insights from key cast and crew members who helped shape the groundbreaking film. The documentary begins by revisiting the early stages of the film's creation. William Friedkin, the director, explains how he became fascinated with William Peter Blatty's novel, which in turn captured his attention following the 1949 exorcism in Maryland that had served as the film's inspiration. Linda Blair, the actress who would ultimately bring Regan MacNeil to life, shares her own account of how she secured the lead role, having impressed Friedkin with her unpolished acting abilities. The film's screenwriter, Blatty, also shares his initial thoughts on what it was that made the novel a compelling and disturbing work. One of the main topics of discussion is the actual exorcism ritual depicted in the film. Friedkin and other crew members reveal the extensive research that went into the meticulous recreation of the rite. This included consulting with theologians and experts in the field to ensure that the depiction remained faithful to Catholic doctrine. Friedkin also delves into the symbolism behind the film's most pivotal scenes, such as the infamous possession sequences. The documentary offers viewers a glimpse into the challenging shoot, particularly the infamous 'head spinning' scene which required Blair to wear a cumbersome contraption designed to manipulate her head. Friedkin admits to the grueling conditions that Blair endured during filming, often for extended periods without breaks. However, the actress herself reveals that she grew accustomed to the demands of the role and began to enjoy the camaraderie that developed among the cast during the filming schedule. The documentary also delves into the intense emotional impact that the film had on the cast and crew, particularly those involved in the actual exorcism scenes. The actors that played the demon-possessed Regan, particularly Mercedes McCambridge, and the priest, Max von Sydow, both recount the emotionally draining effects of their roles. Their performances had to convey the sense of possession without being too on-the-nose in its depiction. In addition to interviews, previously unreleased footage provides fascinating insights into the making of The Exorcist. These feature tests of various special effects, including Regan's infamous possession, which were ultimately deemed too extreme for public consumption. Deleted scenes reveal an alternate ending to the film that would have had Regan fully exorcised, only to be haunted by visions of the demon. Friedkin and Blatty explain how this version never felt like a satisfying conclusion to the narrative. Throughout the documentary, there are discussions on the societal context in which the film was released. The Exorcist premiered in 1973, a time of rising concerns about Satanic rituals in popular culture. Friedkin suggests that the film played a significant role in addressing and satirizing these fears. Additionally, there is commentary on how the film addressed themes of the supernatural and the role of faith in modern society. In conclusion, The Fear of God: 25 Years of The Exorcist effectively encapsulates the making of a terrifying cinematic phenomenon. Through a combination of in-depth interviews and exclusive footage, the documentary delves into the world of The Exorcist, providing viewers with a more comprehensive understanding of the film that has become a benchmark for horror cinema.