Unexplainable Phenomena Movie Facts: Exorcist (1973) – Intro
With graphic scenes involving vomit and fascinating head spinning , “The Exorcist” became a favorite amongst followers of cult classic films, which blends the tales of various people battling religious challenges. In this article, you will encounter the plot of this memorable movie, as well as interesting facts and trivia.
Tagline: “Something beyond comprehension is happening to a little girl on this street, in this house. A man has been called for as a last resort to try and save her. That man is The Exorcist.”
The Plot
The Exorcist was a movie based on a novel written by a man named William Peter Blatty (in 1971). It blended the stories of a young priest, mother and daughter, and aging priest. The first scenario deals with a mother, who begins to notice odd changes in her 12 year old daughter. Her behavior and even physical appearance is not quite the same. The next deals with a young priest who is at Georgetown University , entering a phase where he starts to doubt his faith. At the time, his mother is battling a terminal illness. There is also an elderly priest who contemplates the undeniable confrontation between good versus evil.
In one of the most recognizable roles in her career , Linda Blair plays Regan , the child who become possessed by a demon. Her mother (Chris MacNeil) is played by Ellen Burstyn. Max von Sydow plays Father Merrin, while Jason Miller is Father Karras. Other actors and actresses that make an appearance in the film, includes Lee J Cobb, Kitty Winn, and Jack MacGowran.
“Exorcist” Movie Facts
The Exorcist was rather popular in the movie world and would go onto win two Oscars at the Academy Awards: Best Sound and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.
At the Academy Awards, the film ultimately walked away with 8 other nominations for: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Jason Miller); Best Actress in a Leading Role (Ellen Burstyn); Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Linda Blair); Best Art Direction-Set Decoration; Best Cinematography; Best Director (William Friedkin); Best Film Editing; and Best Picture (William Peter Blatty).
Other movie accolades associated with the “Exorcist” included: four Golden Scrolls from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films in the following categories (Best Horror Film; Best Make-Up; Best Special Effects; and Best Writer (William Peter Blatty).
The soundtrack for The Exorcist was nominated for a BAFTA Film Award.
To convince Ellen Burstyn to take on her role in the movie, she told the producers that she did not want to repeat the scripted line that said: “I believe in the devil!”
John Boorman (who directed the 1972 film “Deliverance”) was offered the opportunity to direct “The Exorcist” but decided against it because he believed the storyline depicting cruelty towards children. His mind changed after the first because he later accepted the invitation to direct “Exorcist II: The Heretic” in 1977.