I haven’t seen this in probably over 8 years, so it was good to see it again. I have to say the cinematography in this is top freaking notch, I love the angles and lighting in this, it’s extremely effective.
We don’t talk much about the beginning, and it didn’t recall how long that part is in Africa. This first section is classic, critical and brilliant, it sets everything up and William Friedkin is a genius.
This is one of those movies that was so powerful (like Jaws) it created serious phobias and future claims of exorcism and supernatural shortly after it came out. So it’s an important film from that time period and definitely left a stamp on our social sub-conscience.
This is a great film. So much has been said about it, and it’s in so many people’s top horror films, there’s a reason why. So much to work with, these characters are engaging and you want to be with them more, except maybe Regan while possessed. You have to remember that this film came decades ago, and so many other films and directors have been inspired from it, if you haven’t seen it you really need to as a horror fan.
Now for the ending discussion. I saw some confusion about that online. Father Karras is definitely a hero in this film. He is a savior that sacrifices himself for the girl, the demon does not win in the film, good triumphs.
Now I want to go see The French Connection.
Andres Salazar writes a horror graphic novel called Pariah Missouri, you can learn more at www.pariahmissouri.com