Special Interest Series: Traditions, Religion, and The Exorcist (1973 and 2023)
When you think about horror movies, what is the first one that comes to mind? The Conjuring? Halloween? For me, it is the 1973 classic, The Exorcist. The first time I had ever watched this movie was Thanksgiving Day in 2017. I couldn’t believe how stupid it was! Even so, I made it a tradition to watch it every Thanksgiving morning while my grandma made stuffing.
Throughout the past years, I have started to appreciate the cult classic that it is. And now, it has become an obsession of mine. Just this year, my Uncle Charlie, who is 81, told me the stories of the reaction to the film. “Everyone was throwing up and screaming. Running out of the theater, even. I watched it once. Never again.”
I have heard people say that if you are Christian, you should never watch a piece like this. Why? Well, the main reason being that it deals with the evil side of religion. Exorcisms and possession, demons and upside down crosses. And the term I try to keep out of my mouth, “the devil”. I am a Christian and a devoted follower of God. But I am able to do what some are not, separate the evil from the entertainment. Because that’s what this is, a piece of entertainment and escapism. My Aunt once said, that “movies like this, they let the devil inside your mind and give “him” satisfaction.” My opinion, not really. I don’t let a film like this touch me. It is just entertainment, if you choose to see it that way.
© Associated Press
It is your decision alone to let “the devil” into your heart, mind and soul. Heed my words or don’t, but don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot watch. Most of us are adults, we run our own shit. When I went in for a meeting with one of my pastors at Grace Community, I asked him, “What should a devout Christian do in situations like this. And he told me that it is all “personal preference”, and there is no right or wrong unless you let it control you. So I don’t.
Linda Blair (Regan MacNeil, The Exorcist 1973) was only 14 years of age when she filmed the movie. She made viewers believe she was possessed by Pazuzu (the demon). With the cursing and the spewing of what looked like green pea soup, she was put up to the task very few 14-year-olds were told to do, make a long-lasting impression. And who would have thought that the long-lasting impression would span over 50 years?
The Exorcist spawned over 6 movies and counting. But I only acknowledge two: The original and the legacy sequel The Exorcist: Believer directed by David Gordon Green (of the Halloween remakes). This film was released in October of this year in theaters, releasing a couple weeks later than the original release date due to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert film. I watched reviews for the film and the only word that came out of their mouths, it seemed like, was “legacy”. That the film on its own had no legs to stand on. That it was just an ode to the original. But I do not see it that way.
After watching the film with my mother, Angie, I had two things to say, 1: why does it always have to be snakes?, and 2: WOW. The background story behind the two girls and their families was very well done. The cameos were somewhat not surprising and the jump scares were well… scary. This film could possibly stand on its own without being a sequel.
© Associated Press
These girls had to step into this dark world that young ones shouldn’t have to and who else better for the job to help guide them than Regan herself. Linda Blair was there every step of the way to help them “be possessed”. This 2023 film had a second act for the ages. After building dialogue and background, we got to the nitty gritty act of exorcism and pain. And an ending that most would say saw coming but I did not.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to watch these films (1973, and 2023) and see for yourself. Do you let fear and evil entities touch you? Or do you walk away after viewing and call it a day?
By Chinell G. Devaughn
