The
Exorcist 2000 (2000) (AKA "The Version
You've Never Seen!")
(re-release of 1973 film with added footage)
Who would have thought that "The Exorcist" would become
camp. Worse yet, boring camp. It takes nearly an hour
for the film to really get into the heavy part. It spends
so much time at the beginning, in Iraq, that we almost
want to kill ourselves. I don't remember the opening
sequence being this long and pointless. Is this where
they added the 17 minutes?
I don't think it's the waiting that ruins the film.
And I don't think it's the knowing what's coming either.
Everyone in the audience knows that young Reagan, young
Linda Blair, is being possessed by the devil. We know
what we're waiting for. We knew what we were waiting
for the first time we saw it in the 70's. It's just
doesn't seem so weird or so frightening when "it" gets
here now. At least, it didn't to me. Not as scary as
when I first saw it, lo those many years ago. I can
remember my Uncle Tom telling my mom about the film
when it first came out. Just hearing about the bed shaking
and the furniture moving gave me nightmares. There was
nothing like that for me this time.
Time has taken it's toll on the film. We've moved
past where this can be creepy. Freidkin's new footage
and new effects simply distract from the creepiness
that's still left, never adds to it. Albeit, the film
is still an awesome example of 70's filmmaking. Unusual
cuts, non-linear storytelling influences and subdued
acting permeates most of the film. This is it's greatest
gift to us now. There is no clear and concise plot structure
being sequenced throughout the film. Rather there is
a wash of scenes and moments that culminate into a plot
and a theme. The film and the script never take us for
granted, always pushes us to process the information
being presented to us.
And Blair's performance still amazes. When, in the
middle of the final hour of the film, you realize that
this is a young girl in the scene, strapped down, wearing
excessive make up and mouthing horrid dialogue in a
manner that looks perfect when coupled with the growling
ADR, you are taken aback. She seems far too young to
have such depth. It's not easy to dismiss her work here.
Still, mostly, I was just bored with "The Exorcist."
It's like riding a rollercoaster for the 100th time.
The thrill just wears off. Now all that's left is to
laugh at the unintentional humor... like all the doctors
smoking cigarettes.
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