Synopses & Reviews
The Exorcist retains an extraordinary power to shock and unsettle audiences, which led to it being banned on video in the UK. Released in 1973, it presents a credible and harrowing account of the modern urban world ripped apart by an obscene, ancient evil. Produced by a major studio, adapted from a best-selling novel, and directed by an Oscar-winning filmmaker,
The Exorcist put into question everything that was considered most wholesome and good about the fading American dream--the home, the family, the church and (most shockingly) the child.
Mark Kermode's book traces the history of The Exorcist back to the alleged "real life" case that inspired William Peter Blatty's novel. In a definitive study of the film, Kermode provides new insights into: scenes cut from the released version; the truth about "subliminal images;" filming of the shocking special effects sequences; and details of the disagreements between Blatty and director William Friedkin over the final cut. This revised and expanded edition includes an exclusive new interview with Blatty and Friedkin, as well as previously unseen stills from the legendary missing scenes, providing an in-depth, behind-the-scenes account of one of the most disturbing horror films ever made.
Synopsis
Inspired by an alleged real case of demonic possession in 1949,
The Exorcist became an international phenomenon. A blockbusting adaptation of a best-selling novel, it was praised as deeply spiritual by the Catholic Church while being picketed by the Festival of Light and branded satanic by the evangelist Billy Graham. Banned on video in the UK for fifteen years, the film still retains an extraordinary power to shock and startle.
The second edition of Mark Kermode's Exorcist volume has now been updated and expanded; its publication completes a journey of discovery begun by the author in 1997. The new edition documents the deletion and recovery of key scenes that have now been re-integrated into the film to create The Exorcist: The Verson You've Never Seen. Candid interviews with director William Friedkin and writer/producer William Peter Blatty reveal the behind-the-scenes battles which took place during the production. In addition, exclusive stills reveal the truth about the legendary subliminal images allegedly lurking within the celluloid.
About the Author
Mark Kermode is a freelance film critic who contributes regularly to Q magazine and Sight and Sound. He is resident film critic for BBC Radio One and a regular contributor to BBC Radio Two and Radio Four.