I don’t recall how old I was when I first saw The Exorcist, but even though I was watching the edited for TV version, my mouth was agape the entire film. The only word I can use to describe this film is “shocking.” Fifty-one years later and it’s still as terrifying as it was back then. I watch it yearly (during Halloween, obvs) and no other horror film has ever come close to it for me. Beyond being my favorite horror movie, it’s among the top ten of my ALL TIME favorite films. To me it is truly a masterpiece, a word that I think people throw around too much these days, but in this case it has the money to put where it’s mouth is.
Released in 1973 and directed by William Friedkin, The Exorcist has stood the test of time, haunting viewers for five decades (plus a year). It’s not just a horror film; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Few films in the history of cinema have left as profound a impact on audiences. It was in the news upon release because people were passing out in the theatres or leaving before it was even over as it was just too frightening to watch. A movie being in the news like this was unprecedented at the time, and could almost be seen as the precursor to films that become part of the zeitgeist due to massive amounts (and literal) word-of-mouth. Then two years later a little film called JAWS became the first official “blockbuster.” But you could argue The Exorcist really was the first.
So why does The Exorcist consistently top the list of scariest movies of all time? Let’s finally get to the part you’ve all been waiting on the edge of your seat for: the part where I break it down.
It’s Based On A True Story
The Exorcist is adapted from a book written by William Peter Blatty and was inspired by the 1949 case of the exorcism of a young boy. This true-to-life connection gave the film an immediate sense of realism, making audiences feel that what they were watching could happen in real life. Unlike typical ghost stories or slashers that veer into the fantastical, The Exorcist grounded its horror in Catholic rituals and ancient religious beliefs, tapping into deep-seated fears about faith, possession, and the unknown.
The Exorcist doesn’t shy away from exploring the psychological and spiritual anguish of its characters makes it even more unnerving. It doesn’t feel far-fetched but something that could happen behind the closed doors of any seemingly normal household.
The Unflinching Depiction of Evil Torturing A Little Girl
One of the most terrifying aspects of The Exorcist is its unfiltered portrayal of the demonic possession of Regan MacNeil, a sweet 12-year-old girl, who was transformed into a vessel of evil and remains one of the most disturbing performances in horror. The movie doesn’t rely on subtle hints or suggestive horror; it puts the darkness front and center, making audiences uncomfortably confront pure, unrelenting evil.
Friedkin uses graphic imagery—such as the infamous spider walk scene (only in the directors cut) Regan’s rotating head, and her profanity-laden outbursts—to shock and unsettle viewers. These moments are not just horrifying on a surface level but tap into deep, primal fears about corruption of innocence and loss of control. Linda Blair’s performance was so convincing people were afraid to cast her in other roles, thinking she had actually been possessed. While she did go on to have an acting career, even starring in the much maligned Exorcist 2: The Heretic, a movie so awful that Friedkin said that it diminished the value of the original, and called it “the worst piece of crap I’ve ever seen” and “a freaking disgrace.”
A New Level Of Horror
In an era where many horror films relied on cheap jump scares and flashy effects, The Exorcist stands out for its psychological depth. It plays on the slow build of tension and dread, creeping into the audience’s subconscious rather than offering quick jolts of fear. The horror in The Exorcist stems from the helplessness of the characters, the relentless assault on their faith, and the sheer despair that comes with confronting a force beyond human understanding. Part of what made The Exorcist so terrifying was its bold engagement with themes that were taboo in the 1970s. The film’s exploration of demonic possession, the desecration of religious symbols, and the assault on the purity of a child all pushed boundaries in ways that hadn’t been seen before. It sparked outrage from religious groups and was banned in several countries.
Groundbreaking Practical Effects
For a film made in the early 1970s, the makeup by Dick Smith and special effects were revolutionary. Many of the film’s most terrifying sequences like the levitation, the projectile vomiting, and the iconic head-spin, were achieved using practical effects that still hold up today. These effects were so realistic that audience members reportedly fainted or became physically ill during screenings.
The film’s effects team used clever tricks, like employing freezing temperatures on set to capture the actors’ breath in cold air and crafting mechanical rigs to achieve Regan’s unnatural movements. These practical effects, combined with eerie sound design and Friedkin’s meticulous attention to detail, created a visceral and immersive horror experience.
Then there’s the makeup on Max Von Sydow, which I still consider the best aging makeup of all time. But not just because of much the makeup is seamless, but how well Von Sydow, who was in his early 40s at the time, portrays a priest almost twice his age with his slow and stiff movements. His acting helped sell the make-up so well in a brilliantly synergistic performance, and yet Sydow was the only one of the four mains that didn’t get a nomination.
Masterful Direction and Timeless Performances
Friedkin’s direction also plays a major role in the film’s legacy. His choice to shoot the movie like a documentary using natural lighting, long takes, and minimal music—gives The Exorcist an eerie, hyper-real quality. This, coupled with the film’s slow pacing builds tension before unleashing moments of intense horror, makes it feel as terrifying today as it was in 1973. Known for going to extremes to get the performances he wants, Friedkin would fire guns on set and went as far slapping an actor in the face right before yelling action. William Peter Blatty was also deeply involved in the production, working side-to-side with Friedkin on set. Which resulted in many heated moments between the two, but in the end they created something truly incredible.
Beyond it’s much hyped release it was nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, the first horror film to ever be nominated, also best director, best actress, and best supporting actress. It ended up winning for best sound editing, and best adapted for Blatty, who just a few years earlier couldn’t get anyone to even read his book. But a chance interview on Dick Cavett changed his life almost overnight. And now here he is accepting the Oscar for best adapted screenplay.
The Production Was A Horror Film In Itself
Beyond Friedkin’s “unusual” director style, many cast and crew were injured, and an unbelievable total of NINE people died in on and off set bizarre accidents, causing production to take twice as long and cost almost three times the initial budget. Among the many catastrophes that occurred was a fire that ignited on the set of the MacNeil home, setting back production six weeks to rebuild the set. As soon as the set was rebuilt, both Max von Sydow and Linda Blair lost a beloved member of their family and had to leave. Jack MacGowan, who played the film director Burke Dennings that’s killed by a demon-possessed Regan, died from the flu shortly after appearing in the movie. Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair both suffered permanent injuries due to the rigs they wore in scenes involving sudden and erratic movement. And all that is just the tip of the iceberg of the many (Google it) mishaps that happened during the filming of The Exorcist, leaving many to belief that the film was cursed from day one.
The Exorcist Is A Horror Film That Endures
In an age of sophisticated special effects and new forms of horror, The Exorcist maintain the King (or Queen) of the throne as the scariest movie of all time. Its ability to tap into primal fears about the unknown, evil, and the fragility of faith ensures its horror remains timeless. Whether it’s your first viewing, or (in my case) 100th, The Exorcist has a way of burrowing into your psyche, leaving an indelible mark that stays long after the screen fades to black.
If you’re brave enough to watch, the film is an experience which offers a chilling reminder that some horrors are eternal, lurking just beyond the veil of everyday life.
Thanks for reading.
Keep writing,
Tim
