William Friedkin's 1973 horror film about the demonic possession of a 12-year-old girl, Reagan (Linda Blair), set the standard for the dozens of exorcism films that have followed since, though not a single one has managed to measure up to the unbridled terror of Friedkin's superbly acted, unremittingly intense horror flick. The iconic moments are numerous: Pazuzu's face, the pea soup scene, the crucifix masturbation scene and so on, and though it has the potential to become too silly to be scary, Friedkin has perfect control of the film's tone. Best Moment: At the very end of the movie, after discovering Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) dead, Father Karras (Jason Miller) grabs Reagan and begs Pazuzu to take him instead. Pazuzu then inhabits Karras, who hurls himself out the nearest window, killing himself and apparently taking care of the demon as well. Sequels: Two direct sequels received mixed reviews, while two prequel projects were both critically reviled, and frankly, it's just a matter of time before a studio announces that they're going to dare remake the original film.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
