Why “The Exorcist” is a Cult Classic?

As a long-time fanatic of spine-chilling stories, I finally decided to channel my passion into starting a blog dedicated to the demonic world of horror movies. And what’s a better way to kick things off than by talking about the one that set the standard for horror movies- "The Exorcist" from 1973.

Before I begin, let me give you a brief overview of this scary masterpiece. Directed by William Friedkin, "The Exorcist" is based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty. The film follows the haunting tale of a young girl, Regan MacNeil, who becomes possessed by a demon, leading her mother, Chris MacNeil who was a top actress to seek the help of two priests to perform an exorcism.

The gripping plot combined with the exceptional performances by the cast, especially the young Linda Blair, who played Regan, truly elevated this film to a league of its own. Linda Blair's portrayal of the possessed Regan was so convincing that it left audiences terrified and disturbed.

Sorry to scare you but the image source is Above the Line

What adds another layer of fear to this already chilling tale is the fact that "The Exorcist" is loosely based on a real-life exorcism case that occurred in 1949. The film's connection to real events gave it an added sense of dread, making it all the more horrifying for viewers. But what about the eerie events that took place behind the scenes? It is said that several people associated with the film faced unfortunate incidents, leading to rumors of a curse. Tragically, Jack MacGowran, who played Burke Dennings, and Vasiliki Maliaros, who played Father Karras' mother, both passed away shortly after filming. Additionally, a fire broke out on the set, destroying key parts of the set. While these occurrences might be purely coincidental, they definitely added to the film's mystique and fueled speculation about a curse surrounding the production.

Source: IMDb

Now, let's talk about why "The Exorcist" remains a cult classic to this day. Back in 1973, the horror genre was not as popular or widely explored as it is now. "The Exorcist" broke new ground by pushing the boundaries of horror and what could be shown on the big screen. Its groundbreaking special effects and shockingly realistic makeup techniques gave audiences an experience they had never encountered before, scaring them out of their wits. The movie left a lasting mark on the horror genre and paved the way for the horror movies that we have today.

You cannot deny the unbelievable impact "The Exorcist" had on pop culture. It seeped into the collective consciousness, becoming a benchmark for horror movies to come. Even decades later, it remains a classic that continues to terrify new generations of horror fans. The success of "The Exorcist" can be attributed to its unparalleled reality, courtesy of revolutionary techniques used in filming. The director, William Friedkin, employed various unorthodox methods to achieve a sense of authenticity. He deliberately kept the set freezing cold to elicit genuine breath vapor from the actors and emphasized the sound design to create an eerie atmosphere, peaking the sense of fear.

Source: IMDb

Moreover, Linda Blair's physical and emotional transformation for the role left a deep impact on her life. The young actress was so involved in the character that it took a toll on her well-being. Despite this, her dedication to the role brought out an exceptional performance that remains legendary in the horror genre.

The latest sequel to the 1973 “The Exorcist” called “The Exorcist: Believer” will hit the theatres this Halloween. The trailer suggests that the movie will feature references to the iconic characters and will also star Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn, promising to send shivers down our spines once more. I am extremely excited to see if the 2023 version of “The Exorcist” will honor the legacy of the original or not. Check out the trailer below!

Source: Universal Pictures

So, my fellow horror movie lovers, if you haven't experienced the spookiness of "The Exorcist" yet, I highly recommend giving it a watch. Stay tuned for more chilling tales from the grave as I will come back with a new horror blog every time. Remember, it's always a good time to get scared!