The Exorcist: The Complete Anthology (1973-2005)

[TucoStrangelove]

Originally Posted by ryanmj1993

Linda is nice and all but there is something about EII that just makes me like it.

Yeah, same here. I see all this hate for it, but I really like it.

[jamesmcrosby]

Originally Posted by ryanmj1993

Let's be honest they probably didn't even look.

Mark Kermode and Blatty have spent years trawling through the MC archives for the missing footage and it just doesn't exist. It's almost a given that any celluloid or negatives of the cut scenes has been destroyed. The best we can do is hold out hope that somewhere there exists a workprint sitting on someone's VHS shelf. It may seem unlikely, but after what happened with Nightbreed (also Morgan Creek) it's not entirely impossible. The question is, if a workprint did turn up would Warner be willing to scrub it up nice and put in the effort that the guys at Scream are going through to get Nightbreed up to par.

[anephric]

Originally Posted by TripleHBK

Apparently you haven't watched the Exorcist II. That really is the only reason to revisit that film, and that comes from someone who has watched it a lot over the years and has several DVDs (and one HD preservation on a BD-R) of the film.

Well, if you like John Boorman (and his indulgent dalliance with Rospo Pallenberg) Ex II holds a lot of interest.

[ditcin]

Originally Posted by anephric

Well, if you like John Boorman (and his indulgent dalliance with Rospo Pallenberg) Ex II holds a lot of interest.

I worked with WB in restoring THE HERETIC years ago back to the original theatrical version that played only for the first week of it's North American release.
I know Boorman, became friends with him because of THE HERETIC. His vision was never completely realized. Although there are 3 different edits of this film, all that have shown up on home video at one time, or format, the true un-edited version has never see the light of day. An entire special effects sequence of the African Church being destroyed by the demon is cut. It is in this same scene the film actually gets it name, THE HERETIC - something that is never really explained in any other cut of the film.
I have visuals from this sequence, as well as test make-up that was abandoned for Linda Blair as the possessed Regan aging/rotting with large bleeding holes on the face (originally intended for the ending where the double disintegrates).
The film is an amazing achievement in production, lighting and set design. It was made prior to any digital effects and is old school Hollywood at it's best. Well crafted beyond anything done today because it was done in camera with very optical work. The sequence where two scenes (one of the original exorcism and the other of the psychiatrist's office overlapping each other was done on set at the same time. An old silent movie trick called "ghost glass" was use to combine the two scenes as they played on two different sets at the same time - choreographed to perfection so they would work together. The same technique was used for the burning girl in the beginning of the film.
The entire Georgetown street and the house seen in the original film was recreated in studio as a giant set due to not obtaining permission to film on location in Washington D.C. The house destruction was done in camera, no opticals, live.
The locust swam (mixture of optical and live) attacking the African field was a set in the studio. The Vatican, a studio set. The African rock church, a set.
Very little was film on location - like Regan's penthouse apartment which was a set built on top the Warner building roof in Rockerfella Center in NYC.
I remember upon first seeing the film the audience just didn't follow the story complaining it didn't make sense. If you know the film you'll remember there is a psychic link between the characters (and the demon) that is achieved by way of a machine that is used with hypnosis through the aid of a blinking light. The audience shouted out at one point how are the characters linking psychically when the machine isn't there - yet they missed the subtle approach Boorman used to convey this ... Richard Burton, while in Africa, moving back and forth, blocking, unblocking the setting sun I the background (which by the way was a set, and the sun an arc light) Later as he walks down an African street the flashing light of that same setting sun flashes across his face seemingly blinking because it's shining through a picket fence! In another scene on a bus there's the blinking light from the bus (not in service).
The underlying theme of THE HERETIC is that we as human beings are always evolving. With that evolution will come abilities we are currently not blessed with (such as healing, psychic communication). These attributes may be God given, but we as human beings still have free will to decide whether they be used for good or evil. We can use them and remain individuals but unite for a greater good, or, surrender our selves to one mind that is controlled by evil. This theory isn't Hollywood script exposition but actually based on the teaching of a French Priest who believed I the evolution of human beings into a higher state, but on the precipice of falling into evil. He was denounced by the church as a heretic for these beliefs - evolution isn't a popular theory in Catholicism. Boorman took it one step further by supposing that it is these people to have these talents, know, or not yet discovered to be targets of evil so they can not develop their abilities further for good - or dissuade them completely and be evil. These are the ones possessed, held captive and tortured while in a uncommunicative state
to draw them over. It is an ambitious and deep philosophical theme for horror film. One that came out of left field for an audience who was expecting a more visceral experience. Where THE EXORCIST found it's horror in the unexplained, THE HERETIC reached into theories, and the metaphysical, not so much to horrify but to try to find meaning within the horror. Boorman felt THE EXORCIST was a dark tale with little or no hope. He wanted to find a light behind it all, a hope that perhaps showed a larger and better purpose for humankind within a broad plan by God.
It is best to realized that much of the more fantastic parts of THE HERETIC doesn't take place in real time as we know it. Instead these event happened between the beats of the heart, a virtual time frame between seconds. It's like when one falls to sleep and it seem like only seconds yet it's hours.
In the film this is best explained in what many consider a throw away scene where Regan and Sharon are watching a psychic bending spoons with his mind. Regain fools Sharon into thinking she can do it to. Then she hushes Sharon and we hear from the TV, "...how can this be? It actually an illusion, a project of the mind."

[anephric]

See, interesting!

[The Fallen Deity]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by ditcin

I worked with WB in restoring THE HERETIC years ago back to the original theatrical version that played only for the first week of it's North American release.
I know Boorman, became friends with him because of THE HERETIC. His vision was never completely realized. Although there are 3 different edits of this film, all that have shown up on home video at one time, or format, the true un-edited version has never see the light of day. An entire special effects sequence of the African Church being destroyed by the demon is cut. It is in this same scene the film actually gets it name, THE HERETIC - something that is never really explained in any other cut of the film.
I have visuals from this sequence, as well as test make-up that was abandoned for Linda Blair as the possessed Regan aging/rotting with large bleeding holes on the face (originally intended for the ending where the double disintegrates).
The film is an amazing achievement in production, lighting and set design. It was made prior to any digital effects and is old school Hollywood at it's best. Well crafted beyond anything done today because it was done in camera with very optical work. The sequence where two scenes (one of the original exorcism and the other of the psychiatrist's office overlapping each other was done on set at the same time. An old silent movie trick called "ghost glass" was use to combine the two scenes as they played on two different sets at the same time - choreographed to perfection so they would work together. The same technique was used for the burning girl in the beginning of the film.
The entire Georgetown street and the house seen in the original film was recreated in studio as a giant set due to not obtaining permission to film on location in Washington D.C. The house destruction was done in camera, no opticals, live.
The locust swam (mixture of optical and live) attacking the African field was a set in the studio. The Vatican, a studio set. The African rock church, a set.
Very little was film on location - like Regan's penthouse apartment which was a set built on top the Warner building roof in Rockerfella Center in NYC.
I remember upon first seeing the film the audience just didn't follow the story complaining it didn't make sense. If you know the film you'll remember there is a psychic link between the characters (and the demon) that is achieved by way of a machine that is used with hypnosis through the aid of a blinking light. The audience shouted out at one point how are the characters linking psychically when the machine isn't there - yet they missed the subtle approach Boorman used to convey this ... Richard Burton, while in Africa, moving back and forth, blocking, unblocking the setting sun I the background (which by the way was a set, and the sun an arc light) Later as he walks down an African street the flashing light of that same setting sun flashes across his face seemingly blinking because it's shining through a picket fence! In another scene on a bus there's the blinking light from the bus (not in service).
The underlying theme of THE HERETIC is that we as human beings are always evolving. With that evolution will come abilities we are currently not blessed with (such as healing, psychic communication). These attributes may be God given, but we as human beings still have free will to decide whether they be used for good or evil. We can use them and remain individuals but unite for a greater good, or, surrender our selves to one mind that is controlled by evil. This theory isn't Hollywood script exposition but actually based on the teaching of a French Priest who believed I the evolution of human beings into a higher state, but on the precipice of falling into evil. He was denounced by the church as a heretic for these beliefs - evolution isn't a popular theory in Catholicism. Boorman took it one step further by supposing that it is these people to have these talents, know, or not yet discovered to be targets of evil so they can not develop their abilities further for good - or dissuade them completely and be evil. These are the ones possessed, held captive and tortured while in a uncommunicative state
to draw them over. It is an ambitious and deep philosophical theme for horror film. One that came out of left field for an audience who was expecting a more visceral experience. Where THE EXORCIST found it's horror in the unexplained, THE HERETIC reached into theories, and the metaphysical, not so much to horrify but to try to find meaning within the horror. Boorman felt THE EXORCIST was a dark tale with little or no hope. He wanted to find a light behind it all, a hope that perhaps showed a larger and better purpose for humankind within a broad plan by God.
It is best to realized that much of the more fantastic parts of THE HERETIC doesn't take place in real time as we know it. Instead these event happened between the beats of the heart, a virtual time frame between seconds. It's like when one falls to sleep and it seem like only seconds yet it's hours.
In the film this is best explained in what many consider a throw away scene where Regan and Sharon are watching a psychic bending spoons with his mind. Regain fools Sharon into thinking she can do it to. Then she hushes Sharon and we hear from the TV, "...how can this be? It actually an illusion, a project of the mind."

Would you be able to possibly share those images with us or are you prohibited from doing so?

[samuel1976]

Did Linda Blair really stand at the edge of the Penthouse suite? Was it a stunt double, was it a fake edge?

[ditcin]

Originally Posted by The Fallen Deity

Would you be able to possibly share those images with us or are you prohibited from doing so?

Hell yeah. I'll scan them down and post soon.

[ditcin]

Originally Posted by samuel1976

Did Linda Blair really stand at the edge of the Penthouse suite? Was it a stunt double, was it a fake edge?

Yes. She was told to just walk and not look down. There was a ledge below that was a few feet down on the side of the building - but you see was done live on top of the Warners Building. I give her a LOT OF CREDIT having a fear of heights myself.
It's too easy to take for granted when we consider that today that would be a simple thing to achieve via CG.
Also, another point of interest - all the drawings that were supposed to be done by Regan in the film were actually drawn by Boorman's daughter.

Another thing - people often make fun of the "giant" locust seen in the film symbolizing the demon Pazuzu - but if you check out the statue of the demon in THE EXORCIST it has the insect-like wings that a locust has. In another scene from THE EXORCIST in the beginning when Father Merrin is at the dig when the demon amulet is unearthed you will hear that same insect droning sound. It is heard again when Chris enters Regan's room after hearing the raps and bumps in the attic to close the open window.
The symbol of the locust is of course attached to biblical significance but is a strong symbol of the hoards of lesser demons (and those they've consumed) all under the control of Pazuzu (Legion). The swing/turning motion that Regan does is also symbolic of the African tool used by Kokumo which makes a high pitched whirring sound when spun. This was hoped to send out a sound that would disrupt the sound of the locusts in which they communicate with each other. But where Kokumo failed to combat the swarm, and was brought down to be possessed Regan triumphs being the stronger since her possession and not falling prey to it. Spiritually she stands up to the swarm (the legion). Notice during the course of the film the demon strikes out against her, but then turns to others because she is too powerful. The psychiatrist is a target through her non-belief. Sharon is so desperate to believe she way open (that why Regan says to her when she fools her about being able to bend the spoon "See, you believe everything!"
Of course Lamount (Richard Burton) is open due to his questioning faith and need to succeed where he failed at his first exorcism. It is his pride that make him a target.
In fact, in the cut scene from the film the demon states to him, "You have the pride and hubris of a HERETIC!"

[Himmel]

[Todd Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by TripleHBK

Apparently you haven't watched the Exorcist II. That really is the only reason to revisit that film, and that comes from someone who has watched it a lot over the years and has several DVDs (and one HD preservation on a BD-R) of the film.

Apart from that Linda Blair doesn't do it for me, I don't need to be spammed on every thread with what tents some stranger's trousers.

I have watched The Exorcist II, but it was not to get a desperate peek at a former child actresses' breasts. It's a monumentally ill conceived film, but it's worth watching for some interesting individual sequences by visionary director John Boorman, like the POV shot of a flying locust.

[The Fallen Deity]

Originally Posted by ditcin

Hell yeah. I'll scan them down and post soon.

Awesome I look forward to seeing them.

Originally Posted by Terminated

That face still gives me the creeps.

[ditcin]

As promised here are some scans from my collection.

Linda Blair seen here filming the sleep walk sequence shot from below - even though a ledge was made off and down the building it she is a distance from it.



Here's a shot of the Warner Building at Rockerfella Plaza where the set for Regan's Penthouse was shot. Note: yeah, Linda was very high up when she shot the sequence previously described!



As I posted previous there is an edit of the film that has never been seen.
The next two photos are from a sequence after the last synchronizer session in the hotel Father Lamount leaves controlled by the demon to lead Regan back to the house in Washington. In pursuit of Father Lamount Regan is accosted ...





During that last synchronizer session in the hotel Regan and Lamount are able to connect with the spirit of Father Merrin where he has been held captive by the demon in a recreation of the Coptic Rock Church were Merrin first vanished Pazuzu. A mighty wind builds with dust and sand becoming a maelstrom. The scene ends here in all versions - however, unedited it continues as sand covers Merrin like a statue. As he raises his hand to wipe away the dust it is Father Lamont who now stands in the Coptic Church fighting against the wind as the presence of the demon is disclosed through it's voice wailing in the wind - "Father Philip Lamount - the devil takes care of his own. You have the pride and hubris of a HERETIC!" By communicating with Father Merrin allowing him to tell how to destroy the demon on earth Regan and Lamont free Merrin's soul, but it Lamount finds himself imprisoned instead; taking Merrin's place and allowing the demon to control Lamount.


Furious the demon begins to tear down the Coptic Rock Church, the ceiling opens and falls. After which it leaves the spiritual realm and heads off to a final confrontation in Washington and with Regan.


Once Lamount confronts Regan's double and denounces it, he rips out its heart. In the original ending it ages and swarm (demonic minions of Pazuzu) tear it apart, eating into it's flesh for failing.


Years ago I had aided WB with the reconstruction of the original theatrical version. I had pleaded to seek out the footage and create a complete version and have it re-mixed into stereo. Unfortunately this was never done. I believe the film has been unfairly received mostly due to the film being extremely different from its predecessor in content and style. Add to that Boorman's unique and extremely subtle approach in conveying a multi-layered narrative with extreme symbolic reference, which to the average audience is lost, made for a highly misunderstood film.
I have given lectures to film study classes on this film which have been well received and have opened understanding and appreciation where it never was before. The film can be viewed several times and will open deeper upon each viewing. The most difficult aspect is accepting an extremely different approach in relation came before.

[samuel1976]

I'm with you on this one. Last year (or the year before) BFI released a 2 disc blu ray (with 2 different cuts) of the stinker known as Revolution in an attempt to reappraise it, I believe that while that film was undeserving Heretic needs readdressed and given a similar release, the studio obviously ****ed it up.

If only the director's never-seen cut could somehow be reassembled but it seems like there is no chance of that. When you compare a film like Heretic to such stuff as Insidious and Crapanormal Activity Heretic does not seem that bad.

[samuel1976]

And there is no effing way I would ever do that skyscraper shot, unless I had a protective harness and even then I still would have great reservations.

[ditcin]

Originally Posted by samuel1976

And there is no effing way I would ever do that skyscraper shot, unless I had a protective harness and even then I still would have great reservations.

Ditto to the 10th

[Dylan34]

Anyone else on here ever see a 3 hour cut of the exorcist? Back in aug. Of 2006 cinemax ran a cut that had a bunch of scenes added. One was the washington trip, another was regan telling chris that she keeps hearing noices, another one is regan telling dr.klien to keep his fingers away from my goddamn c#nt and showing her say this to him, and the last one is burke dennings death scene. I know im not nuts. Someone help me out please and say they have seen this cut of the film please.

[Member-167298]

Originally Posted by Dylan34

Anyone else on here ever see a 3 hour cut of the exorcist? Back in aug. Of 2006 cinemax ran a cut that had a bunch of scenes added. One was the washington trip, another was regan telling chris that she keeps hearing noices, another one is regan telling dr.klien to keep his fingers away from my goddamn c#nt and showing her say this to him, and the last one is burke dennings death scene. I know im not nuts. Someone help me out please and say they have seen this cut of the film please.

Wha…what?!

[ditcin]

Originally Posted by samuel1976

I'm with you on this one. Last year (or the year before) BFI released a 2 disc blu ray (with 2 different cuts) of the stinker known as Revolution in an attempt to reappraise it, I believe that while that film was undeserving Heretic needs readdressed and given a similar release, the studio obviously ****ed it up.

If only the director's never-seen cut could somehow be reassembled but it seems like there is no chance of that. When you compare a film like Heretic to such stuff as Insidious and Crapanormal Activity Heretic does not seem that bad.

When the BFI did a retrospective book on THE EXORCIST I ended up as a mention in the Appendix and quoted from my first article published. I had interviewed the man responsible for the physical special effects on THE EXORCIST that was published in FANGORIA Magazine. He had been kept quite for many years by the studio/and Friedkin who didn't want the masses to know how certain effects were done. Most notable about this interview I had gotten the man to talk about the now famous spiderwalk scene. At the time it mostly the stuff of legend having been heard of, but never seen. He explained how it done and that it was filmed several ways. Since then the scene has not only been incorporated back into the film but one of the alternate takes has been seen as a bonus feature. There is still at least one other version of that sequence not seen.
Years ago, since being quoted in that BFI book (which btw was released a second time and expanded), I had approached them about doing a retrospective book on THE HERETIC but was turned down.

[ditcin]

Originally Posted by PrestonXI

Wha…what?!

Although all but one of those scenes was filmed and has been shown outside of the film I've never heard of a 3hr cut put out by WB.
I had always hoped Burke's death had been filmed and if not somehow put back into the film used as a flashback for the HERETIC. It would be horrifying to know that she remembered what transpired as s child and not having any control as it was happening. It could have been used in one of the hypnosis sequences.