The Exorcist: The Complete Anthology (1973-2005)

[schlock]

I was a big Paul Schrader fan so when Morgan Creek originally shelved his version to re-shoot a different version, I was upset that it may never be seen. Then when Morgan Creek finally unleashed Dominion into theaters (a very limited release), I was ecstatic and went to see it on Hollywood Boulevard.

You know, every blue moon the studio actually does know what they are doing, and shelving a laughable, terrible film that is pretty much unreleasable was the smart decision. Ya, it's great Dominion is out there for all to see, instead of to be forever thought of as some sort of shelved unseen lost masterpiece. But man, it was very, very bad. And I'm not saying that because the horror quotient was low, because I like Schrader and thought he would add some cerebral stuff to it, which he tried, but all it enduced was giggles. The Beginning looks like a masterpiece in comparison, and that one is just a forgettable exploiter.

I also find it amusing that Morgan Creek had issues with Exorcist 3 and forced reshoots, and then ended up having even bigger issues with Schrader's film. Seems like a cursed series for them. And of course, Warner did recuts on Exorcist 2 after its release as well.

[Dylan34]

Originally Posted by schlock

I was a big Paul Schrader fan so when Morgan Creek originally shelved his version to re-shoot a different version, I was upset that it may never be seen. Then when Morgan Creek finally unleashed Dominion into theaters (a very limited release), I was ecstatic and went to see it on Hollywood Boulevard.

You know, every blue moon the studio actually does know what they are doing, and shelving a laughable, terrible film that is pretty much unreleasable was the smart decision. Ya, it's great Dominion is out there for all to see, instead of to be forever thought of as some sort of shelved unseen lost masterpiece. But man, it was very, very bad. And I'm not saying that because the horror quotient was low, because I like Schrader and thought he would add some cerebral stuff to it, which he tried, but all it enduced was giggles. The Beginning looks like a masterpiece in comparison, and that one is just a forgettable exploiter.

I also find it amusing that Morgan Creek had issues with Exorcist 3 and forced reshoots, and then ended up having even bigger issues with Schrader's film. Seems like a cursed series for them. And of course, Warner did recuts on Exorcist 2 after its release as well.

I could barely make it thru dominion its that bad. Beginning isnt much better but it is better

[ryanmj1993]

Originally Posted by Thomas Irwin

I know I'm the "dissenting opinion" here, but I love this film. Owning the original digibook already, this is the only film I'm really buying the set for, other than for the sake of completeness. I like owning complete series. Though I enjoy them all, Boorman is a favorite director of mine, and Morricone one of my favorite composers. As well, I feel this film has a very appealing cast. The story can be a bit out there, but I appreciate the fact that it marches to a different drum, in a sense.

I like E2. It's so different and strange.

[jonmoz]

Originally Posted by TucoStrangelove

I agree. It creeped me out more than the "white figure" scene

Agreed,I was holding a drink when I first watched that,and it nearly went through my ceiling.

[The Fallen Deity]

[Show spoiler]

Originally Posted by hatter76

I love Exorcist 3.

Exorcist 2 is a mater of opinion, it's an interesting film when you think about the ideas and concepts presented in the film, but it's nothing like the first or 3rd film.

Dominion is a more slow paced and subtle film like 1 and 3, but a bit too slow and subtle at times, Thematically Dominion is a very good movie, the pace is like an older film, and in a sense that's fitting considering it takes place a few decades before the first movie, and the although the Movie uses some CGI, it's not over the top, it was done in a more old fashioned manner.

but there are little things in the movie, like touching a rock and it obviously being foam, stuff like that would have been fixed digitally if the movie had gotten a Standard Post Production.


The Manifestation of the Demon is very different, and is actually intriguing conceptually and thematically, but not enough time really focused on that part, the Demon looks very different, but it shows it's ugly pale white face a time or 2. the Demon is not Vulgar at all, it doesn't use profanity.

but the circumstances and setting are also different, so the tactics are different, in this movie, Father Merrin is someone that could be tempted, but obviously that changes during by the End, so by the time of the original movie, there is no playing nice with Merrin, he is Faith is strong enough to fight the Demon, but his physical health is not.

I think the Demon should have turned ugly and go on a rampage during the Exorcism, that's where some reshoots, or additional filming should have been done too beef it up. but thematically it's still works.


it's really just matter of opinion, and depends on what your seeking from an exorcist movie, and how you define an exorcist movie.



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And there's this one:

1376509264Demonio.jpg



Plus this rather interesting looking statue as well:

dominion1.jpg

[Dylan34]

I like the demon/exorcism in beginning way more than dominion. Its in standing with the original film.

[Marv Inc.]

Now they've looked hard and found the Nightbreed negative in the Morgan Creek Vaults. Here's hoping that Exorcist III gets an extensive search sometime too.

[Dylan34]

Originally Posted by Marv Inc.

Now they've looked hard and found the Nightbreed negative in the Morgan Creek Vaults. Here's hoping that Exorcist III gets an extensive search sometime too.

Blatty and Kermode have been on Morgan Creek and they still insist that e3's prints are gone, misplaced, lost, whatever you want to call it. Dont think it will ever turn up.

[Filmmaker]

Originally Posted by Dylan34

Blatty and Kermode have been on Morgan Creek and they still insist that e3's prints are gone, misplaced, lost, whatever you want to call it. Dont think it will ever turn up.

They recently found all that missing footage of METROPOLIS and a very early Hitchcock film, both from the '20s, so I call bullshit on that.

[Marv Inc.]

Originally Posted by Dylan34

Blatty and Kermode have been on Morgan Creek and they still insist that e3's prints are gone, misplaced, lost, whatever you want to call it. Dont think it will ever turn up.

I'am sure if a search was made with intention of releasing an extended cut then more resources could be put into it. Someone who knows the Morgan Creek vaults needs to look.

Blatty and Kermode may have only spent a couple of days looking i would think.

[anephric]

Trims and such may well have been destroyed, if someone high up at Morgan Creek had it in for Blatty. It's happened before.

[Dylan34]

Originally Posted by anephric

Trims and such may well have been destroyed, if someone high up at Morgan Creek had it in for Blatty. It's happened before.

Yeah, im just going by what i read. Blatty said he would like to release the original cut but that morgan creek said they didnt have it.

I just bought the 40th Ann. edition last year.
If I had know this was coming for $4 more than I payed for the 40th Ann, edition I would have waited..
Oh, well

[Lord Summerisle]

I agree that Linda Blair is pretty much the only reason to watch Exorcist 2. Has anyone seen Roller Boogie? Baaaaaaaad movie, but Linda.....

[Dylan34]

Originally Posted by Lord Summerisle

I agree that Linda Blair is pretty much the only reason to watch Exorcist 2. Has anyone seen Roller Boogie? Baaaaaaaad movie, but Linda.....

Roller Boogie sucks bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[slimdude]

Originally Posted by Lord Summerisle

I agree that Linda Blair is pretty much the only reason to watch Exorcist 2. Has anyone seen Roller Boogie? Baaaaaaaad movie, but Linda.....

Oh please! Linda Blair looked average in The Exorcist II, she wasn't drop dead gorgeous.

[Thomas Irwin]

Originally Posted by Filmmaker

They recently found all that missing footage of METROPOLIS and a very early Hitchcock film, both from the '20s, so I call bullshit on that.

Yes, but Metropolis was supposedly found in a museum archive in Argentina. At that point it starts to look like the making of a new Indiana Jones adventure. Is the cost of effort expended, recoupable in sales - or is the film culturally significant enough to warrant such potential expenditure. I like to see all films recovered and preserved to as original an extent as possible, but then again, I'm no movie studio.

[Marv Inc.]

Morgan Creek pretty much have no interest in it.

[Chattery]

Originally Posted by format916

i think im buying this

I laughed when I read this, and then saw your userpic, like you're having an argument with yourself

"I think I'm buying this."
"DON'T!"

[ditcin]

The one thing no one has mention when comparing Dominion to the others is the demon itself. The Demon Pazuzu isn't dealt with directly often within any of these films. Most of the time the priest is engaged with the minor demons under Pazuzu's control. In fact within THE EXORCIST it isn't even Pazuzu at all - it's other demons. THE HERETIC tried to get this across by using the symbol of the locust swarm - which is why the Regan double at the end called out for Pazuzu when it can't stand up to Father Lamount.
In Exorcist III it's not even a demon most of the time - it's the soul of the Gemini Killer - which is why we hear Pazuzu say, "My son, the Gemini Killer has much to do." In DOMINION it is a direct confrontation with Pazuzu which is why the dialog is more intelligent and less vulgar, as in THE HERETIC when Pazuzu speaks out to Regan and Lamount. It is also why Merrin needed to call out to angels in DOMINION for aid (which is shown in descending multi colors of light. In religious writings angels are depicted as different colors of light becoming brighter and purer to white as they become more powerful and closer to God who is pure white). In DOMINION when Merrin defects Pazuzu it sets up a battle between the two but after that it is Pazuzu's minions who he confronts, the LEGION - these soldiers of Pazuzu are lower demons, more brutal and banal. The possessions are for a lack of a better word, more common. Hell is set up like heaven, with a hierarchy, and attacks are generated as with armies. When you closely watch the film you can see when it is Pazuzu and when it's the Legion, or minor demons. Most of the time is isn't Pazuzu. When Pazuzu is present in THE EXORCIST you will hear a whinning, or droning sound - the buzz of an insect - like when the medallion is found at the beginning of THE EXORCIST at the dig, when Merrin confronts the statue, when Chris opens Regan's room finding the window open and when the statue of Pazuzu appears within the bedroom. This is why Boorman, director of II used the locust as a symbol of the demon (the statue has locust wings). Remember when Regan is tape recorded by Karras there are several voices. When one states, "I AM NO ONE" - it means it. It's a very minor demon and is nothing compared to the one that leads it - Pazuzu. In III we learn that if a human personality is evil enough it can become one of the Legion in death. In II we learn that Merrin's soul was held captive by Pazuzu after his losing the exorcism, but it is freed by Regain and Lamount.
Unlike a lot of horror, these films have a layer structure and can be viewed to reveal more each time.