The Exorcist (1973)

The Exorcist (1973, 2000-reissue) 2 1/2 stars out of 4. Starring Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason MIller, Max Von Sydow and Lee J. Cobb. Written by William Peter Blatty. Directed by William Friedkin. Rated R.

Time has not been kind to "The Exorcist."

What was controversial and stomach churning back in 1973 seems almost quaint today.

"The Exorcist" still packs a wallop, but it has been blunted because over the past 27 years our senses have been assailed with images much more horrifying - both on and off the screen - that our systems we have been dulled to the point of numbness.

It is ironic that the most uncomfortable scenes in "The Exorcist" have nothing to do with demonic possession; rather, they are the sequences set in the hospital where poor little Regan (Linda Blair) is put through various painful medical procedures to try to determine what is causing her spells and outbursts.

Nor does the addition of new scenes help the movie; it only makes it longer.

As a brash young reporter in Springfield, Ohio, I reviewed "The Exorcist" upon its initial release. I said then that the movie was overhyped, that it was nothing more than an overblown horror film. For my trouble, the irate local theater owner tried to get me banned from his movie houses. Not likely.

More than a quarter-century later, I still stand by that first impression.

"The Exorcist" is a nerve jangler, to be sure, but it is neither the first nor last word in horror films. I still would rate such films as "Halloween" and the original "Alien" as much scarier outings than William Friedkin's frightfest.

"The Exorcist" offers many fine performances, including Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller and especially young Blair. Friedkin's direction is crisp and keeps the audience at seat's edge.

But, unfortunately, the movie does seem dated. The jumping bed, the pea-soup vomit, Regan's spinning head, today look like what they are - movie trickery.

"The Exorcist" still is potent in some scenes, but overall the magic and mystery are gone.

Bloom is the film critic at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, IN. He can be reached by e-mail at bloom@journal-courier.com or at bobbloom@iquest.net. Reviews by Bob Bloom can be found on the Web at the Internet Movie Database: http://www.imdb.com/M/reviews_by?Bob+Bloom