TF Issue 185: Is it just me? The Exorcist...

[Lizhawkins]

On page 153 of TF issue 185, Matt Glasby asks:

"Is it just me... or is The Last Exorcism better than The Exorcist?"



Here are a few excerpts:

“Ghost stories,” complained comedian David Mitchell, “are like an anthology of whodunits entitled Tales In Which The Butler Did It.” The Exorcist (or The Devil Did It) has the same problem, taking two hours to build to the obvious conclusion, “Hmmm, this girl could really use an exorcist.” At least The Last Exorcism has the good grace to ponder, “Did the devil do it?” before answering, “Er, yes.”

Director William Friedkin says The Exorcist (TE) investigates “the mystery of faith”, but where’s the mystery? Father Karras (Jason Miller) almost loses his religion until a wanking antichrist vomits him back to God. Mystery solved. It’s a film about becoming certain. Daniel Stamm’s The Last Exorcism (TLE), meanwhile, explores the crimes committed in the name of certainty, depicting faith as both a tyrannical chain around poor Nell’s (Ashley Bell) skinny ankle and a benevolent white lie.

Frankly, if the greatest trick the devil ever pulled is making a posh teenager turn green, swear and puke, we can all sleep soundly, levitating bed or otherwise. Or is it just me?

Check out the full article in Issue 185 - on sale 1 September 2011.

Agree? Disagree? Have your say below - a selection will be printed in the next issue...

[JohnnyMac]

So, there are more exorcisms being performed today than at any other point in history. Large numbers of young teenage girls are using shocking language and vomiting everywhere. Does either of these two films explain why they are all congregating at my local bus stop?

[Jeffbiscuits]

I used to love The Exorcist but in recent years I've begun to realise that as a movie, it's really pretty dull. A few scenes still maintain the ability to shock, even today but for sheer enjoyment factor I think The Exorcist III is a far better film. The Last Exorcism was pretty forgettable.

[Kiba.]

Originally Posted by Jeffbiscuits

I used to love The Exorcist but in recent years I've begun to realise that as a movie, it's really pretty dull. A few scenes still maintain the ability to shock, even today but for sheer enjoyment factor I think The Exorcist III is a far better film. The Last Exorcism was pretty forgettable.

I agree. The Exorcist will always have some iconic scenes which put it on the map but in some ways it does feel aged. Exorcist III is more watchable and supported by some good actors, George C. Scott and Brad Dourif as the Gemini Killer. The Last Exorcism was in the Blair Witch, REC vein and as such it didn't blow me away.

[Jeffbiscuits]

Originally Posted by Kiba.

I agree. The Exorcist will always have some iconic scenes which put it on the map but in some ways it does feel aged. Exorcist III is more watchable and supported by some good actors, George C. Scott and Brad Dourif as the Gemini Killer. The Last Exorcism was in the Blair Witch, REC vein and as such it didn't blow me away.

The Exorcist's notoriety sometimes makes me forget that there even were any sequels so any time I watch Exorcist III I love every minute. It's got possibly the greatest shit your pants moment I've ever seen too. I think I'm taking this thread slightly off topic. Exorcist III is more enjoyable than both.

[JohnnyMac]

The Exorcist is a cultural phenomenon, the subject of countless spoofs and imitations, which over time has lessened its original impact.
The Ouija board, as sold by Parker Brother’s in America, was a top selling game and a very popular amusement in households of the sixties. People stopped using them virtually overnight when the Exorcist was released, and sales of the Ouija board fell through the floor. Only a great film has this kind of influence.The modern day equivalent would have to be watching a horror film about a cursed console game, which after the end credits rolled left you so disturbed you deemed it necessary to set fire to your Nintendo Wii before dumping it in the bin! The only film that's ever made me want to do something like that is Super Mario Bros.

[dojj singh]

it's a fad, using nekid girls to draw in the punters so you get see a bit of tit, even bloody conan's trying to get into the act

scary films are now "cool" just like asteroid films were cool, or westerns were cool

ps, you could even call it an exorcism in avatar if you so wish

one more thing, TE isn't as scary a film as it was back in the day, in fact, i'd call it rather tame in comparison to some of the stuff we see nowadays

[fortunesfool]

No it's not.

The Exorcist is an intelligent drama about Faith more than a horror film. Its reputation precedes it which does it no favours in this ADD world we now live in, hence it now being classed as 'dull'.

Exorcist III on the other hand gives it a run for its money.

[Lizhawkins]

I've just seen a pdf from issue 186 and a few of you are going to be mighty pleased with yourselves... Congrats.

[Punchbowl]

I remember all the fuss about the re-release (or unbanning) in the 90's and finally... FINALLY... sitting in the cinema to watch it. Expecting a lot of reverence and hushed respect for this film that had carried itself through countless urban legends and media disgust.

What I got was a load of people sat around laughing at some of those iconic scenes and the least scary cinema experience since the care bares.

Exorcist III scared the crap out of me, though. Didn't help having to walk past a church on the way home... on my own... at midnight.