[Dr Kain]

The Exorcist - This was the first time I have watched this movie since 2001 and my feelings have changed on it, at least from a cinematic level. The first hour is developed quite well and I love the scenes that take place in Iraq. There are also a ton of beautiful shots to be had here. Unfortunately, things kind of dip in quality in the second hour when the possession actually occurs just because I find it to be utterly hysterical at how serious everyone is able to take this situation. The visuals remain top notch and the camera work is impressive, but I can not help but laugh every time possessed Reagan opens her mouth to say something. On one hand, I can understand why people were scared by this movie in 1974 as I'm sure having a 12 year old girl talk with such obscenities was shocking to many. These days, it's pretty normal. I also feel like the exorcism scene drags on for way too long. Still, it does a lot to make us really care for the girl's mother and the situation she is in, along with the frustration she feels when not a single doctor knows how to actually help her. I'm raising my original score of a 6 to an 8/10 and I also see its impact on the genre it made then.

BTW, I have a horror book that was actually published in 1974 and the author talks about how he hopes the gross body and gore this movie displays does not become the norm for horror. I wonder if he is still alive today and what he thinks about horror now.