There’s a new Exorcist sequel, The Exorcist: Believer, reaching theatres tomorrow, October 6th – but in his review of the film, JoBlo’s own Chris Bumbray says it’s abysmal and advises horror fans to “Watch the original instead.” And watching the 1973 classic The Exorcist (watch it HERE) is always good advice to follow. The movie is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary with a 4K release and a theatrical re-release… and fifty years after it first reached the screen, there are still new things to discover about it. Filmmaker Paul Davis has taken to social media to share a snippet of actress Eileen Dietz’s Pazuzu makeup test, where she’s wearing makeup designed by the legendary Dick Smith. The snippet is less than 30 seconds long, but there’s more to come. Over Halloween, Davis will be releasing a commentary video that includes 10 minutes of unseen outtakes and the full 2 minute makeup test video.
Based on a novel by William Peter Blatty (pick up a copy HERE), who also wrote the screenplay, The Exorcist was directed by William Friedkin and tells the following story: One of the most profitable horror movies ever made, this tale of an exorcism is based loosely on actual events. When young Regan starts acting odd — levitating, speaking in tongues — her worried mother seeks medical help, only to hit a dead end. A local priest, however, thinks the girl may be seized by the devil. The priest makes a request to perform an exorcism, and the church sends in an expert to help with the difficult job.
The film stars Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller, Max von Sydow, and Lee J. Cobb. Eileen Dietz appears in flashes as the face of the demon Pazuzu, and also doubled for Blair in certain moments.
Are you a fan of The Exorcist, and are you looking forward to the outtakes and extended makeup test video? Will you be heading to the theatre to watch The Exorcist: Believer, despite the negative word-of-mouth? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
I won’t be seeing The Exorcist: Believer on the big screen, but I’ll probably be watching The Exorcist this month.