The Exorcist

by Mark Kermode

Book Overview

Inspired by an alleged real case of demonic possession in 1949, The Exorcist became an international phenomenon. A blockbusting adaptation of a best-selling novel, it was praised as 'deeply spiritual' by some sections of the Catholic Church while being picketed by the Festival of Light and branded 'Satanic' by the evangelist Billy Graham. Banned on video in the UK for nearly fifteen years, the film still retains and extraordinary power to shock...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0851709672
• ISBN13: 9780851709673
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: British Film Institute
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

The Exorcist

I thought The Exorcist novel (written by William Peter Blatty) was truly frightening and a brilliant novel so I bought The Exorcist BFI Modern Classics by Mark Kermode as a companion novel. 5 Stars for Mark Kermode for his companion novel, it provided an excellent insight into the making of The Exorcist movie. Plus there are lots of on set pictures (including ones of Linda Blair in full makeup as the demonic child Regan MacNeil)as well. Lots of details regarding how the book was written, the many scripts to be used for filming, how the scenes were made, deleted scenes, etc. I recommend it for any fans of 'The Exorcist'

Detailed and Excellent!

Though many books have discussed the classic film THE EXORCIST, none has been so intricate and detailed as this. Author Mark Kermode shows he is both a fan and a historian of the film, its meanings and background. He goes to great lengths to understand, and share with readers, what the film is all about, and what went into making a legendary work. Highly recommended.

Superb Job of Cinematic Dissection

...This superb dissection of the making of the movie "TheExorcist" is a must have for those interested in devil worship,the Holy-wood treatment of obscure Christian beliefs and traditions,and it is a darn good read. In its particulars, this book belongs onthe same shelf as Orson Welles 58-page objection to the studio'smangling of "Touch of Evil."I was fascinated with theinsights of the artistic conflicts between the director and the authorof the original book upon which the movie is based. He devotes justthe right amount of analysis to the legal fights surrounding theproper credits for Mercedes McCambridge, the 'voice' of the demon, andthe stunt double for the possessed girl, including the famousexorcised 'spider' crawl. He does not allude to the portrayal ofTeilhard de Chardin by Max von Syndow, but does justify his owninsights concerning a homoerotic element not intended by either theauthor or the director, but present within this cinematicclassic.One need not have a personal belief in demonic possession,and the ability of priests to 'exorcise' multiple personalities, totruly enjoy both the movie, and Kermode's medical school Anatomy 301dissection of one of the 100 best movies. The Movie, this book, andthe CD Soundtrack are five-star winners. AMDG

A Great Book for all you Exorcist fans

This is a fantastic book about the Exorcist film. Anyone who loves the film (like I do) should buy this book. It tells about the actual possession case that inspired the book and the movie, the making of the movie and the plot, plus discusses deleted scenes and interesting anecdotes about the movie from the director and the actors. Also, if you like this you should definitely rent or buy the new video re-release. It contains a new documentary and the original trailers. It is even better seen in letterbox. Together, the movie and this book would make a great gift for someone who likes "The Exorcist."

Very Interesting

This is one of the most interesting books you can find on The Exorcist.If you love the move you'll definitly want to buy this book,it tells all about the movie. My favorite part of the book was when they told about how fredkin added scenes to the original trailer and movie that were subliminal,buy the book and find out how and what for.