Ep. 10: William Friedkin's "The Exorcist" (1973) Part 2

Screams & Streams

Ready for a thrilling exploration of a classic horror masterpiece? This episode is for you. Join us for the second part of our talk as we peel back the layers of the iconic film, "The Exorcist," starting with an appreciation of the stellar performances of Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair, and the movie's profound dedication to character development and relationship building. We take a look at the film's pacing, discussing how it masterfully builds tension and suspense, despite some questionable editing.
Dive deeper into the soul of "The Exorcist" as we dissect key moments and observations. Karras's chilling nightmare sequence unpacks the film's underlying themes. Meanwhile, the subtle shift in focus from Reagan to Karras reveals the film's deeper layers. We also delve into the symbolic significance of the Chivis Regal scene, the ecstasy scene, and the ironing of the woolen sweater scene, giving you a rounded perspective of this horror classic.
Finally, we reveal the behind-the-scenes experiences of the cast during the filming process, including the physical and emotional tolls they endured. We also discuss the real-life implications of the film, including a significant spike in applications to the priesthood and nunneries following its release. We wrap up with a brief discussion on the movie's enduring impact on pop culture and its place in the annals of horror film history. Brace yourself for an episode that promises to thrill and chill you to your bones!

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Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Stood the Test of Time (00:00:29)

3. Back It Up Moments (00:12:36)

4. Bonus Features (00:19:26)

5. Watchability Scale (00:40:32)

6. Outro (00:41:43)