PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Yes, the movie is over 50 years old, but it’s only fair that we discuss this scary – or unscary – issue. The Exorcist is not scary. At least, it’s not scary…anymore. Let me elaborate!
When it was released in 1973, the film was considered to be one of the greatest horror movies of all time. It broke box-office records, was the highest grossing R-rated film at the time, and the first horror movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
However, with time, it’s obvious that the film has not aged well at all. The movie follows an actress named Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) living in DC with her daughter Regan (Linda Blair). As the film progresses, it becomes apparent that something supernatural is happening in her home and things get even worse when Regan begins to exhibit strange behavior, which includes speaking in tongues, cutting herself, and even pissing on the floor.
What’s laughably bad about this movie is the fact that the audience is expected to believe that Regan is possessed by the Devil, but given that we have watched so many parodies of this movie in Scary Movie (and other comedies) that the 1973 film seems like a parody itself.
When I saw Regan getting possessed and convulsing up and down on her bed. I laughed hysterically. It looked as if she was overacting to achieve the look of having a seizure. The makeup looks extremely cheesy as well, and looks like a stop-motion amalgamation from a Rankin/Bass Holiday special.. Those things are scary, but mostly for kids, not adults.
Looking back on it now, this movie feels like a proto-horror film that you would, more likely than not, watch to just pass the time.
The sad part is that The Exorcist seems like more of a snooze-fest in comparison to today’s horror movies.
Agree? Disagree? Tell me in the comments!
