Mad Cow's Guide to The Exorcist

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Mad Cow's Guide to :

UK Rating:	(click rating for explanation)
Running Time:	124 mins
Director:	William Friedken
Stars:	Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller, Max Von Sydow
Opens:	30th October 98
Website Address:	No official web site found

Twenty five years after it was first released, The Exorcist is still considered too scary for home viewing in the UK, although many feel that the BBFC should give the film a video certificate. What is interesting to note is the fact that the film still terrifies the censors (and it seems the censors alone!) even today. Perhaps that's the strongest testament to it's enduring power and the fact that while you can go out and rent The Omen or Nightmare on Elm Street or any other horror film of the last thirty years, The Exorcist is still considered a taboo.

The story revolves around a young girl (Linda Blair) - who becomes posessed by the devil - and her mother (Ellen Burstyn) who is battling in vain to understand the nature of her daughters condition. While battling to get a medical diagnosis her mother approaches the church for help. At this point in steps "The Exorsist" played by Max Von Sydow and here the real story begins with the battle against good and evil.

I have to say that I was very disappointed with the movie. Not being old enough to have seen it the first time round I can only conclude that times have moved on, and the film's content no longer has the ability to shock. I also have to say that I am not the only one who feels this way. In the showing I went to with approx. 150 people present there were quite a few occasions when the entire cinema was laughing! Not quite the reaction of the audiences 25 years ago!

Star Rating:

Cowpat Rating:

All details are correct at time of publishing - and if there are any errors - sorry whoops let us know, well put them right asap !!

Any comments? email me @ millennium.digital@virgin.net