The most overlooked effect in this movie is the fact that Max Von Sydow, who played Father Marrin, was only 44 when he made this movie. His elderly appearance is due entirely to the artistry of the makeup artists.

Almost 50 years after being released, "The Exorcist" to this day still remains the measuring stick to which all other horror films are compared. That is legendary.

In the book the demon and Father Merin had battled before in a weeks long exorcism in Africa that almost killed him but the demon escaped. it then entered Reagan because of the Ouija board, that's really the only reason given. the stuff that happened in Iraq was just a premonition to Merin that he would be battling the demon again. Also the kiss at the end is because even though, on a conscious level Reagan didn't remember anything on some level she knew a priest had saved her life and she was basically just saying thankyou.

Max von Siddow (Father Merrin) is a storied actor. He was much younger than the character he portrays here. If you are a SKYRIM fan, he lends his voice to the character Esbern of the Blades. Mr von Siddow is no longer with us, though. Rest in Peace.

Its been 50 years and The Exorcist is still the most shocking horror film ever made. They defined what demon possession looks and feels like on film

The actor who played Father Merrin is Max von Sydow. One of his last roles was the three eyed Raven in Game of Thrones.

I was 14 when this came out. It was a traumatizing experience to sit in that dark theater, loud sound system, huge screen, no talking, etc. Director William Friedkin did an amazing job.

The movie making, acting, cinematography, sound design, etc, everything is on point in this movie.

This was inspired by a true story about a boy in the late 1940s. The boy was from Georgetown (in northwest Washington D.C.). He was brought to his aunt's house in suburban St. Louis area to get treated / exorcised. Initially. he was possibly brought to St. Vincent's Asylum run by the Daughters of Charity in nearby Normandy, MO (I worked there many years later and this is what I heard, but could not confirm). He transferred to Alexian Brothers Hospital in south St. Louis city, but the exorcism was performed by priests from Saint Louis University Hospital (a Jesuit institution in mid-town St. Louis). The exorcism was reported to be successful. The boy grew up and eventually died in his 80s in 2020.

Really good reactions, this is nearly 50 years old and still one of the best horror movies of all time. Some scenes will never be repeated in today’s world.

"I'll take my chances, I'll take my chances yo!" Out the window, I literally laughed out loud. Love you guys.

The actress who played the mother, Ellen Burstyn, got hurt doing a stunt when she hit the floor. They kept it in the movie, but she suffered back problems the rest of her life. That pain in her face is 100% real.

did you notice how Regan's right hand was in the air the exact same way as the demon statue at the beginning when she was being interviewed by the hypnotist? the demon also pretended the tap water burned to make the priest think Regan was faking. very cunning! great reaction! 1 vote here for "the omen" and " the shining" , both super classic movies that everyone must see if they haven't yet 👻🎃👊

The thing that scares me the most about this movie was Burke Dennings' death. All the layers of what and why and how. The detective parsing out his murder is basically what proves Regan is possessed.

The only horror film that left me genuinely freaked, especially when I lived alone. They captured something in this that no amount of gore, zombies, jump scares or blue filters could ever achieve. BTW great work, guys. Enjoyed both your reactions and the constructive review afterwards.

I just read the book for the first time after loving the film since I first saw it as a kid in the 80’s. The author William Blatty also wrote the screenplay and it’s basically the book just lifted to the screen. Most scenes follow the book word for word. One result of that is some things that are explained in detail in the book are left out of the movie for time. The book spends a ton of time explaining why they’re so unsure about the possession. For instance the book tells you that there was a book in the house that mentions exorcism and they were afraid that she had read it and convinced herself she was possessed. That’s why the mom reacts so strongly to finding the crucifix in Regan’s room. She thinks someone put it there enforcing Regan’s delusion that she’s possessed. But you don’t get that from the film. Also the book explains that she often speaks in Burke Denning’s voice after he’s killed. That’s why she says “Do you know what she did? Your cunting daughter” That’s his voice. And her head then turns around in order to mimic what she did to Burke when she killed him. I never realized that until I read the book. I’d recommend reading it to anyone who is a fan of the movie. It’s a great supplement to the film. The scene where the demon rapes her with the crucifix is more disturbing in the book if you can even imagine.

When she interrupts the party and says "you're gonna die up there", it's directed at the guest they focus on briefly. He is an astronaut (noted in the book). I was 10 or so when I first saw this on VHS. I've seen it dozens of times and always find something new to appreciate each time.

*THIS* is horror, gentlemen 😈🎬🍿 Cannot put into words how much I love this film!!! Unparalleled if you ask me.

The Demon's name was Pazuzu and we know this because Father Merrin (The Exorcist) was looking at the statue of Pazuzu (at the beginning of the movie in the scenes that were shot in Northern Iraq) and is a real demon and the statue was probably real also. The relic Father Merrin found at the acheological dig was a representation of Pazuzu. The thing that the inspector found at the foot of the stairs facing M street and 36th street in Georgetown (a small suburb of Washington DC) was one of Reagan's clay figures that she made before Pazuzu started the process of possessing her. Reagan became possessed because she played with the Spirit Board or Ouija Board in an area where one or more demons were located at that time and playing with a Ouija Board where demonic, unclean spirits are present or close is openning the door and giving them permission. Reagan's resistence and defences were weak probably do to the family situation with her parents seperation. Reagan was vulnerable which made her more easily a target for Pazuzu to possess her and almost kill her. I hope this helps clear some things up in the movie that didn't make sense to you. I enjoyed your reaction Cam&Zay.

50:21 That Police Detective REALLY wants to start a Movie Reaction Channel. First with father Karras and then with Father Dyer 🙂

This is the first of its kind in terms of a movie dealing with possession--that story to my awareness had not been told before. The director really uses the sound design and mixing to its greatest extent to basically assault the viewer. There are stories of the actress who voiced possessed Reagan being tied to a chair, fed raw eggs and milk, and other extremes to get the most out of her voice. A lot of bad things happened on the set of this film, including a fire and I think one or two people dying and getting injured, including the actress who plays the mom (I think she wrenched her back when being thrown to the floor in the, um, crucifix scene. This is one year shy of being 50 years old and its ability to affect audiences to this day is a testament.

The inspector was key. You will grow to appreciate it more and more after many viewings. He’s very vital… Grand performance. Trust me.

The idea of Jackie Gleason and Lucille Ball as Heathcliff and Catherine was genius. To make such an idiotic statement, after what everyone had just been through, helped release so much of the tension that it was almost therapeutic. Great reaction, Guys!!!!

Oh man, both of your facial expressions are priceless! Understand this is in no way an insulting or derogatory comment, guys...I just so appreciate checking out younger generations (I was born in 1971, holy crap lofl) reactions to the same films that smacked me upside the head when I saw them way back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Luv to see more horror reactions, plz

LOL, my brother took me to see this in the theater when I was 12 years old. It's awesome. Max Von Sydow was only 44 during this movie.

This movie was such a blockbuster when it came out in 1973 that it ran in the theaters for two years solid!

Every detail doesn't always need laid out, it let's you use your imagination

Considering that this film is a Half Century old, I think the effects and makeup were astounding. I saw it in 1973 when I was 14. ..... And let me tell you, that for the time, it was probably the most freakishly hellish film ever produced. Really enjoyed your reactions to this! I subscribed!

I am 63, saw this in 1974, and it is a BRILLIANT Film. I am SO happy both of you make the intelligent comments you did. It's good to know there are two younger people that saw exactly HOW great it is, the underlying meaning, and the developments of the characters. Great Job.

I’m impressed with this reaction. I normally don’t subscribe to Reaction Channels where the hosts are QUITE so young (let’s be honest...neither one of you looks 18) but I really like your mature thoughtfulness, your insights, and the proper respect you paid to this classic. It’s too easy for Gen Z Reactors to be completely over the top and obnoxious (hell, even older Reactors can be friggin’ obnoxious) but you 2 didn’t do that. SUBSCRIBED!

31:37, "my daughter turned into an owl." 😆😆 I! Lost! It!!!😂🤣🤣

Everything was calculated by the demon to draw Merin back to it for a final confrontation: inhabiting a child of a famous actress; knowing Karras had to meet the criteria to have an exorcism approved by speaking different languages and acting like the tap water hurt it; allowing the words "help me" surface on her abdomen; preying on Karras' guilt about his mother through dreams and personal interaction. All of this was to prompt the church to draw Merin into the fray. Ultimately, it was his ailing heart that sapped his strength and ultimately, his life, which first left the demon dumbfounded and then giddy. Remember, the senior priests discussed the fact Merin had done an exorcism in Africa that lasted MONTHS and "damned near killed him." And the silhouette of the demon statute he saw in Iraq next to the silhouette of the girl tells the viewers, it is the same demon he encountered in Africa. When Merin successfully exorcised the demon in Africa, the demon took it personally. This was a revenge match. The movie freaked people out because the film seemed to portray evil as being so much more powerful than good, and that it cost the lives of three people, including two of God's messengers, while the demon still escaped. And in the 1970s, movies did not really use violence involving children in films, so that alone, shocked many.

My grandmother and great aunt went to see this in theaters in 1973 when they were 26 and 27. They only lasted between 30 and 45 minutes before they ran out terrified. My aunt actually cried and she’s never been an emotional woman in the very least. To this day, they’ve never seen the rest of it and ABSOLUTELY refuse to. Very cutting edge and terrifying for it’s time and, in some parts, still is.

When I was 8 years old, our next door neighbors had a little boy who was 4 years old. He was very proud of his special gift of being able to vomit at will, and equally eager to show off that talent. That was in the 1960's, and to this day my mother thinks he was the cutest thing ever. He also threw rocks at me and my friends, and one of them drew blood.

In my opinion, I think having the detective was a good idea; it helped give the movie a nice balance of calm and crazy.

The actor who played Father Dyer, Father Karras' friend, is a real priest. He was also a technical advisor on the film.

It’s not the relic the Detective finds at the bottom of the steps, it’s a model that Regan made. That’s how he knows Burke was in her bedroom. He asks her mother “ your daughter is the artist?” Her artist materials were also used in the church vandalism. Nor question no one ever asks, her mother takes the crucifix away, but Regan has it again later. So she must’ve crept downstairs while her mother was talking to the detective.

I went into the original completely blind....because I was going thru Marine Corps boot camp when the film was released. Had NO idea the movie was even out there & it had received all the hype & notoriety. I saw it in the summer of 1974....and it traumatized & scared the $#!t out of me. The BEST movie-going experience of my life. Definitely got my money's worth. There was NO backing music, so it really seemed real. More intense.

That coming down the stairs upsidedown, gave me the most chills and jumpscares I had ever had in my life.

If you watch it by yourself in the dark you’ll have a very different take. You’ll come away more scared than any other movie you ever watched.

THANK YOU for including the scene on the stairs where they talk about "why this girl": one of the most important scenes in the movie that takes it beyond just a horror movie.

This is definitely the best horror movie, IMO. Because it’s psychological horror, it stays frightening upon repeated viewings, even decades later. I hate jump scares in modern movies. Yes, I jump, but they’re easy and cheap (“like a two-bit hooker”), and I never jump on re-viewing.

Sounds crazy but this is such a rewatchable film for me. Just amazing 👍

Imagine the trailer for this coming on TV when you’re 9 years old. It scared the life out of me. And living in DC , the house used for filming, although smaller in real life, and those creepy ass stairs are still there. The stairs are an official DC tourist attraction now and are known as “The Exorcist” stairs. I wasn’t able to watch it until 1979 when I was 15 , edited for TV and it still scared me to the point I slept with the lights on that night. Also that was not the relic the detective found at the bottom of the stairs, it was one of the clay figurines Regan had made that was in her room.

That was the best reaction so far. You talked less than most which is always good.Didn't cut it to bits. Good job!

there are only two movies in history that had a psychological cultural effect that frightened the entire nation, The exorcist and Jaws. The exorcist, people are passing out in the theaters afraid to sleep at night and Jaws and tire country was afraid to go in the ocean. I was in my late teens at early twenties when these movies came out I seen it first hand.

Subscribed Love how you two immersed yourself in the story and characters. This has the reputation of “the thinking man’s movie” it has so many levels and repeated viewings I had, I discovered more. Probably one of the best movies directed and acted and well crafted. It’s ironic that a mother who has “no religious beliefs” begs for help from a priest who has guilt and “lost” his faith. He saved himself by sacrificing himself to save a little girl’s life. A little girl he never really met. Nominated for 10 Oscars including best picture. Yes and Linda Blair won a golden globe for her iconic performance.

I love watching the younger generation today watch this movie ,,it’s awesome,,I was born in 73,,it does an old man heart good to see this movie still rockin today 👍🏻

The actor who played the elderly priest exorcist is Max Von Sydow. He, believe it or not, was in his mid-40's when he did this movie. The make-up artist for the movie won an award for best prostetic make-up. It was ground breaking at the time in 1974. Only five years earlier, Max Von Sydow played Christ in another movie. He was in his late 30's at the time!

You guys are great. 👍🏼 without a doubt... the best line of the entire reaction... of a 1973 film: "Is there a post credit scene?" 🤣🤣🤣🤣 priceless!!!! LOL KEEP BEING AWESOME, GUYS! 👍🏼

I've always been impressed with the flat top grill in the kitchen like many restaurants use. Some things never change. I was in 9th grade when this released and it got a lot of press because no other movie had displayed many of the situations presented here. Add to that the typical rumor and urban legend and there it is. If no one else tried to explain about the inspector: The events of this story result in some deaths. By having the police involved it grounds the story, uses a detective whom understands 'you can't believe in coincidence anymore' which brings him to the home of a woman who now starts to realize her daughter could be responsible. It adds weight to the main issue and also allows the story to breath in between episodes.

"Your mother sews socks that smell!" was the parody of that line on SNL back in the day.

A scary part that most people overlook is when the mom puts the crucifix down on the small table before speaking to Lt. Kinderman. She speaks to Kinderman, but then afterwards the crucifix is no longer there. This means Reagan must have come downstairs while they were talking to pick up the crucifix and take it back upstairs before the masterbating scene. Freaky.

This was one of the BEST reaction videos to this film on here. Loved watching you experience this classic for the first time.

Greetings from England. Enjoyed your reaction guys. The effect this film had when it was released here in 1974 was indescribable.

One thing the movie doesn't make as clear as the book is that Regan's mother is an atheist. They mention it in passing in the doctor's office when he asks her if she has any religious beliefs but it is easy to miss. Also Karras was the real target of the demon all along. The demon used Regan as a way to get to Karras. Remember the comment the demon made about an exorcism bringing him and Karras together.

Saw it in the theater when it came out. It shocked the American public, going way past anything we had seen before. Have vague memories of some people passing out, others getting sick in the theater. So many issues, some theaters had a nurse in the lobby during showings. Mainly for those that rushed out, into the lobby!! 😱

I humbly recommend The Omen, Rosemary's Baby, The Others, The Sixth Sense, The Others, 28 Days Later, Poltergeist, Shaun of the Dead, Frankenstein (original), Dracula (original), Bram Stoker's Dracula, Young Frankenstein, Beetlejuice, Carrie, The Conjuring, The Lost Boys, Zodiac, and Carrie.

The scene where Chris and Regan played with the Oujia board. Regan didn’t properly opened and closed the board. Therefore, Pazuzu ( aka Captain Howdy ) was able to take possession of Regan.

Interesting fact: Your reaction when you saw the Ouija board is _because_ of this movie. Like Cam's father, I too was born in 1961. We had a Ouija board when I was a kid because before this movie, it was considered just another fun board game. This movie is what gave it its reputation for evil.

About the denial - you’re coming from a perspective that exorcism movies & stories are more common & known about. But they are only known about because of this movie. At that time they were pretty much unheard of. Like he answers the mother “ you need a time machine because they’re just not done anymore “

I saw this movie when it came out, I was 14. OMG, the scariest movie ever made. I can’t watch it again, forget that. The Omen is so suspenseful, it’s a must. 💀

Linda Blair as “Regan” won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar for this role. I was 10 yrs old and my mom took me to the movie theater. Trust me this movie had lines going around the corners people waiting too see it. She became a big teen star and was a regular in all the teen mags. As a teen I enjoyed some of her tv movies such as “Born Innocent “(1974), “Sweet Hostage”(1975) and “Sarah T Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic”(1975). I recall her movie choices were criticized due to her age. I loved them, I was a big fan.🔥

Yeah, this movie becomes much more clear when you’ve read the book. Such a great book.

October suggestion: The Witch; The Others; but definitely The Shining, which is extra disturbing when you know that Shelly Duvall was pushed to the point of an emotional breakdown

I've seen about 9or10 of your reactions so far and this is by far the best one yet.I was starting to think that no reactors had the courage to leave in the most shocking scenes.Well done.

I watched this when it came out from the balcony of a local theatre. Had to sidestep vomit when we walked down the stairs to leave. I've never heard more screams at a movie than I did that day.

The Exorcist is one of the greatest horror movies of all time!! Even though it was in 1973, it was so ahead of its time!

Ragans character was actually physically hurt doing the bed scene where she was flopping up and down really fast Damn movie traumatized me as a kid You got a new sub great reaction

Now watch Repossessed. With Leslie Nielsen playing a priest who is called back to do an exorcism on a young woman who was possessed as a child. That woman? A grown up Linda Blair. It's a comedy film and I remember watching it a lot as a kid. Hilarious. I didn't see The Exorcist until I was about 17 tho. Scared the shit out of me. I've only seen it again via reaction channels.

Notation, fellas, extra "cut-scenes" during the credits wasn't really a thing back in the 70s. That's more of a modern filmmakers practices, especially with those MCU films. They did start doing it in the 80s with films like The Thing, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off", etc., but such things were few and far between. When a movie ended in the 80s and prior, they just ended, lol.

This is in my top 3 exorcist reactions. They dont over-talk too much, and they're just funny as hell. Grade.A.

The only reason I got through this was watching you two. You managed to make me laugh out loud during a movie that was called the scariest movie of all time back in the day and still is rated #1 scariest movie to this day on Rotton Tomatoes. Great job guys. 😄

Wow! You guys didn't disappoint, and your intro was hilarious. Glad to know you guys are freaked out by horror. I will now be eagerly awaiting all your future horror reactions. Couple of things. Why Regan kissed the priest at the end: I think this was to give us a final quasi-jump scare as we see her impulsively moving toward him. It make us wonder if she's going to attack him. Then the kiss itself was to give some degree of confirmation that the demon had indeed been exorcised. At the very end when the detective is trying to get the priest to go to a movie with him he suggests "Wuthering Heights" starring Jackie Gleason and Lucille Ball. The latter 2 were of course famous comedic actors and the very idea of them acting in Charlotte Bronte's Wuthering Heights is ridiculous. They probably could have done a spoof of it though - "Withering Heights" or something of that sort.

48:37 - For this scene, the director, William Friedkin, slapped the ish out of the actor, William O'Malley ("Father Dyer") right before the take to get the emotion that he wanted out of him for the scene. Those tears were real tears.

In case someone else hasn't mentioned it, the inspector was needed to confirm that Burke was killed by the little girl. No one knew his head was backwards but the cops. It was the inspector that told the priest AND the mom what really happened. His parts were drawn out tho.

The Exorcist...still the G.O.A.T. horror flick.

You guys need to check out The Exorcist III. It’s an amazing sequel and directed by the writer who wrote the novel and the script of the first film.

I'm a old guy. Watched this in 73 at a Japanese theater while in the Navy. It was even scarier. No cuts at all. There are different versions of this. Some of the Japanese actually ran out screaming. When it was over and I was walking out, the woman had smeared make up on their face where they had been crying etc.

This was filmed on and around my college campus a few years before I went there. Those steps are pretty scary enough but knowing the movie they were terrifying. And walking up them late at night after drinking was something else. Thanks for these extended cut, is never seen it before.

01:07:15 " I think this movie is probably better understood by more artistic people" after lots of reactions/opinions about of this movies, this is it! That comment made me feel satisfied

Before we begin.. I just want to tell you both good luck, we're all counting on you. Mwa ha ha ha

when this debuted in 1973, people were running out of the theater SCREAMING.

You bring up a good point about how there was too much denial from the doctors and Father Karras. At the time when this movie was being made, faith/religion was in decline and science/medicine was becoming more prevalent, thus, all of the denials. It was right after the movie's release that faith/religion started being popular again. This wasn't a horror movie, but a film about faith and spiritualization that dwells within all of humanity, the good/evil that we all struggle with. Some of the priests within the movie were actual priests in real life, William O'Malley (Father Dyer) was a Jesuit priest, R.I.P.

Great review guys......I can't stress to you more that this was the 70's, a time that people spooked easier, people as a whole we're in my opinion more religious, and I myself snuck to a friends house who had the VHS movie and we watched (we we're 11 years old 😳).......SCARED THE S#it out of us for weeks 🤣

I'd have to say the most disconcerting thing in your review was when you kept telling Regan's mother to get out, stay away from her, etc. and calling Regan "it". But that's just because of your age. Parents stand by and protect their kids no matter what.

The young woman in the house is the actress assistant. The mother of Father Karras lives in New York but he works in Georgetown at Georgetown University.

Carrie, nightmare on elm street, and Halloween are the best 70's horror film imo

Loved your reactions. Three things to consider: 1) The demon's name is Pazuzu from Assyrian and Babylonian demonic lore. 2) The vast majority of the American public in 1973 had never heard of an exorcism or what it was about. Today, everyone automatically knows what it is.....back then, they were clueless until they flocked to the theater and fainted in the aisles and had to be carried out....no joke. 3) There is one single answer that will answer all your questions about the film.....and that is: there are no answers.....only questions. As in: is Pazuzu lurking out there somewhere right now?

46:43 😂 It's because of reactions like this that I can't wait to see what you guys watch next ~ 💕

I love that you young guys take these old movies seriously and appreciate their value! This is one of my favorite movies horror or otherwise because of the story telling and acting!

Another trivia: when Regan levitates with that tranced-state while possessed, the demon was also mocking the crucifixion symbol.

F off! the "outdated" effects in THIS flick are AWSOME! I'll take them over those stupid computer simulations, like you see in every other movie made nowadays, any time.

Love this movie. It’s all about opposites. Good vs evil, faith vs despair, belief vs doubt, light vs dark, hot vs cold even!!

The answers to your questions are all addressed in the novel. The film makers had to make some considerations in how much detail and background to insert before the timing and dialog became laborious. They gave "Just Enough" for the average viewer to put two and two together for themselves.

5k oi oi congrats 👏 🥳 Yeah I usually hate watching horror movies, with a few exceptions, I just hate getting scared!!! Watching you guys get scared though..... that I can get behind! 😂

The directors cut - or "Version You've Never Seen" are great versions - but the original theatrical version released in the theaters in late 1973 should be seen also - the editing & pacing of the original cut is brilliant and it's the reason why this film is such an all-time classic ..

I appreciate your editing and that you're taking your time. You're showing scenes that most KZfaqrs overlook. I saw this in the theater with my teenage sister when I was eight years old. I recently asked her how she could have taken me to see this and she said, "You said you wouldn't be afraid". Haha.. Actually, she was right. I wasn't afraid until 2 years later when a substitute teacher told the class that people really do become possessed and that she'd seen it with her own eyes.

During the crucifix scene Regan (Pazuzu Demon) spun her head and spoke in Burke’s voice…mocking Burke’s death and hinting to the viewer that Regan killed Burke by twisting his head and defenestrating him. This is why she says “Do you know what she did? You’re kunt1ng daughter?”

I remember seeing this film when it first came out in 1973. Pretty freakin' scary for that era. Another 1973 film that you would enjoy is The Sting with Robert Redford and Paul Newman. The Sting won 7 Acadamy Awards and was one of the all time great movies.