Revisiting the Legacy of The Exorcist on Halloween: A Look at Boorman and the Devil
What better occasion than Halloween to dive into the sequel of one of the most iconic horror films of all time? We’re not discussing the numerous sequels of Halloween—but rather, the legacy of The Exorcist. With ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and two wins, it holds the record for the most nominated horror film at the Oscars. While some may argue the merits of The Silence of the Lambs, for many, The Exorcist remains unparalleled in the horror genre.
The Challenge of Sequels
In 1977, much to the chagrin of Exorcist director William Friedkin, Warner Bros enlisted John Boorman to tackle the sequel, Exorcist II: The Heretic. The story follows the now-older Regan as she grapples with new demons. While Linda Blair returned for the project, Ellen Burstyn opted out, recognizing the sequel’s challenges ahead. A new documentary titled Boorman and the Devil premiered at the Venice Film Festival, shedding light on this tumultuous chapter in cinematic history, but has yet to find a distributor.
A Bewildering Documentary
Directed by David Kittredge, Boorman and the Devil offers an intriguing exploration into the making— and unmaking— of Exorcist II. Its lack of a distribution deal is puzzling, as it not only informs about the film business of the era but also provides a captivating narrative about a film that many deem ‘cursed.’ As a potential offering for streaming platforms or channels like Turner Classic Movies, it deserves a wider audience.
John Boorman: A Career Retrospective
Kittredge’s documentary features an engaging interview with John Boorman, now 92, who reflects on his career that began in 1965 with the Dave Clark 5 musical Catch Us If You Can. Though the film flopped, Boorman quickly gained recognition with cult classics like Point Blank, Hell in the Pacific, and Zardoz. His Oscar nod for Deliverance came just a year before The Exorcist, but it is Exorcist II that marks a complicated chapter in his filmography. He suggests that the sequel’s title was a misstep, contending it should have simply been called The Heretic.
Behind the Scenes and Cast Insights
Written by William Goodhart and constantly rewritten during production, the film featured a star-studded cast that included Richard Burton, Louise Fletcher, and James Earl Jones as a locust named Kokumo. Blair makes noteworthy comments about the bizarre elements of the film, such as the headpiece known as the Synchronizer, while Fletcher humorously admits her confusion over the script, stating she just went along for the ride.
Mixed Reception and Lasting Impact
Boorman himself attended the film’s premiere and quickly grasped that it was not resonating with audiences. Despite his attempts to recut the film while in theaters, Exorcist II: The Heretic ultimately faltered, marked by the juggernaut success of Star Wars, which overshadowed its release.
Despite the negative reception, new evaluations of Exorcist II have emerged, with some embracing what Boorman initially envisioned. The film is now available on Blu-ray in both its original and director’s cut, making it accessible for a fresh audience.
Conclusion: A Hidden Gem
Boorman and the Devil serves as an essential companion piece for those looking to explore the world of Exorcist II. With notable interviewees including filmmakers Mike Flanagan and Karyn Kusama, the documentary aims to provide a well-rounded view of a film that has garnered a cult following over the decades.
Film Details
- Title: Boorman and the Devil
- Festival: Venice (Classics)
- Director: David Kittredge
- Cast: John Boorman, Linda Blair, Louise Fletcher, Mike Flanagan, Karyn Kusama, Joe Dante
- Sales Agent: WTFilms
- Running Time: 1 hr 52 mins
This gem of a documentary deserves recognition and a platform that allows its captivating story to reach a wider audience.