It's hard to explain why this movie works so well, I've watched it at least three times over the years and it still gets your heart racing at certain points. The story is very strong, and the screenplay is well done. The cast is close to flawless, The choice of Tubular Bells for the theme was very good, the mood, lighting and atmosphere are all maintained consistently, etc etc. Even the effects largely still stand up.
But, that doesn't really explain why the movie hits people so hard. It's obviously hitting some Freudian buttons for everybody. One reviewer suggested that the movie was really about the rape of Regan by the demon, the medical community etc. Certainly the sexual vibe is there, but I think that's just one facet of it. In addition, it hits people by exposing the actual immense ignorance of the medical community to how our bodies function and what they know about it. I would think that many people who have gone through any kind of serious illness will relate to the moment the doctors just shrug and throw up their hands. Its hard to argue with anybody who also suggests that it's an extreme example of the mood swings of puberty. I also think that the Exorcist manipulates our innate ambivalence about reality, religion, superstition, human existence and fear. We all know there is nothing to fear in the dark, and yet....
But, that doesn't really explain why the movie hits people so hard. It's obviously hitting some Freudian buttons for everybody. One reviewer suggested that the movie was really about the rape of Regan by the demon, the medical community etc. Certainly the sexual vibe is there, but I think that's just one facet of it. In addition, it hits people by exposing the actual immense ignorance of the medical community to how our bodies function and what they know about it. I would think that many people who have gone through any kind of serious illness will relate to the moment the doctors just shrug and throw up their hands. Its hard to argue with anybody who also suggests that it's an extreme example of the mood swings of puberty. I also think that the Exorcist manipulates our innate ambivalence about reality, religion, superstition, human existence and fear. We all know there is nothing to fear in the dark, and yet....