Well, I've been watching a whole slew of horror films, being October and all, so I figured I'd share my thoughts and include you on my epic Horror Journey.
THE FILM: The Exorcist II: The Heretic
I recently presented an analysis on the original film in my Modern Gothic and Horror class (which was outstanding, by the way), so I decided that the only sensible film to view after such a groundbreaking presentation (seriously, you should have been there) was the sequel, a film I have not been subjected to since I was about ten. This film is one of the all time stinkers in the history of cinema, considered the greatest letdown until Lucas came along and unleashed Star Wars: Episode I. And considering the talent behind this, there really is no excuse for this travesty. While not directed by William Friedkin, it's nevertheless directed by John Boorman, who was behind such classics as "Deliverance" and "Excalibur." It stars the great Richard Burton, as well as Linda Blair, Max Von Sydow, Louise Fletcher, and James Earl Jones. Hell, it's even scored by Ennio Morricone! So, here's the plot: poor (and SEXY...kidding) Regan can't seem to shake the bad dreams and repressed memories of being possessed by Little Richard. With the help of Dr. Tuskin, and a device that hypnotizes two individuals and links their minds together (yeah, I know), it is revealed that Little Richard (wasn't funny the first time, right?) still lurks within her, desperate to emerge again and wreak havoc. Meanwhile, Father Philip Lamont (Burton) is ordered by his cardinal to investigate the death of Father Merrin, played once again in flashbacks by Sydow. Lamont understandably undertakes his task reluctantly. His investigation takes him to Africa where he locates another recipient of Merrin's exorcising and learns something fascinating and terrible about the worst looking locusts in the history of cinema. William Peter Blatty wanted nothing to do with it and Boorman tried to reedit it after its first appearance to make it into something watchable, but with no success. The Exorcist II is about as far removed from the original as a sequel can get in terms of action, plot, tone, and characters. The film wastes Ned Beatty, who is on-screen for about 3 minutes. James Earl Jones, once of the most engaging actors ever, is reduced to playing a hilariously offensive Shaman. The eloquent Richard Burton must have really been boozing through this one; his delivery alternates between mechanical, wooden, disinterested and impassioned. Linda Blair agreed to star on the condition that she wouldn’t have to wear the makeup, so in the flashback scenes, it’s a glaringly obvious double. Only in the flashback sequences involving Father Merrin does any of the atmosphere of the classic original resurface. The pacing is so lethargic that I dare you to not fall asleep. Early on, the studio pursued Stanley Kubrick to direct, but like the wise man he was, he turned them down.
Fun Fact: The original, opening night version of this film was so poorly received that the audience at a theatre on Hollywood Blvd. actually threw things at the screen to express their disgust when it was over. The director pulled the film out of theaters twice to do some more editing.
Hilarious Fact: Linda Blair has said that Richard Burton started out sober, but frequently became drunk during the middle and end of filming. She also says that tensions were high among the cast.
Baffling Fact: At the time of its release, this was the most expensive film produced by Warner Bros.
Tune in tomorrow for another entry, or possibly two!
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