Dubbed one of the greatest horror movies ever made, The Exorcist broke numerous box office records and left an irremovable mark on the genre. However, its harrowing narrative of demonic possession and exorcism wasn't just a film plot—it's echoed by alleged real-life events that surrounded the movie's production. Let's delve "Inside The Exorcist Production," unravel the enigma behind the ominous "Exorcist Curse," and explore the unnerving occurrences that transpired during The Exorcist filming.
Inside The Exorcist Production
Facing unprecedented production challenges that veered on the sinister, The Exorcist's journey from script to screen was anything but smooth. The film's director, William Friedkin, was known for his unconventional and occasionally dangerous filming techniques. To create an authentic reaction, he resorted to actions such as abruptly firing a gun behind the actors. Notably, actress Ellen Burstyn sustained serious spinal injuries during a scene where she was pulled off the floor, leading to chronic back problems.
Moreover, another disturbing occurrence was the set catching fire, which reportedly happened without any discernible cause, delaying production for six weeks. Supposedly, the only room unaffected by the fire was the one used for the exorcism scenes—a chilling detail that further fueled the rumors of an otherworldly curse.
The Exorcist Curse: Real or Imaginary?
The perils faced during the production were merely the tip of the iceberg in the saga of "The Exorcist Curse." The film's curse generally refers to a series of unfortunate events that befell the cast and crew during and after the production. As macabre as it may sound, deaths became rather frequent among the cast and crew, causing quite a stir. Several actors' family members and relatives met untimely deaths, including Max Von Sydow's brother, who died on the first day of the film's shooting.
Linda Blair, who played the main character, Regan, saw her career crumble post-release. Jack MacGowran, who played Burke Dennings in the film, unfortunately, passed away shortly after filming his scenes, solidifying the terrifying reputation of 'The Exorcist curse.'
What Happened During The Exorcist Filming?
This question is loaded with a myriad of eerie incidences that went beyond the usual filmmaking problems. Giannetti's "Understanding Movies" recounts that some eerie experiences during filming included unexplainable equipment malfunctions, sudden feelings of unease, and the crew's unshakeable sense of discomfort while filming—the more disturbing scenes even caused some of the medical advisors on set to faint.
Actors reported feeling dreadfully cold during the filming of the exorcism scenes, despite the set's high temperature. Reports of paranormal activity also spiked in the local area during the movie’s production phase. This series of inexplicable events led many to believe that the set, and potentially the film itself, was indeed cursed. Whether that’s the reality, or just a cleverly managed marketing ploy—that’s a decision left to the audience.
The Occurrences on Set
One of the most chilling assertions surrounding 'The Exorcist' is the number of eerie incidences that occurred during the film's production. From unexplained accidents to inexplicable health issues, the crew and cast members experienced a variety of odd incidents. Two actors are reported to have died before the release of the movie, both played characters who died in the story, only amplifying the macabre legend.
Adding to the series of unfortunate events, the set of the MacNeil's home, where most of the movie was recorded, inexplicably caught fire, causing a huge delay in production. It's worth noting that Regan's room, where the most disturbing scenes were filmed, was miraculously untouched by the fire. Director William Friedkin attributed the fire to a bird getting into the circuit boxes, but that didn't quench the rumors.
The number of tragedies surrounding 'The Exorcist' raised more than eyebrows. They raised questions. Were these incidents pure coincidences, or was there something more sinister at play?
The Tragic Aftermath
Following the film's release, the fear intensified. Many moviegoers reported feeling faint, vomiting, or even experiencing heart palpitations while viewing the film. In fact, some theaters even handed out 'Exorcist barf bags.' The terror was not limited to the viewers; cast members too had their share of horror.
Linda Blair, who played the tormented child Regan, suffered a spinal injury during one intense scene when the rigging broke. Ellen Burstyn, playing Regan's mother, also received a permanent spinal injury during filming. The agony audible in the scream she let out? It was painfully real.
The Exorcist Curse: Myth or Reality?
Despite the chain of horrific events, some people view the ‘Exorcist curse’ skeptically, asserting that bad things happen all the time, and it’s human nature to look for patterns – even when they don't exist. However, the experiences of those involved with 'The Exorcist' are hard to dismiss casually.
The reality of the Exorcist's curse remains debatable. What's undeniable though is the chilling impact the film has had, not just on the audiences but also behind the scenes. It remains, decades later, as one of the most horrifying films ever made – with an equally horrifying backstory.