The Exorcist finds terror in realism, spending most of its time on procedural drama. There's strong character development with internal struggles, defined relationships, and an atmosphere of distress. It has themes of faith, innocence, guilt, mortality, and letting go. The acting is a master class of chemistry, outbursts, layers, vulnerability, intensity, possession, range, growth, and release. There's symbolism, setup/payoff, natural dialogue, clues instead of explanations, and a bittersweet ending that resolves the external conflict and protagonist arc. The Exorcist excels because it prioritizes intimacy and relatability, grounding horror elements in deeper emotions.
The Exorcist is objective yet immersive. Its direction carefully builds dread. The patient editing adds dissolves, pacing, inserts, cross cuts, montages, and cooldowns. Its production design establishes location, institutions, horror, and a memorable house. The stark sound has wonky ADR, smash cuts, symbolic diegetics, split cuts, distortions, and restraint. Its cast combines skill, fame, and a breakout. The informative imagery uses motion, composition, focus, lighting, mounts, and POVs. Its practical effects are small-scale but detailed and elaborate. The music is controlled, atmospheric, unsettling, and iconic. Overall, The Exorcist is a prime execution of sober craft and perspective.
Writing: 9/10
Direction: 10/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 10/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 9/10
Effects: 9/10
Overall Score: 9.1/10
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