Day 27: 31 Days of Horror: The Exorcist

Yes, I included The Exorcist (1973) in last year's 31 Days of Horror, but I still think it's the scariest film that I've ever watched. Being the horror genre addict that I am, I decided that I was mature enough to handle William Blatty's novel, which the film is based on. I was right, but that doesn't mean that I wasn't freaked out by it. I may have had the light on during the nighttime a little bit longer than usual because I, of course, thought a demon might jump out from a corner of my room if it wasn't on. I survived reading the entire book and it was gloriously terrifying and well written. I recommend reading it, if you think you can handle it.

The Exorcist psychologically terrifies me so much that I am not able to watch it on my own anymore. I tried to during this Halloween season and I came close to finishing it, but the viewing ended in disaster because it led me to Google more information regarding Pazuzu. Pazuzu is the name of the demon that possesses the young girl, Regan. This ended up being a huge mistake! I partially blame my Catholic upbringing for making me so freaked out by the thought of demon possession. Never ever Google more information about Pazuzu, I guarantee that it will give you terrible nightmares and you will not be able to sleep if it ever feels suspiciously cooler in your room.

I am able to enjoy The Exorcist whenever I watch it with someone else. For some reason, I feel it's safer to watch this film when I watch it with someone. It allows me to watch the film and be consumed by it without freaking out too much before it gets really good. I especially enjoy Father Karras' dream about his mother and the exorcism scene. Everything about these two scenes is right, the acting, the editing, the screenwriting, the lighting, everything. When I watch these scenes, I feel like I'm actually there, witnessing the horror up close.  It's amazing. Just thinking about it is making me want to try to watch the film on my own again. Should I dare?