You really should watch Exorcist III : Legion. It was actually directed by William Peter Blatty. You should also read the accompanying novel Legion, which focuses on the character of Detective Kinderman. You'll be pleasantly surprised how excellent both are and how well they flow from that original novel. It has a strong element of being a detective novel, which makes it even more interesting. Happy Haunting
The Exorcist is one of the best introductory horror novels because it delves into the origins of many familiar tropes used in modern horror stories. It explains and eases people into these things for people who don't know much about horror. It can get them hooked on the genre.
Love the movie, love the book. I must confess, I love Kinderman. It was like a crossover with Columbo. I didn’t mind him and he added some warmth to an otherwise bleak situation. “I know, I’m a bother, I’m done…..oh, just one last question” I could see how he was good at disarming people, getting them to underestimate and even like him and getting them to spill what they knew.
I loved the battle of wits between Karras and Raegan (or the devil of course) and how they're communicating using stories of the bible and sending mixed messages etc. It's fascinating. Also the language thing is great because it isn't 100% clear if she knows another language or is just faking it enough to appear possessed . It's great.
The book is actually more disturbing than the movie, and the first season of the short-lived television show ends on an excellent note. The daughter of a family has been possessed, and there is a very good reason why.
This was one of the very first horror novels I read when I was a young kid (under 10). Being in the UK, the movie was unavailable to see by the time I was this age, I do remember my local video store stocking it but after finally persuading my dad to rent it out, the store had taken if from their shelves due to the video recordings act as it wasn't allowed a certificate. The novel tho just blew me away - I still to this day haven't read anything that comes close to the paralysing fear The Exorcist gave me. My Mum had been very disturbed seeing the movie at the cinema and kept throwing my book away saying it was evil. I would go to the car-boot sale and just buy another used copy for 50p and keep it hidden. The relationship between Chris and Regan is heart-breaking as the possession takes over. The 3rd Act is just mind-blowing. Love the movie, LOVE the book!
In the audiobook read by the author, William Peter Blatty does the demon voice better than the movie. I remember thinking that he could have been in a death metal band. The band would be called "William Peter Blatty and The Exorcists". The other members of the band would be dressed as priests, then William Peter Blatty would come out in a night gown and demon make up, demonically growl blasphemies over the roaring music, then vomit over everyone in the front row.
I just finished the audio book and yeah, that was an amazing listen. It was my second audiobook ever (first was Louis Sachar's 'Holes' almost 20 years ago when I was in HS) and I didn't realize it was read by the author until the lol 10/10. I especially liked how he voiced Dennings lol
Blatty is definitely making commentary on Catholicism with The Exorcist and his two other books/movies Legion( Exorcist 3) and Ninth Configuration. It is most obvious in the Ninth Configuration but I have seen interviews where he elaborates on and they are fascinating. Karras is one of my favourite characters in fiction. Unfortunately it didn't scare me but it's a great book.
WOOOOOO just finished via your recommendation and I haven’t been hit like that in a while. Those characters were amazing, the prose was great, and all of a sudden everything in my home seemed a portal to possession.
That crucifix scene is even more intense with the audiobook. It was so good. I love Blatty's narration and how he brought it to life! Kinderman was a little annoying for me as well, but I didn't mind him too much. But yes, I felt like it was a story line I wasn't as interested in as Regan's storyline. Great points of view! :)
I have the Exorcist on hold through the library. I look forward to getting the notice when it arrives at my branch. I saw the movie ages ago -- I should rewatch it.
@@mikesbookreviewsWilliam Friedkin, director of the film, passed on today. Thought about last time a discussion or review or watch of the film, bases on the classic book by William Peter Blatty.
I liked the Kinderman scenes because he's SO smart and kind at the same time, he's playing everyone trying to find out what's really going on (who killed the producer whos name I can't remember) etc. but he does it in this compassionate way. Blatty set out to write a crime mystery with horror elements and ended up writing a masterpiece lol
I just finished the audiobook based on your recommendation and I am so happy I finally listened to this!!! Somehow I still haven’t seen the movie (I really need to change that!). The audiobook was SO GOOD.
Great video Mike! I saw the movie version when it was re-released in the late '90s (I was 17) and it terrified me/disturbed me so much that I swore off horror for ages. Then randomly, a few years later, I saw a copy of the book in a library and decided to face my fear and give it a go - am so glad I did! Is still in my top ten fiction list nearly 20 years later. It kick-started a new love of horror books, which got me properly into King, Barker, Herbert and many more. So it'll always be a special book for me, for that reason. I still don't watch many horror movies though, the visual intensity of them is too much nightmare fuel!
Just like you Mike, I've wanted to read this for so long. I was afraid that the movie was so ingrained in my mind that it would tarnish the experience of reading the book. However, the exact opposite happened. I loved this book so much, that upon rewatching the movie, I felt a little bit slighted. And I thought Kinderman was fantastic! Not only an extremely likeable character (a 'kinder man' if you will), he furthered the theme of 'investigation'. The search for truth. He enhances the story to me. This book has become a favorite. So good!
I was hoping for your review of this book eventually and I'm so happy to see this here! the exorcist is one of my favorite movies and books ever! I saw the movie several times before reading the book and had wanted to read it for so long. I finally read it one week when I was home sick from school and absolutely loved it. I have read it several times since and you're absolutely right in that there are scenes in that book that can still give the reader chills. The exorcism scenes are really intense; even more so in the book than the movie. maybe I'll give this one another re-read. I can see what you mean about the detective side plot. Most of that could have been taken out of the book but I don't think it took away from the story at all. Loved all of the themes that are explored in this too. Great review and I'll catch you in the next one.
I read this when it came out and I was a little kid, 9 or so, when my sister left it lying around. I actually couldn't finish it and it disturbed me for years. I really wish I hadn't picked it up then.
I know I'm not the first to say it here, but Exorcist III really is worth a watch. Sure, it's a bit slow in some spots, but Brad Dourif and Jason Miller both give incredible performances as the Gemini killer. And it has what is easily the most effective jump scare ever put to film. You're right about all the rest of the movies, they all suck, but this one is really good.
Great review, I found Father Merrin's scenes at the beginning quite chilling and sad. I've seen the movie (one of the top 2 "scarred me for life" childhood movies), read the book and listened to the audiobook with William Blatty narrating (OMG). Side note: Exorcist III with George C. Scott, love the scenes between him and Brad Dourif (sweet baby jesus).
Considering how much studio interference there was in Exorcist III, it's amazing it turned out as well as it did. It's worth it for Brad Dourif's performance alone. And that jump scare. The book Legion is also quite excellent. Is either one as good as the original? No, but they're not something you should miss either.
I first read this book over 10 years ago and it seriously affected me. It is my favourite horror novel. I am doing my first re-read right now and last night I had to take a break. This is the only book (and movie) that made me need to take breaks. I ADORE it! Great review!
Great book. Was pleasantly surprised that Friedkin lifted the dialogue pretty much verbatim from the book. However, the film is better. Friedkin's direction is just phenomenal. Recently read Blatty's, The Ninth Configuration. Very interesting read. The astronaut from The Exorcist, who Reagan tells, he's gonna die up there, is one of the main characters.
I did enjoy the book a lot - I know you are not an audio fan but the audio for this one is also very good, Blatty's voice is slower/calmer and just goes with the story. I like the book more than the movie as the movie focuses more on the shock/scare factor to me, while the book just seems more character-deep especially with Karris
Read this as a teenager in the 70's and I can't remember much about the book, but I remember it scared the s##t out of me! The movie was X rated or over age 18 and I remember it being banned all over the place, I think I was 15 or 16 when I saw it at the movies (looked older but it was less addiction the 70's) and I remember having to leave the cinema as my friend was terrified..... She hadn't read the book so had no idea what to expect 😂
Great review! Omg I loved this book so much more than the movie, sorry that might not be a popular opinion.😂 The movie has been satirized for so long that it doesn’t really do it for me. The book, on the other hand, really allowed me to get a better glimpse of those characters which I don’t think you really get with the movie. I think Batty wrote those scenes really well.
I’ve just finished the book and I loved it. My only ever so slight issue, is that the high points of anything that happens in Regans bedroom, dwarf anything that happens outside of the house and there are too many of them. Downstairs has some great moments of humanity, but everything upstairs is truly special. 5/5
Personally, I like your reviews of horror books the best. I hope you will read and review more of the classic horror books more often. I’m not a fantasy fan.
Actually Blatty was very much writing this book from the lens of his Catholic faith. In fact, he once said in an interview that he never meant anything in The Exorcist to scare anyone. He was trying to strengthen people's faith and to provide reassurance in how God can be so powerful and triumph over evil.
I love this book, and I stumbled across this same edition in the store last year. After watching your review, I think it's time for a re-read. Perfect time of year for it, too.
The part where Mary Jo Perrin senses that there is something off with Regan and advises Chris to take away the ouija board is personally the scariest part for me. Also I think Father Lucas is probably part of the occult. Brilliant novel!
Such an excellent review. I’ve yet to read it but of course I’ve seen the movie. The only sequel worth watching is Exorcist 3 which is based off Blatty’s sequel Legion.
I've put it on my reading list for this winter. It's hard to find stuff that is really scary and typically for me it's more the ambivalent weird or strange fiction that gives me the pleasant shivers. I'm excited to find out about Exorcist.
Great review as always Mike. I wanted to read this before watching your review but I might have to get to it asap now. My spooky season is going great!
I agree, no agenda being pushed here, just all part of the storytelling. But yea, this was such a great book. I read for the first time last year and was surprised by how much I loved it. Hot take -- I can't wait for this to be re-adapted into a new movie!
ok... just a simple question.... WTF?? lol... why would u want a new movie? the first one is perfect... is one of the best movies ever made, and im not talking about horror movies only... everything about the first movie is perfection... cinematography, sound desing, pacing, acting, omg the mom should have won the oscar that year
@@vickdinvick5485 because I'm a junky for the reboots and re-imagines. Yea, there's some crappy or forgettable ones, but I love taking a classic and giving it some modern movie magic. Like Halloween, Texas Chainsaw, Poltergeist, etc... Totally agree about the original, though. Great movie, scary as hell. In fact it's the gritty 70s sound and picture that gives it the bleak atmosphere, aside from the acting. (And I thought Ellen Burstyn did fantastic, also)
The most chilling part of the book; "You shouldn't have given her the librium." The whole time it wasn't the demon's power that was being used to kill Reagan, it was his manipulation of the people around her. He outsmarted them all. Absolutely terrifying.
Reading it now. The one thing that was unexpected for me so far is the amount of words that I didn't know lol. In the first 2 pages I think I had to google 5 words I'd never heard of. Clearly I need to keep advancing my vocabulary because it's still almost every page I need to look something up, and I read. So that was interesting.
I can't watch this. But, yeah, it does deserve its reputation. I watched the movie at a WAY too young age. Probably under 10. And that was on TV, so I assume it was cut. Screwed me up until adulthood. I couldn't be alone in a house for the longest time. I still can't bear to listen to that music. Upstairs bedrooms freak me out. And then at some point, I decided to get over my fear by reading the book. Bad idea. It's scary because everyone knows, deep down, that spiritual evil / the devil exists. I look forward to the day when Jesus Christ returns and the devil and his demons will be no more.
I've been slowly working my way through the book (I've seen the movie multiple times) and I'm trying to like it, but as an atheist and a skeptic, I just can't get the "feels" from it. Despite being a skeptic, I love ghost stories, they give me the delicious creeps, but possession stories I just can't get in to. TBH I wish I could.
Im currently reading the 40th Anniversary edition of this book. I loved Legion but was always a bit meh about the Exorcist. So i finally read it for the first time. And its very enjoyable but as it being the "Most Terrifying book ever written" - i wouldnt go that far. In fact i find it tame so i dont get the fuss about it? Dont get me wrong its a good book, but scary - nope. I think its been way over hyped esp due to the film version and the fall out and media hysteria around the film and then the book. I guess if i was an American (im British) and read the book when it first came out i may of felt different. I think to get the full benefit you had to of read it on first publication when the world was a different place. Seeing now possession films and storys are so common and follow the same format layed down in the Exorcist. Its defo up there in my top 10 horror, and i agree with many of the comments about the conversations and deep doubt of faith with Karras. I get big Columbo vibes with Kinderman in this book lol. One thing that always puzzled me many go the demons name isnt ever mentioned in the book?? Really. Page 5 (prologue) Pazuzu is named and described lol. So unless this is just an urban myth or additional book editions post the film add this in - i dont have a original first ed version to compare. Im sure someone in the comments will have and clarify this. 😊
Exorcist 3 is a great movie with an admittedly weak ending. But first 3/4s of it are fantastic. You should definitely check it out. Do not watch Exorcist 2.
Yeah, Exorcist III's ending was tacked on at the insistence of the studio (it's a sequel to The Exorcist, we NEED an exorcism scene!), but other than that both the film and book are quite excellent. And yeah steer clear of Exorcist II, Blatty had zero involvement and it shows.
I don't find the novel or the film frightening. It certainly is disturbing and artistic. I feel completely foreign about 2 characters, Chris and Father /Dr. Karras. I feel the title character is Father Karras rather than Father Merrin,whereas everyone else feels Merrin is the title character. Most folks love Chris O'Neil. I despise her. She verbally abuses Sharon and Karras, and she permits her friend, Burke, to belittle and criticize her staff. Both human flaws are unforgivable in my opinion. You can be a concerned and distraught parent without being a total douche to those trying to help you
I can see why your opinion of Det. Kinderman is a low point. His "Oh, so sorry, I hate to bother you" way of talking can be a bit much.... but his scenes don't bother me, really. It's kind of comical
Thankfully as a follower of Jesus Christ I don't have to be worried about being possessed by a demon. "He who is in you is greater, than He who is in the world." - 1 John 4:4 Once Christ takes up residence in a believer's heart a demon cannot intrude where Christ has built a home.
The part where Mary Jo Perrin senses that something is off with Regan and advises Chris to take away the ouija board was probably the scariest for me. Also the new character, Father Lucas, is probably a member of the occult. Brilliant writer and novel!
You really should watch Exorcist III : Legion. It was actually directed by William Peter Blatty. You should also read the accompanying novel Legion, which focuses on the character of Detective Kinderman. You'll be pleasantly surprised how excellent both are and how well they flow from that original novel. It has a strong element of being a detective novel, which makes it even more interesting. Happy Haunting
I was just gonna say the same. Very underrated horror film.
@@ptannous27 with possibly the greatest jump scare in the history of horror. The tension building to it is absolutely unbearable.
I'd go as far as to say Exorcist III is as good or better than the original film.
Best jump scare of any movie ever.
@@breag6936 For me it’s second to that conjuring dresser scene lol that shit got me good and I don’t normally get scared.
I have reread this book so many times that I've gone through three copies over the years. It truly is a masterpiece.
Scariest book ever. Easily. Just finished a re-read. 51 years old and totally shook.
So true, I've reread it more than I care to admit, and it STILL gets me.
The Exorcist is one of the best introductory horror novels because it delves into the origins of many familiar tropes used in modern horror stories. It explains and eases people into these things for people who don't know much about horror. It can get them hooked on the genre.
Love the movie, love the book.
I must confess, I love Kinderman. It was like a crossover with Columbo. I didn’t mind him and he added some warmth to an otherwise bleak situation. “I know, I’m a bother, I’m done…..oh, just one last question”
I could see how he was good at disarming people, getting them to underestimate and even like him and getting them to spill what they knew.
I loved the battle of wits between Karras and Raegan (or the devil of course) and how they're communicating using stories of the bible and sending mixed messages etc. It's fascinating. Also the language thing is great because it isn't 100% clear if she knows another language or is just faking it enough to appear possessed . It's great.
The book is actually more disturbing than the movie, and the first season of the short-lived television show ends on an excellent note. The daughter of a family has been possessed, and there is a very good reason why.
This was one of the very first horror novels I read when I was a young kid (under 10). Being in the UK, the movie was unavailable to see by the time I was this age, I do remember my local video store stocking it but after finally persuading my dad to rent it out, the store had taken if from their shelves due to the video recordings act as it wasn't allowed a certificate. The novel tho just blew me away - I still to this day haven't read anything that comes close to the paralysing fear The Exorcist gave me. My Mum had been very disturbed seeing the movie at the cinema and kept throwing my book away saying it was evil. I would go to the car-boot sale and just buy another used copy for 50p and keep it hidden. The relationship between Chris and Regan is heart-breaking as the possession takes over. The 3rd Act is just mind-blowing. Love the movie, LOVE the book!
The audiobook is great as well. It gave me an eerie feeling. I could not stop thinking about it for days. 😅
In the audiobook read by the author, William Peter Blatty does the demon voice better than the movie. I remember thinking that he could have been in a death metal band. The band would be called "William Peter Blatty and The Exorcists". The other members of the band would be dressed as priests, then William Peter Blatty would come out in a night gown and demon make up, demonically growl blasphemies over the roaring music, then vomit over everyone in the front row.
I just finished the audio book and yeah, that was an amazing listen. It was my second audiobook ever (first was Louis Sachar's 'Holes' almost 20 years ago when I was in HS) and I didn't realize it was read by the author until the lol
10/10. I especially liked how he voiced Dennings lol
Blatty is definitely making commentary on Catholicism with The Exorcist and his two other books/movies Legion( Exorcist 3) and Ninth Configuration. It is most obvious in the Ninth Configuration but I have seen interviews where he elaborates on and they are fascinating.
Karras is one of my favourite characters in fiction. Unfortunately it didn't scare me but it's a great book.
Oh yeah. The Exorcist is one of my favorite books and movies. It is amazing.
WOOOOOO just finished via your recommendation and I haven’t been hit like that in a while. Those characters were amazing, the prose was great, and all of a sudden everything in my home seemed a portal to possession.
That crucifix scene is even more intense with the audiobook. It was so good. I love Blatty's narration and how he brought it to life! Kinderman was a little annoying for me as well, but I didn't mind him too much. But yes, I felt like it was a story line I wasn't as interested in as Regan's storyline. Great points of view! :)
I have the Exorcist on hold through the library. I look forward to getting the notice when it arrives at my branch. I saw the movie ages ago -- I should rewatch it.
so glad you enjoyed this. my favorite non Stephen King horror novel
I don’t think I’ve ever dropped my jaw more times during a book 😂
It’s freaking jarring.
@@mikesbookreviewsWilliam Friedkin, director of the film, passed on today. Thought about last time a discussion or review or watch of the film, bases on the classic book by William Peter Blatty.
I liked the Kinderman scenes because he's SO smart and kind at the same time, he's playing everyone trying to find out what's really going on (who killed the producer whos name I can't remember) etc. but he does it in this compassionate way. Blatty set out to write a crime mystery with horror elements and ended up writing a masterpiece lol
Same. (Probably why I loved Legion so much.)
Couldn’t agree more, I love the movie and was worried it would ruin my expectation for the book, but the book blew me away
I just finished the audiobook based on your recommendation and I am so happy I finally listened to this!!! Somehow I still haven’t seen the movie (I really need to change that!). The audiobook was SO GOOD.
Great video Mike! I saw the movie version when it was re-released in the late '90s (I was 17) and it terrified me/disturbed me so much that I swore off horror for ages. Then randomly, a few years later, I saw a copy of the book in a library and decided to face my fear and give it a go - am so glad I did! Is still in my top ten fiction list nearly 20 years later. It kick-started a new love of horror books, which got me properly into King, Barker, Herbert and many more. So it'll always be a special book for me, for that reason. I still don't watch many horror movies though, the visual intensity of them is too much nightmare fuel!
Just like you Mike, I've wanted to read this for so long. I was afraid that the movie was so ingrained in my mind that it would tarnish the experience of reading the book. However, the exact opposite happened. I loved this book so much, that upon rewatching the movie, I felt a little bit slighted. And I thought Kinderman was fantastic! Not only an extremely likeable character (a 'kinder man' if you will), he furthered the theme of 'investigation'. The search for truth. He enhances the story to me. This book has become a favorite. So good!
Horror is my favorite genre but I'm still scared of reading this one haha, phenomenal review Mike!
I was hoping for your review of this book eventually and I'm so happy to see this here! the exorcist is one of my favorite movies and books ever! I saw the movie several times before reading the book and had wanted to read it for so long. I finally read it one week when I was home sick from school and absolutely loved it. I have read it several times since and you're absolutely right in that there are scenes in that book that can still give the reader chills. The exorcism scenes are really intense; even more so in the book than the movie. maybe I'll give this one another re-read. I can see what you mean about the detective side plot. Most of that could have been taken out of the book but I don't think it took away from the story at all. Loved all of the themes that are explored in this too. Great review and I'll catch you in the next one.
I read this when it came out and I was a little kid, 9 or so, when my sister left it lying around. I actually couldn't finish it and it disturbed me for years. I really wish I hadn't picked it up then.
I know I'm not the first to say it here, but Exorcist III really is worth a watch. Sure, it's a bit slow in some spots, but Brad Dourif and Jason Miller both give incredible performances as the Gemini killer. And it has what is easily the most effective jump scare ever put to film. You're right about all the rest of the movies, they all suck, but this one is really good.
Great movie, and I loved the book even more.
Great review, I found Father Merrin's scenes at the beginning quite chilling and sad. I've seen the movie (one of the top 2 "scarred me for life" childhood movies), read the book and listened to the audiobook with William Blatty narrating (OMG). Side note: Exorcist III with George C. Scott, love the scenes between him and Brad Dourif (sweet baby jesus).
I'm not brave enough for the audio. No way.
Considering how much studio interference there was in Exorcist III, it's amazing it turned out as well as it did. It's worth it for Brad Dourif's performance alone. And that jump scare. The book Legion is also quite excellent. Is either one as good as the original? No, but they're not something you should miss either.
Brad Dourif is amazing in everything.
Even I was super impressed with this book. Highly recommended for horror genre.
I think you’d really love Exorcist III actually. excellent movie
I first read this book over 10 years ago and it seriously affected me. It is my favourite horror novel. I am doing my first re-read right now and last night I had to take a break. This is the only book (and movie) that made me need to take breaks. I ADORE it! Great review!
Great book. Was pleasantly surprised that Friedkin lifted the dialogue pretty much verbatim from the book.
However, the film is better. Friedkin's direction is just phenomenal.
Recently read Blatty's, The Ninth Configuration. Very interesting read. The astronaut from The Exorcist, who Reagan tells, he's gonna die up there, is one of the main characters.
The Exorcist is my favorite book and movie.
The Exorcist is my favourite horror movie and one of the best books ive ever read.
In my opinion The Exorcist is the a great novel. It is visceral and freaky as hell. Great review
I did enjoy the book a lot - I know you are not an audio fan but the audio for this one is also very good, Blatty's voice is slower/calmer and just goes with the story. I like the book more than the movie as the movie focuses more on the shock/scare factor to me, while the book just seems more character-deep especially with Karris
Read this as a teenager in the 70's and I can't remember much about the book, but I remember it scared the s##t out of me! The movie was X rated or over age 18 and I remember it being banned all over the place, I think I was 15 or 16 when I saw it at the movies (looked older but it was less addiction the 70's) and I remember having to leave the cinema as my friend was terrified..... She hadn't read the book so had no idea what to expect 😂
Great review! Omg I loved this book so much more than the movie, sorry that might not be a popular opinion.😂 The movie has been satirized for so long that it doesn’t really do it for me. The book, on the other hand, really allowed me to get a better glimpse of those characters which I don’t think you really get with the movie. I think Batty wrote those scenes really well.
I can see that.
I’ve just finished the book and I loved it. My only ever so slight issue, is that the high points of anything that happens in Regans bedroom, dwarf anything that happens outside of the house and there are too many of them. Downstairs has some great moments of humanity, but everything upstairs is truly special. 5/5
Read The Demonologist. Could probably finish in one day it’s pretty short, very scary
Personally, I like your reviews of horror books the best. I hope you will read and review more of the classic horror books more often. I’m not a fantasy fan.
Actually Blatty was very much writing this book from the lens of his Catholic faith. In fact, he once said in an interview that he never meant anything in The Exorcist to scare anyone. He was trying to strengthen people's faith and to provide reassurance in how God can be so powerful and triumph over evil.
I love this book, and I stumbled across this same edition in the store last year. After watching your review, I think it's time for a re-read. Perfect time of year for it, too.
So glad you enjoyed the exorcist. I actually finished reading the book a few weeks ago.
The part where Mary Jo Perrin senses that there is something off with Regan and advises Chris to take away the ouija board is personally the scariest part for me.
Also I think Father Lucas is probably part of the occult.
Brilliant novel!
Linda Blair was really great as Reagan in the film I was shocked to learn how horribly she was treated while making the film
Blatty has his hand on the back of your head and screams, "lick me!!!" 😂
Great great book. The dialogues are just amazing
Another fantastic video!!! Thank you!
I really felt the same way with Kinderman. The guy just wanted a movie buddy. It pulled me out of the story every time we went to him. Great book!
Such an excellent review. I’ve yet to read it but of course I’ve seen the movie. The only sequel worth watching is Exorcist 3 which is based off Blatty’s sequel Legion.
I've put it on my reading list for this winter. It's hard to find stuff that is really scary and typically for me it's more the ambivalent weird or strange fiction that gives me the pleasant shivers. I'm excited to find out about Exorcist.
Great review as always Mike. I wanted to read this before watching your review but I might have to get to it asap now. My spooky season is going great!
One of the best and scariest novels ever made that film did justice for.
On my list too. Thanks for the review
I love all your updates and reviews
I agree, no agenda being pushed here, just all part of the storytelling. But yea, this was such a great book. I read for the first time last year and was surprised by how much I loved it.
Hot take -- I can't wait for this to be re-adapted into a new movie!
ok... just a simple question.... WTF?? lol... why would u want a new movie? the first one is perfect... is one of the best movies ever made, and im not talking about horror movies only... everything about the first movie is perfection... cinematography, sound desing, pacing, acting, omg the mom should have won the oscar that year
@@vickdinvick5485 because I'm a junky for the reboots and re-imagines. Yea, there's some crappy or forgettable ones, but I love taking a classic and giving it some modern movie magic. Like Halloween, Texas Chainsaw, Poltergeist, etc...
Totally agree about the original, though. Great movie, scary as hell. In fact it's the gritty 70s sound and picture that gives it the bleak atmosphere, aside from the acting. (And I thought Ellen Burstyn did fantastic, also)
If you ain't first you're last
Unrelated: interview with the vampire is not a good adaptation but still very entertaining. Maintains the major plot points.
Audiobook is GREAT too!
Okay, give Exorcist III a try Mike. It is pretty damn decent I think
I agree with you about Kinderman. Otherwise, a very good read.
If you watch the film Exorcist 3 (the only other film in the series worth watching) you will LOVE Kinderman!
I’ve never actually seen the Exorcist But I’m reading the book right now and I love it
William Peter Blatty was a comedy writer before he wrote The Exorcist.
It shows in his dialogue. Exorcist 3 which he directed has some great scenes between Lt Kinderman and Father Dwyer.
The most chilling part of the book; "You shouldn't have given her the librium." The whole time it wasn't the demon's power that was being used to kill Reagan, it was his manipulation of the people around her. He outsmarted them all. Absolutely terrifying.
Read this awaiting your review. 🤣😂 it was great! Thanks for the suggestion, Mike. 👍🫡
I reread this novel every HALLOWEEN
Thanks, Mike. Fun review. What did your wife say about the book and some of those chapters?
She also has implied there will be a crucifix ban in our home.
The best book ever ❤️ 😮.
It’s quite good.
Reading it now. The one thing that was unexpected for me so far is the amount of words that I didn't know lol. In the first 2 pages I think I had to google 5 words I'd never heard of. Clearly I need to keep advancing my vocabulary because it's still almost every page I need to look something up, and I read. So that was interesting.
Hey Mike, ever think of doing 5 min book reviews for sequels books and such?
Finished reading the book recently it was great lol I agree with you on Kinderman
I can't watch this. But, yeah, it does deserve its reputation. I watched the movie at a WAY too young age. Probably under 10. And that was on TV, so I assume it was cut. Screwed me up until adulthood. I couldn't be alone in a house for the longest time. I still can't bear to listen to that music. Upstairs bedrooms freak me out. And then at some point, I decided to get over my fear by reading the book. Bad idea.
It's scary because everyone knows, deep down, that spiritual evil / the devil exists. I look forward to the day when Jesus Christ returns and the devil and his demons will be no more.
I've been slowly working my way through the book (I've seen the movie multiple times) and I'm trying to like it, but as an atheist and a skeptic, I just can't get the "feels" from it. Despite being a skeptic, I love ghost stories, they give me the delicious creeps, but possession stories I just can't get in to. TBH I wish I could.
Thank you
I love the book but on so many occasions I found myself laughing as I was inundated with mental images of Jim Carrey as the possessed Regan
Im currently reading the 40th Anniversary edition of this book. I loved Legion but was always a bit meh about the Exorcist. So i finally read it for the first time. And its very enjoyable but as it being the "Most Terrifying book ever written" - i wouldnt go that far. In fact i find it tame so i dont get the fuss about it? Dont get me wrong its a good book, but scary - nope. I think its been way over hyped esp due to the film version and the fall out and media hysteria around the film and then the book.
I guess if i was an American (im British) and read the book when it first came out i may of felt different. I think to get the full benefit you had to of read it on first publication when the world was a different place. Seeing now possession films and storys are so common and follow the same format layed down in the Exorcist.
Its defo up there in my top 10 horror, and i agree with many of the comments about the conversations and deep doubt of faith with Karras. I get big Columbo vibes with Kinderman in this book lol.
One thing that always puzzled me many go the demons name isnt ever mentioned in the book?? Really. Page 5 (prologue) Pazuzu is named and described lol. So unless this is just an urban myth or additional book editions post the film add this in - i dont have a original first ed version to compare. Im sure someone in the comments will have and clarify this. 😊
Great review 👏 thanks
Great review!
Great review 💀
In your opinion, from reading the book, who did the desecrations in the Church, was it a satanic cult or was it Regan McNeil?
A cracking read!
question? who placed the crucifix under regan's pillow?
Great review, thanks! For people who are brand new to both, do you recommend reading the book first or watching the movie first?
Book. Gives you more context for character motivations on film since you can’t hear their internal dialogue.
@@mikesbookreviews Thanks Mike! That makes sense.
Where can I get shelves like this? 🤔🤔
I have watched the movie since I was a kid and the tv adaptation of it never read the book
The Exorcist is great literature.
Dude Exorcist 3 is actually a real good movie. It's not as scary but the acting is amazing. Also Dahmer loved it so how bad can it be?
Great review
Exorcist 3 is a great movie with an admittedly weak ending. But first 3/4s of it are fantastic. You should definitely check it out.
Do not watch Exorcist 2.
Yeah, Exorcist III's ending was tacked on at the insistence of the studio (it's a sequel to The Exorcist, we NEED an exorcism scene!), but other than that both the film and book are quite excellent.
And yeah steer clear of Exorcist II, Blatty had zero involvement and it shows.
The Godfather is popcorn compared to The Exorcist
I feel like I shouldn't touch the like button. It's stuck on 666
Understandable.
I don't find the novel or the film frightening. It certainly is disturbing and artistic. I feel completely foreign about 2 characters, Chris and Father /Dr. Karras. I feel the title character is Father Karras rather than Father Merrin,whereas everyone else feels Merrin is the title character. Most folks love Chris O'Neil. I despise her. She verbally abuses Sharon and Karras, and she permits her friend, Burke, to belittle and criticize her staff. Both human flaws are unforgivable in my opinion. You can be a concerned and distraught parent without being a total douche to those trying to help you
I can see why your opinion of Det. Kinderman is a low point. His "Oh, so sorry, I hate to bother you" way of talking can be a bit much.... but his scenes don't bother me, really. It's kind of comical
Thankfully as a follower of Jesus Christ I don't have to be worried about being possessed by a demon.
"He who is in you is greater, than He who is in the world." - 1 John 4:4
Once Christ takes up residence in a believer's heart a demon cannot intrude where Christ has built a home.
The part where Mary Jo Perrin senses that something is off with Regan and advises Chris to take away the ouija board was probably the scariest for me.
Also the new character, Father Lucas, is probably a member of the occult.
Brilliant writer and novel!