The Exorcist is a contemporary horror/thriller/drama set in mundane and completely ordinary surroundings, though it portrays the age-old battle between good and evil and conforms to the movie staple of ordinary people in extraordinary situations. But The Exorcist is more than just your average movie: its a unique, disturbing and deep film that has to be accepted at more than face value.

The film carries a message that is often overlooked and sometimes misinterpreted. Volumes have been writeen analyzing the film but there is no definitive analytical work. As Friedkin himself says "You take from The Exorcist what you bring to it." he goes on, "If you believe that the world is a dark and evil place, then The Exorcist will re-affirm that. But if you believe that there is a power for good in this world then that is what you will bring from The Exorcist."

Here are some vital statistics on the film:

YEAR OF RELEASE: 1973 (US), 1974 (UK)
US BOX OFFICE GROSS:

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SELECT CREW OVERVIEW: Where to find out more about The Exorcist:
BFI Modern Classic's The Exorcist by Mark Kermode
The Exorcist: Out of the Shadows by Bob McCabe
Back To The Exorcist Homepage.