My foreign viewers may not actually be aware of this, but The Exorcist has been banned in England for the past 25 years or so. It was only recently possible to pick the film up at a video store, and even more recently was it shown on TV for the first time ever on these shores. Yes indeed, we'd had to make do with the Leslie Neilson spoof for all that time. I've given it a few viewings since this ban was lifted though, so what was my opinion of this so called scariest movie of all time? Well first off I'll admit I wasn't scared once during the whole film - an obvious example of the way times have changed since the '70s most likely, and I'd have to say right now The Blair Witch Project beats it hands down for me in terms of the fear factor. But still, as a film in its own right, The Exorcist manages to stand up to this day as a solid piece of film making, despite this. You're all down with the plot I'm sure. The Devil takes it upon himself to posses a 12 year old girl, two priests have to get him out. Seeing as the devil is bed ridden for 99% of the film, clear as day, right where you can see him, the fear aspect was never gonna come at you with bumps in the night and creatures jumping out at you from nowhere. Perhaps this is why I don't find it scary in the slightest. However I would call it horrifying. The difference being, while some scenes aren't frightening, they are indeed quite shocking - especially since this came out in the '70s! Baring this in mind I can almost see their reason for banning it. In particular I'm talking about the crucifix scene, which I won't elaborate on in case anyone hasn't scene it yet (but trust me, it's fucked). Even more horrifying though, is the fact that 9 members of the cast and crew died while they were making The Exorcist. Now that just shits me up! Apparently a real priest was even called in to exorcise the set at one point. It's just one of a hundred horror stories that I've heard regarding the making of the film, all of which manage to insight a fair bit more fear than anything featured in the movie itself. Are any of them true, or was it all simply Hollywood propaganda used to arouse more controversy? Who knows. But it worked either way. One thing I like about the film is the steady progression from every day life at the very beginning, all the way up to a life or death battle with the devil at the end. It is a rather long film, true, but praise has to be given for managing to pull that aspect off so subtly. I also like the way the two priests are portrayed. Father Merrin, the exorcist from whom the title was derived from, old and serious, knowing exactly what needs to be done and how, and not fucking around in the slightest as he does it. And then Karras, a much more humane priest, but with his own problems and emotions causing him grief throughout, especially towards the final part of the film. The ending itself is simply brilliant too. Likewise, you can't fault the special effects, lighting, and camera work, all of which are truly top notch, especially from an era so long ago in film making terms. On the negative side though, I'll admit to twiddling my thumbs from time to time during the middle of the movie, and I also had a serious distaste for young Regan's mother - sure she's gonna be a bit upset, with her daughter being the devil and all, but damn woman, shut up! Never-the-less, this is a film everyone really needs to see, and stands up strong as a piece of horror cinematic history. Just don't expect to be whimpering and fleeing as I'm sure they did back when it was released. Today's real life horrors are more than enough to make us immune to the majority of what The Exorcist can muster up to throw our way.