The Exorcist

[AndytheConqueror]

I've never seen the any of the exorcist movies. I always felt that people shouldn't make films about that kind of stuff (in a way thats purely for entertainment). But my Catholic friends were talking about it and they said that they were even considering showing it as a event through our church with a follow up discussion afterwards. What do you guys think about it?

[Krush2k2]

Its based on a true event. Except it was really a boy who was possessed not a girl.

Edited January 13, 2005 by Krush2k2

[melporcristo]

even if that stuff is ment for entertainment, there is tons of truth behind it and it speaks for itself when the message is yes, the Devil is real because people are starting not to believe he actually exists. So it is vaild in many areas ... but its still freaky stuff. By the way, exorcists who arn't Catholic even use Holy Water and the Rosary. Hmm ...

[Guest Eremite]

The Pope's exorcist, Father Gabriele Amorthe, has said that the film is very accurate in its presentation of an exorcism. I know of one priest who watches the film now and again to remind himself of the battle he wages as a priest.

I think the movie deals with the subject in a serious manner, not just "for entertainment". It's also a very pro-Catholic film as well, IMO. The Church alone stands as the one with the authority to do battle with Satan. The lead priest, Father Merrin, is a positive figure.

But, the film is not perfect, theologically or morally. I wouldn't imagine showing it to a Church group. There are some very graphic scenes (and a lot of rough language, particularly blasphemy and taking the Lord's name in vain). These parts are best skipped over. Especially if the group was Youth ministry. Best for them to watch it (or not) as their parents see fit at home.

[Stceciliapray4us]

I had the honor of listening to the head exorcist of spain (madrid) speak this summer. He basically said that everything in that movie is something that CAN POSSIBLY happen during an exorcism...it doesnt necessarily mean that stuff like that happens ALL the time.

I think its a great movie because its all very accurate. The true story that its based off of is EXTREMELY similar to the movie. It was a boy in Maryland I believe and his Aunt? or close family friend (nanny?) was teaching him how to use a ouiji board (wee gee? board) to contact spirits and then she died and shortly after she died unexplainable stuff started to happen to the boy and it progessively got worst and he eventually needed an exorcism. It took almost a month for the demon to finally leave.

I saw a great discovery channel special on it.

[aloha918]

i probably wouldn't show it to younger people....it can be kinda freaky.......but i thought that it showed the church in good light......

[FingO]

I liked the movie and the book.... I've had some good conversations after the movie with non-catholics.

[Guest Eremite]

Fingo,

There's a book?

[dtofdh]

I think there is value in the movie, in that it reminds us of the spiritual battles which are very real and truly exist. I personally, got a lot out of it. There are parts of the movie, however, that are truly morally offensive, and I would never show it to minors. The mind is a very impressionable thing and young people do not need to put that kind of imagery into their heads. Also, parents of minors may not feel this movie is appropriate and I would think it very important to respect that. This movie is definitely a movie for adults, and even then...with much discretion. I really can't say I would see it as a ministry tool. I saw an interview with the head exorcist from the vatican and he did not recommend this movie. For me though, it was a very powerful movie and I definitely felt like getting A LOT closer to God after seeing it.

[BeenaBobba]

I think this is a great movie! William Peter Blatty, the man who wrote both the novel and the screenplay, didn't set out to make a run-of-the-mill horror film. He's said he deliberately wanted to make a spiritual film in which good triumphs over evil, and I think he succeeded. [i]The Exorcist[/i] definitely doesn't shock for shock's sake alone, but I suppose people will take from it what they bring to it. Apart from that, it's not for everyone.

God bless,

Jennifer

[BeenaBobba]

[quote name='AndytheConqueror' date='Jan 13 2005, 02:25 AM'] I've never seen the any of the exorcist movies.  I always felt that people shouldn't make films about that kind of stuff (in a way thats purely for entertainment).  But my Catholic friends were talking about it and they said that they were even considering showing it as a event through our church with a follow up discussion afterwards.  What do you guys think about it? [/quote]
I'm a fan of this movie, but I don't know if that's a great idea. Perhaps it could be, so long as it's not shown to minors or anyone who wouldn't get much good out of it. If it is shown, it'd definitely be a good idea to warn people about the graphic nature of the film. If they can stomach it, I think it'd provide lots of material for discussion.

God bless,

Jen

[BeenaBobba]

[quote name='dtofdh' date='Jan 14 2005, 09:59 PM'] I saw an interview with the head exorcist from the vatican and he did not recommend this movie. [/quote]
What'd he say, and do you have the interview? Is this Fr. Amorth you're talking about? I've always heard he likes the movie.

God bless,

Jen

P.S. William Friedkin, the director of [i]The Exorcist[/i], said he was sent an audio tape of a real exorcism from a Vatican priest.

[Socrates]

Great flick!

Genuinely scary (though the shock wears off after a couple viewings), and great story of good vs. evil (with the ultimate triumph of good (God!)).

Probably one of the few horror flicks that takes its theology serioiusly and basically gets it right.

The old priest is awesome.

"The Power of Christ compells you! The Power of Christ compells you!"

[dtofdh]

BeenaBobba,

I personally think that the movie is very powerful and impressive. I saw a clip on EWTN, I think it was on the show: "Does the Church still Teach That", the topic of the show was Satan and the Antichrist. When the host of the show spoke about demon possession, he showed a clip of a priest that he identified as the head excorcist from the vatican. I'm sorry I don't remember his name. I am almost certain he said that the movie "The Exorcist" did a disservice to the Church's understanding of exorcism. I didn't understand what he meant. If I am mistaken, I apologize,.... but I could have sworn that was what he said. I remembered being disappointed because I thought the movie showed the power of God in our Catholic Church, and I enjoyed the movie for that reason. I wondered if he was referring to the part where the young priest told the demons to leave the girl, and enter into him? Because that clearly would not be the course of action of any Catholic priest in real life!!! Also, there are so many scenes that are truly morally offensive. If he did say that, perhaps it was because he does not believe something like that gives glory to God. I see the movie as a work of art that does depict a lot of truth. I could have done without a lot of its graphic imagery though (I saw the new version that had extra scenes when it came out in the theatre). Scarry stuff....

God bless,
Gina

[Paladin D]

How can it be a pro-Catholic film if both priests die at the end?

[crusader1234]

[quote name='Paladin D' date='Jan 17 2005, 12:24 AM'] How can it be a pro-Catholic film if both priests die at the end? [/quote]
Just because a Priest dies, doesn't mean its anti Catholic. Use reasoning - was the Passion antiCatholic because Jesus died? Is Therese anti Catholic because Therese dies?

[jmjtina]

I hate the movie.

Look for another source of discussion.

The Excorist is like watching blasphemy after blasphemy and thinking it's actually a lesson in theology.

Read a book about Cure de Ars....that's scary and good for discussion. Look for a better source for discussion.

[Guest Eremite]

[quote] How can it be a pro-Catholic film if both priests die at the end?
[/quote]

Actually, that scene is also a very moving Catholic scene. When Father Karras is sprawled out at the bottom of the stairs, his good friend (who happens to be played by a real priest) offers him absolution of his sins, visibly distraught. Granted, the WAY Father Karras died would be unacceptable (voluntarily becoming possessed). But loopy theology doesn't necessarily make a bad movie, because a lot of the theology in the film is good. And what more positive image of Father Merrin can there be but him dying in an ultimate battle with evil? Is that not his vocation as a priest, to give himself up for the sake of his sheep? One of my favorite scenes is when Merrin first comes to the house, and they show Reagan cowering in fear, knowing that the authority that is the Church has come to cast him out.

I agree with jmj that there is a lot of taking the Lord's name in vain. I think they did that intentionally, to flesh out the mother as a Godless woman. Still, that doesn't excuse it.

Edited January 17, 2005 by Eremite

[Paladin D]

[quote name='crusader1234' date='Jan 17 2005, 02:26 AM'] Just because a Priest dies, doesn't mean its anti Catholic. Use reasoning - was the Passion antiCatholic because Jesus died? Is Therese anti Catholic because Therese dies? [/quote]
Though in this case it's different, wouldn't it show the weakness of the priest? Why would he yell "TAKE ME!!!"?

I never seen the movie, just some brief parts.

[Guest Eremite]

[quote]Why would he yell "TAKE ME!!!"?[/quote]

Because he wanted to save the little girl. He would rather kill himself than see the demon win inside of her.