Posted on 08/12/2004 5:59:12 PM PDT by missyme
Did the Classic Horror Flick Haunt More Than Just the Audience?
When The Exorcist was released late in 1973, it sparked a visceral reaction from the public--literally. There were reports of people vomiting from the fright of a story about a young girl possessed by a demon.
The movie went on to become a massive hit, but few of those who flocked to the film knew about its grueling, nearly yearlong shoot or the tragedies that befell some of the cast and crew. Misfortune also followed the movie's sequels, leading some to wonder: Was there a curse on The Exorcist?
As its prequel, Exorcist: The Beginning, makes its way to theaters, E! delves into the mystery with a new E! True Hollywood Story, premiering Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. We go behind the scenes of the controversial film and reveal just why some believe the movie was cursed.
Whether you buy into curses or not, one thing is indisputable: The filming of The Exorcist was tough on all concerned. From a director who liked to startle his cast to a 12-year-old actress spouting some truly disturbing dialogue to the infamous "pea soup" scene, few escaped the production unscathed.
Subsequent Exorcist films had their share of bad luck as well--although many critics believe that's a result of questionable filmmaking more than any curse. Still, the mystery surrounding the films remains.
Think you can turn heads with your Exorcist knowledge? Then take our devilishly designed quiz, and watch the the Story to find out more about The Exorcist.
The highlighted comments are interesting. I don't believe in magic, so that part holds no interest. But I do think that people with certain talents, be it music or math, etc. that show up early and are then forced by others to concentrate on this talent too much can fall into mental illness. The depression doesn't surprise me.
Thanks for the info.
Realized ...not quite halfway through....that it was pure evil.
I tore the book into pieces!!
Warned my husband not to read it....he read it anyway, and regretted it.
I refuse to see the movie....I will not watch the movie.
bump
Actually, it would be more appropriate to not do a show on Kol Nidre (Yom Kippur eve) and the first night of Rosh Hashanah.
You're easily amused, aren't you? ;)
Really that made me laugh so hard!
Well, that was our late show. But perhaps we'll be back onstage tonight!
Of course, you're still special to me, B!
Wunnerful! Now I'm all happy again! :^)
Whew! ;)
Whatcha gonna be doing during the convention? Are you attending?
I'll be working as a volunteer, mostly hospitality stuff. The NY Young Republican Club is going to have a suite for 3 of the 4 nights at a midtown hotel -- to have fun, wind down, watch the speeches, drink, etc. We also have some other events that week.
I won't be on the floor of the convention or anything like that, as I'm not a delegate. :)
Linda Blair lived in Wilton, CT some years after the film was made. My sister went to a party at her house and said she saw a cabinet door in the kitchen open and close by itself. and this was before any...uh..recreational activities took place!
The reason for the use of the Tsetse fly (a type of biting fly that causes sleeping sickness ....a deadly disease that makes the much-hyped, actually 99% hyped, west-nile virus seem like child's play) is because one of the names of the Devil is Beel Ze Bub.
The meaning of that name is 'Lord of the Flies.'
Consequently, the use of a Tsetse fly would be quite appropos since it stands in for the devil coming into play. And anyways a Tsetse fly would be far more appropriate (and deadly) than a Horse fly or house fly.
As an aside. There are areas of Africa that have perfect pasture, cool waters, and everything you need for cattle herding and/or ranching (slight difference LOL). However those are wastelands. The reason is due to Tsetse flies inhabiting those areas, and causing death and despair to humans and domestic animals alike (wild animals seem immune to the Tsetse's bite).
I wouldn't be concerned about the dreams coming true. My wife and daughters have had many dreams (of varying significance) come true. The Bible is full of God revealing Himself in dreams. St. Joseph had a revelation in a dream.
How old is the little girl? Children often say things that sound ominous but have no basis in fact. I remember when my first born son was about two years old, he leaned over the front seat of the car and said, "Ya know, we're all gonna die." It was so creepy I almost drove off the road, but my wife said nonchalantly, "That's right. We're all going to die someday. Let's say a prayer to Jesus right now so we'll be ready to greet him." I never prayed so hard in my life. My wife sounded calm, but she shot me a look that showed me how spooked she was too. This all happened more than 40 years ago.
I don't think that the couple have any religion at all. You are right about the little girl though, she's only two, and may have just been having two year old night frights. It's just so weird that it happened on the same day that my daughter had those experiences. It's also weird that my daughter dreamed about this attic for a year before the family that she worked for bought the house. What really concerns me is that my sister keeps telling me that this "gift" is no gift at all, that these are demons, acting.
Why would she make that assumption? God often speaks to people in dreams. It's in the Bible. If your daughter remains pure in thought and action, I don't believe you have to be concerned about your daughter's dreams being demons acting unless there is some other tangible evidence of that.
I know some Christian traditions do not like to carry images of the crucified Christ or the prayer of St. Michael the Archangel. Since I do not know to which tradition you belong, may I suggest your daughter carry or wear a plain cross or carry a small book containing the Gospels? Also, would it be within your Faith tradition to place a crucifix on your daughter's bedroom wall? Perhaps you've already got one there - demons cannot tolerate any reminder of the Lord.
But it may not be so strange considering the little girl had spent the day with your daughter, who was rightly spooked. Even if your daughter did not say anything to the little girl, it would have been nearly impossible not to have conveyed some unease in her manner, speech, etc. Surely, most 2 year olds can pick up on an adult's frame of mind.
For those interested, here is the link to the book about the actual event that Blatty based the original exorcist film on.
I read this while stationed in the UK. Read it on post (oooops, a little dereliction of duty on my part) in one day. Now this will raise your hackles.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0595132642/qid=1093128888/sr=ka-1/ref=pd_ka_1/103-9662834-2405453
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