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The Exorcist

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The Exorcist explores the making of the iconic 1973 horror film, inspired by a purported 1949 demonic possession case. Mark Kermode presents a detailed study of this cinematic phenomenon, revealing production challenges, deleted scenes, and exclusive insights into the film's controversial impact.
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This book is ideal for fans of film history, horror enthusiasts, and those interested in cultural phenomena and religious controversies surrounding cinema.

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First published in 1997 by the British Film Institute. Second edition published in 1998; revised second edition published in 2003. This edition published in 2020 by Bloomsbury on behalf of the British Film Institute.

A study of William Friedkin's cult horror The Exorcist in the BFI Film Classics series

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Inspired by an alleged real case of demonic possession in 1949, The Exorcist became an international phenomenon on its release in 1973. A blockbusting adaptation of a best-selling novel, it was praised as ‘deeply spiritual’ by some sections of the Catholic Church while being picketed by the Festival of Light and branded ‘Satanic’ by the evangelist Billy Graham. Banned on video in the UK for nearly fifteen years, the film still retains an extraordinary power to shock and startle.

Mark Kermode’s compelling study of this horror classic was originally published in 1997, and then extensively updated and expanded in 2003 to incorporate the discovery of new material. This revised edition documents the deletion and reinstatement of key scenes that have now been integrated into the film to create The Exorcist: The Version You’ve Never Seen. Candid interviews with director William Friedkin and writer/producer William Peter Blatty reveal the behind-the-scenes battles which took place during the production. In addition, exclusive stills reveal the truth about the legendary ‘subliminal images’ allegedly lurking within the celluloid.

Series: BFI Film Classics

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781839021718

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 October 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: BFI Publishing

Edition: 2nd edition

Illustration: 60 colour and 10 bw illus

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 134.0mm

Height: 188.0mm

Weight: 220g

Pages: 136

About the Author

Mark Kermode is a writer and broadcaster. He is chief film critic for The Observer, and co-presenter of Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review on BBC Radio 5 and The Film Review on the BBC News channel. He is the author of several books including How Does it Feel?, Hatchet Job, It’s Only a Movie, and The Good, the Bad and the Multiplex, and two other BFI Film Classics on Silent Running and The Shawshank Redemption.

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