For years I chose not to watch 'The Exorcist'. I thought it was an evil film, a film that Christians shouldn't watch, a film that could damage me spiritually. About six months ago I finally changed my mind. I was suprised by what I saw. Far from being a demonic film that endangers the spiritual health of its viewers, I found 'The Exorcist' to be a film about the battle between faith and science.
The film is about two journeys. On the one hand, we meet a mother (Chris McNeil) with a troubled daughter (Regan McNeil). In the search to help her daughter, Chris exhausts the resources of the medical profession both somatic and psychiatric to no avail. As a last resort, the doctors suggest she asks the church to help solve her daughter's problems.
On the other, we meet Father Damien Karras, a priest with a troubled faith. As a result of his training in psychiatry, the conflict between faith and science had started to get too much. After encountering the possessed Regan, however, he begins to change his mind. In the McNeil household, Father Karras comes face to face with a mystery that science could not explain.
Both journeys expose the myth that science explains all. Once Father Karras has grasped this, he commits the ultimate act of self-sacrafice to save Regan. He takes the possession onto himself and ends his own life.
What a film!
19 comments:
mate another great science vs faith film is "the body" with antonio banderas.
nice blog mate.
hmm... you've almost convinced me that i'd watch it. perhaps if an opportunity arises i might watch the exorcist:)
No interesting science-faith films without blood or eyeball scariness are there?
Happy New Year, Jon.
You have succeeded to both rouse my interest in seeing the film and then, seconds later, bed it back down again by revealing the ending. Still, knowing the ending didn't do Titanic any harm. Rubbishness, of course, did.
I personally can't do scary films. I understand how people enjoy scary in the form of a roller coaster or bungee jump but letting some light and sound numb my mind into absolute fear isn't for me - ok they give me nightmares, just leave me alone!
Having said that, it's such an historic film that I feel like I should watch it. How scary is it?
I went to see Brokeback Mountain last night. I thought it was really well done love story, although it is quite sad. A chick flick, perhaps, but I left the cinema not feeling like I had wasted two hours of my life.
Haven't watched it; not going to. Don't like any sort of scary movie. Just about coped with Shaun of the Dead.
But, Jon, have you read the Starbridge Chronicles by Susan Howatch? Brilliant books; ask your uncle chris.
Luke, I will look out for that one, cheers.
Anna, I haven't seen any, maybe 'the body' suggested by Luke is worth a look though.
Dan, there is plenty more that I haven't mentioned, particularly the role of Father Merrin in the film (he is special). If your still not interested, then why not try exorcist the prequel. Very good too, only more of an emphasis on the priest's journey from faith to science and then back again.
Tim, its not very scary if you watch it in the daytime.
Liz, I will get on to Chris about those books, what are they about? I really enjoyed Sunday by the way, nice take on the subject.
They start off based around Starbridge Cathedral. Actually it's the later ones i love most as they're about healing and psychology. Here's the synopsis from Amazon of Glittering Images, the first in the series:
Synopsis
It is 1937 and beneath the smooth surface of an episcopal palace lurks the sordid breath of scandal. Charles Ashworth, a Canon to the Archbishop of Canterbury is sent to untangle the web of corruption, only to become involved himself.
Which makes it sound boring but it isn't; it's a page-turner and the books in the series just get better and better.
I can't believe Andy Pring hasn't commented on The Body yet. Its the reason why he wants Antonio to play him in the film of his life.
Jon if I watch it and get nightmares you can council me. I trust you Jon but can you watch it with me please? I might need to hide behind your immense body mass!
still no way on earth I would ever watch it. so thanks for the summary, I can now sound interesting and informed at dinner parties.
I wouldnt be fussed from a christian point of view, but the fire on casualty made me loose sleep for 2 weeks, and the poltergeist has meant I cant ever look out of windows at night. So I'm not sure that satanic possession and people self-flagellating with crosses is going to do my sleep patterns much good.
Tim, we'll set a date soon. If things get too bad you could always put your fat feet in front of the TV.
Lets all stop. We need to realise that a plane exploded on neighbours today, with basically the whole street on it! Can't believe I missed it!
On to the Exorcist- I'll probably see it. Like the sound of it. But I have no fatness like Tim or Jon, so I may have to cover my eyes in the traditional manner of using my hands...
Scariest film I've seen? Arlington road was good, But to be honest, nothing is ever going to beat watching Watership down as a 6 or 7 year old at school, at christmas! NO, NO, NOT THE WHITE RABBIT, TAKE IT AWAY FROM ME, AWAY!!!!
you obviously have never seen an american tail. My parents had to turn it off halfway through because me and my sister were inconsoleable!
As for neighbours...whaaaaaaaa?
Jon? You about mate?
jon as you are the father of the blog I would like to ask a question.
How does one get the writing on ones blog to appear below a picyure and not beside it?
i've tried editing the post a couple of times
ahhh...
ok just got it on my own
Tim, yes I am about but very busy. See my last post for the details. Will be back soon though, discussion group finished tonight and only one essay left, whopee!
Luke, glad to see you've figured it out mate.
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