Program Note
Even after its release in 1973, The Exorcist is truly fascinating and frightening film deserving its plateau as the most shocking horror film ever made. As first-ever mainstream film about demonic possession, religion and faith, it opened the door for popular ‘occult’ genre. A first horror film ever to be nominated as Best Picture at The Oscars, its director William Friedkin also became a household name with this and his previous work, The French Connection. In this special documentary, Alexandre O. Philippe lets us in to learn more about the film and the filmmaker.
Mr. Philippe, whose heralded previous works include Memory: The Origins of Alien, 78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene and more, brings a lyrical and spiritual cinematic essay by utilizing up close and personal interview with Mr. Friedkin. He lets him discuss his iconic film then creates witty pictures of narration with archival footage that works superbly. As a single interviewee, Mr. Friedkin is able to add to the mythology of his classic films through his mind’s eye; it is up to the viewers to appreciate the film and his life. We are in for a fantastic ride for sure. (Jongsuk Thomas NAM)