“Exorcist II: The Heretic” is a superbly made film. William Goodhart’s screenplay is just convoluted enough to keep the viewer entertained while insisting that passivity be left behind. This film is so well written that many fans of the genre dismiss it as “trash”. Margot Kidder once said of horror fans: they are some of the most intelligent people she’s ever met. So the thought that horror fans are “just too dumb” to understand this film is silly. The problem arises within the first film. The shock, gore and profane nature of William Friedkin’s film, as well as the complexity of William Peter Blatty’s screenplay/novel, created an event that cannot be recreated. This disappointment should not be placed within John Boorman’s film. His film is far superior on many levels: it is a complex ride of a psychosocial nature while insisting that the viewer call on deep levels of his/her mind to fathom what is occurring on the screen. This film meets science at the intersection of spirituality while leaving the confines of organized religion. William Fraker, as DP on this film, lends his talent to the story in a way that leaves one breathless. Mixed with the fabulous work of Richard Macdonald and his great production design and backed with Jack T. Collis’ impeccable art direction: this film doesn’t shy away from the ethereality that is “Regan MacNeil’s”. One is literally whisked away on the wind to visit lands unseen. This film never disappoints the artist or dreamer. Kitty Winn’s performance is one of the best I’ve seen in film. She emotes to a level not seen on the screen, even as I write. Her ability to convey the lines and her affect changes are obviously pure talent. Her care and love for “Regan” is palpable, while the distress and trauma linger alongside. Louise Fletcher gives a subtle and overtly believable performance. As the woman of science, she keeps the film grounded in reality just long enough to trick the viewer into a sense of security. She delivers a fine character with a genuine feel. This film will not shock, yet it does entertain and intrigue on several, visceral levels. Do not expect a waterfall of obscenities or a young girl stabbing her vagina with a crucifix. This film doesn’t depend on shock or even a belief in good or evil. This film simply stands alone as a psychological thriller that utilizes the greatest in film direction, acting, photography and special effects to take the viewer on a true thrill ride both through reality and beyond, all while entertaining.Read full review
"Exorcist 2: The Heretic" has to have one of the most convoluted narratives ever created in the history of cinema. The jumbled story involves telepathy, demonic possession, a hypnosis machine, the faltering faith of a priest and a few more tiny subplots. Director John Boorman enhances the problems with hacksaw level post-production editing. Subpar performances are also a problem. Not a good viewing experience.
Some reviews don't show good judgement to this movie. I liked the movie. You need to watch with an open mind. It fill in the gaps to what happened to farther Meeting. If you don't like this movie you probably won't like Exorcist III. Exorcist fans will have the whole collection.
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The sequel to the mother of all scary movies, Exorist, was actually a half decent sequel. Nothing could live up to when we first saw Linda Blair's character spitting pea soup and spinning her head around, but the sequel does a good job of telling a back story so to speak of the demon that possessed her. You have to really concentrate to follow this one, so don't walk away without pausing it or you'll be scratching your head. A worthwhile movie to see. It's one of those movies you don't mind seeing more than once to catch what you missed the first time. Not too bad for a sequel.
This is the greatest bad movie of all time following up one of the greatest movies in film history with one of the worst oh that devil LOL
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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