Is The Exorcist Based on a True Story? Ending Explained and Plot
by A Maria
Updated May 05, 2023
The Exorcist
The Exorcist, a 1973 American supernatural horror film, is directed by William Friedkin and written by William Peter Blatty. It is based on his 1971 novel of the same name and stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, and Linda Blair. The film follows the story of a young girl's demonic possession and her mother's efforts to save her through an exorcism performed by a pair of Catholic priests.
The production of The Exorcist was fraught with difficulty. Blatty and Friedkin had difficulty casting major stars, and the unknown Burstyn, Blair, and Miller were ultimately chosen. Despite opposition from Warner Brothers executives, they stuck with their choices. Friedkin insisted on realism, filming the prologue in northern Iraq despite the region's political instability, and using live special effects and real priests and medical personnel.
The director was also known for his temperamental behavior, firing people without warning and deliberately making the cast uncomfortable during filming. Production took twice as long as planned, and the budget ballooned to almost three times the initial estimate. Tragic events during filming, including crew member deaths and injuries to Burstyn and Blair, have led to a belief that the film was cursed.
Is The Exorcist Based on A True Story?
The true story behind The Exorcist is based on the real-life experience of a 14-year-old boy named Roland Doe or "Robbie." In March 1949, newspapers reported that Robbie was possessed by an evil entity, and Catholic priests performed an exorcism on him. Robbie had received an Ouija board as a birthday gift from his Aunt Harriet, and after her death, he began experiencing strange and creepy events such as rattling on the walls, flying objects, and other paranormal occurrences.
Despite seeking help from various experts, nothing seemed to work, and the family finally turned to their local Catholic priest, Father E. Albert Hughes, who performed an exorcism in February 1949. However, the exorcism had to be stopped early when Robbie became violent and attacked the priest. A few days later, the family took Robbie to St.
Louis University, where he met Father Walter H. Halloran and Rev. William Bowdern, who carried out an exorcism on him. During the ritual, Robbie had red scratches appear on his body, spelling out the word "LOUIS." This exorcism served as the basis for the famous novel and film adaptation, The Exorcist. The movie recreates many of the events from Robbie's possession, including the violent outbursts, strange noises, and other supernatural occurrences.
The Exorcist Ending Explained
William Friedkin's The Exorcist is an iconic horror film, known for its loaded symbolism and deeper meanings, particularly in its ending. The movie has a reputation for being one of the most influential and beloved horror movies ever made, with its supernatural elements allowing for allegory and symbolism that relate to the human condition through fear.
The story follows the possession of Regan MacNeil, a young girl who is taken over by a malevolent demon, and her mother's desperate attempts to save her through an exorcism performed by two Catholic priests, Fathers Merrin and Karras. The demon is revealed to be Pazuzu, a powerful and dangerous entity that threatens Regan's life and requires the priests to perform a perilous exorcism to save her.
The Exorcist's enduring legacy is due in part to its ability to tap into deeper themes and meanings, exploring the nature of evil, the power of faith, and the limits of human endurance in the face of the unknown. The movie's shocking and disturbing ending has become one of its most memorable and iconic moments, leaving audiences grappling with the film's deeper symbolism and implications long after the credits roll. In short, The Exorcist remains a classic of the horror genre for its ability to entertain and terrify, while also exploring deeper themes and ideas that continue to captivate audiences to this day.
The Exorcist Plot
The movie "The Exorcist" tells two parallel stories that eventually converge. The first story takes place in northern Iraq where Catholic priest Lankester Merrin participates in an archaeological dig and unearths an artifact representing Pazuzu, an ancient demon. As Merrin prepares to leave Iraq, he sees a large statue of Pazuzu and two dogs fighting. The second story takes place in Washington D.C. where actress Chris MacNeil lives with her 12-year-old daughter Regan.
After Regan starts exhibiting strange behavior, including violent outbursts and speaking in strange tongues, doctors are unable to find anything physically wrong with her. Eventually, a demon possesses Regan's body, and the only hope for saving her is an exorcism performed by Father Merrin and Father Damien Karras. The exorcism is successful but ends tragically with the death of both priests. In the extended director's cut, after Chris gives Karras' medallion to Father Dyer, he suggests she keep it. As they part ways, Dyer and detective William Kinderman begin to develop a friendship.
About The Exorcist
Directed by
William Friedkin
Written by
William Peter Blatty
Based on
The Exorcist
by William Peter Blatty
Starring
Release date
Country
United States
Language
English
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
Is The Exorcist Based on A True Story - FAQs
"The Exorcist" is a 1973 American supernatural horror film about a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a demonic entity. Her mother enlists the help of two Catholic priests to perform an exorcism to save her daughter's life.
"The Exorcist" was directed by William Friedkin.
The screenplay for "The Exorcist" was written by William Peter Blatty, who also wrote the novel on which the film is based.
"The Exorcist" starred Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Jason Miller, and Linda Blair.
Yes, "The Exorcist" was a critical and commercial success. It grossed over $441 million worldwide and received ten Academy Award nominations, winning two.