In a Nutshell. Mini reviews of movies old and new. No fuss. No spoilers. And often no sleep.

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

The Exorcist III (1990)

Wisely ignoring the events of Exorcist II (1977), part three takes place fifteen years after the original. It’s written + directed by William Peter Blatty, the author of the novel that started the series. What does a writer know about directing a film? A hell of a lot, it seems. He creates a tightly woven eerie film that's packed with tension, psychological terror and some excellent dialogue.
Brad Dourif is simply amazing as the psychotic vessel.
Studio interference forced a new ending that's abrupt and unnecessary. Had Blatty been allowed to retain the original footage he shot it surely would've been more in keeping with the aesthetic, and potentially could've made part three have almost equal the original film's reputation.

4 invitations to the dance out of 5

1 comment:

Docrate1 said...

I think I need to see that one. I was unfortunate enough to see the second one, but never that one.