@movie_nazi said:

They appear to be very vague on that. The beginning of the film shows Merrin at a dig and then in front of a statue presumably to be of the demon. Then when Karras first goes to see Regan you can hear the demon mumbling "Merrin!" even though he had not made an appearance as of yet. It seems to be heavily implied Regan's possession was done in order to get back at Merrin? That seems to be the impression I got anyway.

The Exorcist (1973) - 9 outta 10 stars

He first came across 'Pazuzu' during an exorcism in Africa.

@bratface said:

@movie_nazi said:

They appear to be very vague on that. The beginning of the film shows Merrin at a dig and then in front of a statue presumably to be of the demon. Then when Karras first goes to see Regan you can hear the demon mumbling "Merrin!" even though he had not made an appearance as of yet. It seems to be heavily implied Regan's possession was done in order to get back at Merrin? That seems to be the impression I got anyway.

The Exorcist (1973) - 9 outta 10 stars

He first came across 'Pazuzu' during an exorcism in Africa.

Was this confirmed in another film? I thought I heard they did a prequel that dealt with that specifically.

@movie_nazi said:

@bratface said:

@movie_nazi said:

They appear to be very vague on that. The beginning of the film shows Merrin at a dig and then in front of a statue presumably to be of the demon. Then when Karras first goes to see Regan you can hear the demon mumbling "Merrin!" even though he had not made an appearance as of yet. It seems to be heavily implied Regan's possession was done in order to get back at Merrin? That seems to be the impression I got anyway.

The Exorcist (1973) - 9 outta 10 stars

He first came across 'Pazuzu' during an exorcism in Africa.

Was this confirmed in another film? I thought I heard they did a prequel that dealt with that specifically.

It was stated in the novel but I can't remember if it was mentioned in the first film, it has been a really long time since I've seen it. But I'm pretty sure it was mentioned in the other films (especially the second). Here are two places that might help:

https://exorcist.fandom.com/wiki/Lankester_Merrin

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lankester_Merrin

To me, the most terrifying aspect of the Exorcist was how randomly the devil chose a victim. Even if the demon was out for revenge against Merrin, the little girl Regan had nothing to do with anything. That always scared the crap outta me.

Historically, horror films always had a moral context. Like the Scream movie jokingly but accurately points out: "If you want to survive a horror movie, don't have sex. don't drink or do drugs, don't say 'I'll be right back'."

(Add 'Don't go on an archaeological dig and disturb the burial grounds of the ancient demon Pazuzu)

Even if the demon was methodical in getting back at Merrin, the demon's choice of Regan as the vessel was so completely random it has to make us all squirm.

@rooprect said:

To me, the most terrifying aspect of the Exorcist was how randomly the devil chose a victim. Even if the demon was out for revenge against Merrin, the little girl Regan had nothing to do with anything. That always scared the crap outta me.

Historically, horror films always had a moral context. Like the Scream movie jokingly but accurately points out: "If you want to survive a horror movie, don't have sex. don't drink or do drugs, don't say 'I'll be right back'."

(Add 'Don't go on an archaeological dig and disturb the burial grounds of the ancient demon Pazuzu)

Even if the demon was methodical in getting back at Merrin, the demon's choice of Regan as the vessel was so completely random it has to make us all squirm.

Karras even openly ponders this seemingly random choosing to Merrin to which it seems to me it made him squirm as if to say, "Damn, this is my fault." But he also quickly points out that the demon will do whatever it takes to get you to feel guilt or discomfort. Its an excellent film. I'm an atheist and it still creeps me out.

@bratface said:

@movie_nazi said:

@bratface said:

@movie_nazi said:

They appear to be very vague on that. The beginning of the film shows Merrin at a dig and then in front of a statue presumably to be of the demon. Then when Karras first goes to see Regan you can hear the demon mumbling "Merrin!" even though he had not made an appearance as of yet. It seems to be heavily implied Regan's possession was done in order to get back at Merrin? That seems to be the impression I got anyway.

The Exorcist (1973) - 9 outta 10 stars

He first came across 'Pazuzu' during an exorcism in Africa.

Was this confirmed in another film? I thought I heard they did a prequel that dealt with that specifically.

It was stated in the novel but I can't remember if it was mentioned in the first film, it has been a really long time since I've seen it. But I'm pretty sure it was mentioned in the other films (especially the second). Here are two places that might help:

https://exorcist.fandom.com/wiki/Lankester_Merrin

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lankester_Merrin

Thanks for the links. Really the second film? That one is usually derided for being terrible. Was thinking about picking up the third one.

Its Halloween! Get your creep on and watch it again! 🧟 I usually revisit the horror classics this time of the year. I watched the Legosi Dracula earlier this week. Think I will give the original Halloween a watch as well even though I have seen that fairly recently.

@rooprect said:

To me, the most terrifying aspect of the Exorcist was how randomly the devil chose a victim. Even if the demon was out for revenge against Merrin, the little girl Regan had nothing to do with anything. That always scared the crap outta me.

Historically, horror films always had a moral context. Like the Scream movie jokingly but accurately points out: "If you want to survive a horror movie, don't have sex. don't drink or do drugs, don't say 'I'll be right back'."

(Add 'Don't go on an archaeological dig and disturb the burial grounds of the ancient demon Pazuzu)

Even if the demon was methodical in getting back at Merrin, the demon's choice of Regan as the vessel was so completely random it has to make us all squirm.

One shouldn't practice any occult activities, or one risks opening a portal to the demons' realm. Regan played with a Ouija board and came into contact with Captain Howdy. With the Ouija one can summon spirits from the dead, but it is also a conduit for demonic possession.

Regan was possessed by the demon Pazuzu, so that is "The Exorcist (1973)". If it was Ghoul Marcus, then it would have been the movie "Ouija (2014)", Valak is in "The Conjuring 2 (2016)" and Zozo is in "I Am Zozo (2012)", an unnamed demon is in "Amityville 3-D (1983)" and "Veronica (2017)".

So, beware of the Ouija.

@movie_nazi said:

@bratface said:

@movie_nazi said:

@bratface said:

@movie_nazi said:

They appear to be very vague on that. The beginning of the film shows Merrin at a dig and then in front of a statue presumably to be of the demon. Then when Karras first goes to see Regan you can hear the demon mumbling "Merrin!" even though he had not made an appearance as of yet. It seems to be heavily implied Regan's possession was done in order to get back at Merrin? That seems to be the impression I got anyway.

The Exorcist (1973) - 9 outta 10 stars

He first came across 'Pazuzu' during an exorcism in Africa.

Was this confirmed in another film? I thought I heard they did a prequel that dealt with that specifically.

It was stated in the novel but I can't remember if it was mentioned in the first film, it has been a really long time since I've seen it. But I'm pretty sure it was mentioned in the other films (especially the second). Here are two places that might help:

https://exorcist.fandom.com/wiki/Lankester_Merrin

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lankester_Merrin

Thanks for the links. Really the second film? That one is usually derided for being terrible. Was thinking about picking up the third one.

Its Halloween! Get your creep on and watch it again! 🧟 I usually revisit the horror classics this time of the year. I watched the Legosi Dracula earlier this week. Think I will give the original Halloween a watch as well even though I have seen that fairly recently.

You're welcome.

I remember seeing the second one at the drive-in & laughing so much (which I'm pretty sure that wasn't their intention). I do not think I've ever seen the third one & I'm also not sure if I have seen both Skarsgård's movies (Beginning & Dominion), I have seen one of them. I'm not a big horror fan (except for some of the older ones), most recent horror movies are just blood & guts, not much actual horror.

@wonder2wonder said:

One shouldn't practice any occult activities, or one risks opening a portal to the demons' realm. Regan played with a Ouija board and came into contact with Captain Howdy. With the Ouija one can summon spirits from the dead, but it is also a conduit for demonic possession.

Regan was possessed by the demon Pazuzu, so that is "The Exorcist (1973)". If it was Ghoul Marcus, then it would have been the movie "Ouija (2014)", Valak is in "The Conjuring 2 (2016)" and Zozo is in "I Am Zozo (2012)", an unnamed demon is in "Amityville 3-D (1983)" and "Veronica (2017)".

So, beware of the Ouija.

Great point, I feel (slightly) safer. The only occult practice I ever engaged in was playing Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaven backwards when I was 12. Fun fact, it really does sound like he says “I live for Satan” 🥵

@movie_nazi said:

Was thinking about picking up the third one.

DEFINITELY watch the 3rd! It was written and directed by the original writer Blatty, and I gotta say his visual style is as creepy as you’d expect. No cheap scares, just a really thick terrifying atmosphere and a slow burn. Also on the subject of revenge, the demon really outdoes himself, it’s brutal what he cooks up this time 😬

I skipped over #2 but I’m sure I’ll give it a whirl someday just for laughs.

@wonder2wonder said:

@rooprect said:

To me, the most terrifying aspect of the Exorcist was how randomly the devil chose a victim. Even if the demon was out for revenge against Merrin, the little girl Regan had nothing to do with anything. That always scared the crap outta me.

Historically, horror films always had a moral context. Like the Scream movie jokingly but accurately points out: "If you want to survive a horror movie, don't have sex. don't drink or do drugs, don't say 'I'll be right back'."

(Add 'Don't go on an archaeological dig and disturb the burial grounds of the ancient demon Pazuzu)

Even if the demon was methodical in getting back at Merrin, the demon's choice of Regan as the vessel was so completely random it has to make us all squirm.

One shouldn't practice any occult activities, or one risks opening a portal to the demons' realm. Regan played with a Ouija board and came into contact with Captain Howdy. With the Ouija one can summon spirits from the dead, but it is also a conduit for demonic possession.

Regan was possessed by the demon Pazuzu, so that is "The Exorcist (1973)". If it was Ghoul Marcus, then it would have been the movie "Ouija (2014)", Valak is in "The Conjuring 2 (2016)" and Zozo is in "I Am Zozo (2012)", an unnamed demon is in "Amityville 3-D (1983)" and "Veronica (2017)".

So, beware of the Ouija.

That doesn't address the fact that the demon was familiar with Merrin. How the demon was able to possess Regan is inconsequential. It's like asking why someone was murdered and someone screaming, "It was a gun! They were shot to death!". Um, yeah, OK but that doesn't answer the question.