Mike, Brian, and Stephen start our discussion on one of the foundational films

in modern horror, 1973’s The Exorcist. For the first half of our two

parts on this title, your hosts share their initial reactions to this masterwork,

as well as how our thoughts on the film have evolved as we’ve grown older. From

there we take a deep dive into the history of the film, including a look at its

architects, director William Friedken and writer William Peter Blatty. We

explore the exorcism case that inspired Blatty to write his novel, and the

challenges in adapting the film without “creating a commercial for the Catholic

Church” in Friedken’s view. We discuss the brilliant cast, Dick Smith’s astonishing

makeup and the standout locations. From there we talk about the “curse” of The

Exorcist as well as the unconventional and unsafe methods Friedken often

employed that put his performers in harm’s way. Finally, we explore the

cultural impact of The Exorcist on its release as well as its place in horror’s

pantheon more than fifty years later. It’s one of our largest, most in-depth

episodes to date, and its only the beginning.