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A service to parents and grandparents
MAR20091
The Exorcist - Remastered (1973), (R)
CAP Score: 51
CAP Influence Density: 1.56
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A service to parents and grandparents MAR20091 The Exorcist - Remastered (1973), (R) CAP Score: 51 CAP Influence Density: 1.56 |
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SUMMARY / COMMENTARY: *THE EXORCIST* Re-mastered (R) -- the same show plus a couple new bells and whistles. *The Exorcist* came out in 1973, 28 years ago, and was rated R for gruesome imagery and vulgar language. Indeed, the re-mastered Exorcist contained the same. Except for the impact of a couple new flashframes of demonic faces and a statue, an added upside-down crab-crawl of a possessed girl down some stairs, and some added connective dialogue, I suspect the 1973 version would earn the same CAP score of 51 this re-mastered version earned. Definitely an R movie but not the hardcore R of today. *HOWEVER*, this movie is incredibly focused on demonic and evil imagery plus some very, *very* vulgar language from a 12 year old girl (dubbed) and, to a lesser extent, her mother. But much of the contemporary R material is just not there. It was equivalent to today's PG movies in Wanton Violence/Crime and was equivalent to contemporary G-rated movies in Sex/Homosexuality. But as I said, it is *incredibly* focused on and graphic in demonic and Satanic matters. The Offense to God score was well below zero and was the Impudence/Hate score. Therein is more evidence of the utility of the CAP analysis model. Discovering an ominous-looking artifact in northern Iraq, Father Merrin (Max Von Sydow) expresses dire dread about something in his face-off with a demonic statue, ostensibly of Satan. When returning to the "office" Father Merrin fiddles with the artifact and the office clock stops. Somehow, the events in northern Iraq are connected with and lead the viewer to Georgetown where a film is being made of the university experiencing some student unrest. The star actress, Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) quells the unrest in a "show stopping" scene of control and leadership. However, the real leadership is needed back at home where daughter Regan (Linda Blair) is beginning to experience some odd behaviors and presences. As mom was walking home one day, she eavesdrops on a conversation between a Catholic priest, Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) and a parishioner about exorcism. As matters worsen for Chris and Regan and after many medical and psychological procedures and treatments fail to resolve Regan's dilemma, Chris seeks out Father Karras to perform an exorcism on Regan. And there is where the brunt of the vulgarities start. Note that early on in the show, Chris states that neither she nor Regan are "religious." By that I suspect we can assume she was stating they were not Christian. I bring this up to make a significant point which also is a kudo for the accuracy (probably serendipitous) of the writers. Once we are saved and are covered by the Blood of Jesus, we are protected from Satan. But if we do not accept His Lordship and Sacrifice, we are fair game for evil influences. While I believe possession by evil influence is a real threat to the unsaved as much as I believe angelic possession is a blessing to all, I DO NOT believe any evil possession can cause the graphic mutilations and distortions of flesh nor the manipulations of inanimate objects as portrayed in this movie. There is nothing in the Bible I can find about evil forces being able to cause such physical manifestations. It was somewhat consoling that the writers portrayed much reliance on the power of Christ to control and defeat evil. That is a fact. But there was too much tendency to give evil too much autonomy against and invulnerability to the power of our Lord. For example, as Satan's presence in 12-year old Regan manifested as graphic and gruesome contortions and demonic changes, "Satan" would just yell louder and more vulgar at the priests as they commanded him to leave in Jesus' name. If Jesus can cast out the demons from the wild man [Luke 8:26-33] and out of the daughter [Matt. 15:21-28] and out of the boy and out of many others with a simple command like "Go", He can certainly handle Satan like a toy. And in many accountings of His casting out of demons and devils, Jesus repeatedly showed us the power of having faith in Him, for it in many instances of exorcism by Jesus He told us that is was by faith in Him that the devils were cast out. Just as He said "BY your faith you are healed" to the woman with the long-term discharge. As always, it is best to refer to the Findings/Scoring section -- the heart of the CAP analysis model -- for the most complete assessment possible of this movie. FINDINGS / SCORING: 
NOTE: Multiple occurrences of each item described below may be likely, definitely when plural. Wanton Violence/Crime (W): Impudence/Hate (I)(1): Sex/Homosexuality (S): Drugs/Alcohol (D): Offense to God (O)(2): Murder/Suicide (M)(3):  |
