Since its release in 1973, “The Exorcist” has established itself as a landmark in the horror genre, transcending generations and leaving a lasting legacy in cinema. Directed by William Friedkin and based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, the film tells the chilling story of a girl possessed by a demon and the desperate efforts of a priest to save her through an exorcism ritual. However, behind the iconic scenes and the terror that pervades the narrative, there are a number of fascinating trivia surrounding the production of this cinema classic.
In this analysis, we will explore some of these curiosities, from supernatural events on the set to the challenges faced by the actors and technical crew, revealing the secrets behind the making of this film that continues to terrify and intrigue audiences to this day.
1 – FIRE
During filming, a fire broke out on the interior set of the MacNeil house, resulting in significant delays in the film’s production. Surprisingly, the fire consumed much of the set except for Regan MacNeil’s room, where many of the most intense possession scenes occurred, remaining inexplicably unharmed by the flames.
2 – CAST DEATHS
During the filming of “The Exorcist,” a sinister series of deaths involving people connected to the film or their relatives occurred. A total of nine individuals, including actors Jack MacGowran and Vasiliki Maliaros, Linda Blair’s grandfather, a member of the security team on set, and a special effects expert, passed away during this period, creating an atmosphere of unsettling mystery behind the scenes of the production.
3 – CURSED SET
Faced with disturbing events, the production team of “The Exorcist” suspected that the set was shrouded in some kind of curse. While some saw these incidents as part of a marketing strategy to promote the film, others believed that supernatural forces were influencing the production. Whether considered a malevolent trickery or not, “The Exorcist” was a staggering success at the box office and achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first horror film to receive Oscar nominations, winning in the categories of Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound Mixing in 1974.
4 – THE SCENE OF REGAN TURNING HER HEAD ALMOST DIDN´T HAPPEN
William Peter Blatty requested the deletion of the scene from the film; however, William Friedkin chose to keep it. The sequence in which possessed Regan MacNeil rotates her head backward from her torso has become one of the most iconic scenes in cinema, undoubtedly eliciting screams of terror from the audience.
5 – ACTRESS ELLEN BURSTYN WAS GENUINELY INJURED
The scream of agony heard when Ellen Burstyn (Chris MacNeil) falls to the ground is authentic. The actress sustained a spinal injury during the filming of the scene where she is violently thrown to the ground, an injury that ended up being permanent.
6 – THE DEMON PAZUZU
Although not mentioned by name in the movie, the demon afflicting young Regan is known as Pazuzu, one of the many designations attributed to malevolent entities. Pazuzu is recognized as the king of demons in Assyrian and Babylonian mythology, feared and invoked by the people of that time in moments of adversity.
7 – THE TRAILER WAS DEEMED “TOO TERRIFYING”
The trailer showcased snippets of the film in black and white, interspersed with images of demons and the possessed face of Regan MacNeil, all accompanied by a genuinely chilling soundtrack. A true icon of the horror genre. Additionally, it is noteworthy that some cinemas in the United States provided vomit bags on their seats for the more susceptible viewers.
8 – ACTOR, WHO HAS A BIT PART IN THE FILM, MAY HAVE COMMITTED A CRIME
Actor Paul Bateson was an X-ray technician at NYU Medical Center and had a bit part in the film. Years later, Bateson was convicted of taking the life of Addison Verrill. Police also believe he was responsible for taking the lives of six other individuals.
9 – A PRIEST WOULD ALWAYS GO TO BLESS THE RECORDING SETS
The production team’s fear and the catastrophic incidents that occurred during the filming led to the summoning of a Jesuit priest, who blessed the horror film’s set. It’s crucial to be prepared to awaken evil spirits!
10 – THE DEMON´S VOICE
The eerie sounds of Regan MacNeil throughout the movie were produced by combining pig grunts. The scream emitted by Regan when the demon is finally exorcised came from the sound of pigs during slaughter. Meanwhile, the voice of the demon possessing young Regan was provided by actress Mercedes McCambridge, one of the biggest radio personalities at that time.
In summary, the peculiarities behind the production of the 1973 film “The Exorcist” not only add an additional layer of mystery and fascination to its story but also highlight the meticulous work of creating atmosphere and suspense behind the scenes. From the choice of peculiar sounds for Regan’s moans to Mercedes McCambridge’s impressive voice bringing the demon to life, every detail contributed to transforming this cinema classic into a truly chilling and unforgettable experience for audiences. Delving into the film’s backstage, we are reminded of the talent and creativity that shaped a masterpiece of horror that continues to resonate through the decades.