Exorcist: The Beginning

This prequel goes purely for shock value, relying on nearly pornographic violence and disgusting special effects | Andrew Coffin

William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist, filmed in 1973 under the direction of William Friedkin, is full of offensive images. But the film is aware of its offensiveness. In other words, its blasphemy is presented as just that—blasphemy. The Exorcist takes its spiritual themes seriously, investing as much in the struggle between good and evil as it does in scaring the audience. The film is not for everyone, but it is an impressive accomplishment.

By contrast, nothing is impressive about the calamity that is Exorcist: The Beginning (rated R for violence, gore, and disturbing images and rituals). This prequel goes purely for shock value, relying on nearly pornographic violence and disgusting special effects. Combine this with unconvincing computer-generated images and an incomprehensible plot and, well, you’ve got yourself a film in need of an exorcism itself.