Hollywood Has Made Many Movies About Exorcism. But None Has Had Christ at Its Heart...

[Michie]

Honestly, I’ve had it. I’m now all but certain there has never been a movie about exorcism that has had Christ at its heart. Thanks to Catholic author William Peter Blatty, the original Exorcist was good. Director William Friedkin deserves credit for a fine assist. It comes close but misses. No reverence.

I asked Grok3 to list all the movies about exorcism. It hedged a bit:

While it’s impossible to list every motion picture ever made about exorcism due to the vast number of obscure, international, and low-budget films produced worldwide (including many direct-to-video releases), below is a comprehensive compilation drawn from major film databases, critic rankings, and horror genre resources.

It’s almost comforting to see an AI bot use the word “impossible.” In five seconds, it churned out a 1200-word list with descriptions of 51 films. Despite how it sometimes feels to me, this proved I haven’t seen them all. The Grokster ended helpfully: “If you’d like expansions on specific eras, countries, or sub-themes (e.g., non-Christian exorcisms), let me know!”

Oh, no! I don’t want that. I’m just here to say ave atque vale to the Conjuring franchise that, in some ways, set a standard both high and low.

There are nine films in what is now called The Conjuring Universe. Why do producers add “Universe” to their sequel-isms? To make lofty what is repetitive and often banal? Perhaps they don’t care for the actual universe they’re living in.

Continued below.

'Conjuring' No More - The Catholic Thing

Brad Miner pleads for Catholic filmmakers to make a movie about exorcism that is truthful, reverent, and faithful to Catholic doctrine.

www.thecatholicthing.org

 

[RileyG]

I'm afraid to admit I LOVE The Exorcist and The Conjuring films.

(I do not like the crucifix scene).

I've seen way too many horror movies as a teen. Probably rotted my brain a bit.

The Rite with Anthony Hopkins was good and very pro-Catholic.

 

[Learning always]

I’m now all but certain there has never been a movie about exorcism that has had Christ at its heart.

What do you expect of Hollywood?
I hate Hollywood horror movies, they don't make much sense.

 

[FireDragon76]

I'm afraid to admit I LOVE The Exorcist and The Conjuring films.

(I do not like the crucifix scene).

I've seen way too many horror movies as a teen. Probably rotted my brain a bit.

The Rite with Anthony Hopkins was good and very pro-Catholic.

The Exorcist was "based on a true story", but the event itself it was based on wasn't as well documented as the film suggests.

Hollywood's treatment of exorcism tends to be sensationalist, but I suspect that's partly due to the way Catholicism, since the Counter-Reformation, has tended to handle exorcisms: in an almost bureaucratic manner. That fits a broader pattern of Hollywood having an easier time depicting Roman Catholicism as "religion" on film, as proceduralism makes for great plot bleats.

None of the films about demon possession or exorcism have much to say that's genuinely interesting about the subject itself, they are more focused on the general uncanniness or cheap scares. What little is said often comes down to the tired trope of "science vs. religion".

 

[Michie]

One of the greatest horror movies of all time is based on true events. That thought should give everyone a moment's pause.

The Exorcist, both William Peter Blatty's 1971 novel and William Friedkin's 1973 movie, came a time in our history when people had stopped believing in the existence of the devil. A great time for the devil, a scary time for us.

Have you ever wondered how much is Hollywood and how much is real?


Continued below.

The Real Story Behind The Exorcist Movie: The Exorcism of Roland Doe

Is The Exorcist truth or fiction? Check out the real story behind The Exorcist movie and William Blatty's book

www.thescottsmithblog.com

 

[Michie]

The History of Exorcism

We are pleased to share an excerpt from Adam Blai’s new book, “The History of Exorcism,” by Sophia Institute Press. When we say exorcism, we usually refer to the solemn exo…

ignitumtoday.com

William Peter Blatty's experience with a Ouija board--Aleteia

While working on his book, The Exorcist, Blatty became convinced that demonic possession was very real indeed.

aleteia.org

 

[RileyG]

One of the greatest horror movies of all time is based on true events. That thought should give everyone a moment's pause.

The Exorcist, both William Peter Blatty's 1971 novel and William Friedkin's 1973 movie, came a time in our history when people had stopped believing in the existence of the devil. A great time for the devil, a scary time for us.

Have you ever wondered how much is Hollywood and how much is real?


Continued below.

The Real Story Behind The Exorcist Movie: The Exorcism of Roland Doe

Is The Exorcist truth or fiction? Check out the real story behind The Exorcist movie and William Blatty's book

www.thescottsmithblog.com

Makes me wonder how many truly believe or think it’s all symbolic? Hmmm…,