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Did people exaggerate about The Exorcist movie?

211 replies

EbbyEbs · 09/09/2022 20:16

DH and I have just been talking about horror movies and we have both heard the same stories off our parents about how people were fainting in the cinema and how there were constant ambulances being called to the cinema etc

I saw someone saying this on a documentary about it too that there were “ambulances lined up outside the cinemas”

Surely not?

We’re not old enough to know for sure but these stories are exaggerated surely? It wasn’t even that scary! Most of the film is pretty boring if we’re being honest!

OP posts:
giveovernate · 09/09/2022 20:17

No exaggeration

Sparklfairy · 09/09/2022 20:18

They were.i saw footage recently on YouTube.

Don't forget how desensitised we are. TV and movies are much more shocking/violent/gory etc than they used to be.

PAFMO · 09/09/2022 20:21

It's the same sort of thing as when half the plane used to vomit during a flight. People thought they were going to be sick so they were.
I remember watching the Exorcist and being way more terrified at the Omen.

ColinRobinsonsfamiliar · 09/09/2022 20:22

Yep. True.
And it so IS scary. I shit myself even seeing a clip of it.

I watched the making of it, so simple and basic but I am still totally freaked out by that film.

WarmSausageTea · 09/09/2022 20:22

I was 12/13 when it came out, so I stood no chance of seeing it, but it really did cause a stir. I eventually saw it when I was 18/19 with two work colleagues. Afterwards one was, I kid you not, came out of the film shaking, and apparently barely slept that night.

BigBearLittleBear · 09/09/2022 20:23

I wasn’t around when it was originally released but I understand it was true.

I saw it at the cinema when they re-released it in the late 90s. It is pretty scary.

Slushycuppa · 09/09/2022 20:27

It used to be banned didn't it?

There are also a few different versions floating around too. The bit with her using the crucifix on herself is often cut as are the subliminal faces. So the full version may have been scarier.

Then you need to remember it's over 40 years old. I watch Jurrasic Park now and think it's a bit shit with hardly any dinosaurs in it. But remember it being pioneering in it's special effects.

User148563 · 09/09/2022 20:27

I saw it when it first came out, I was 16, it was very easy to get into the cinema underage then, I didn't think it was that bad.

BusySittingDown · 09/09/2022 20:30

I remember hearing all the hype about it being so scary and watching it with my friend when we were about 15/16 (about 22 years ago). It was that boring I fell asleep. I still don't think I've actually seen the whole thing!

I was so disappointed as I thought it was supposed to be so scary that it had been banned when it was originally released?

Mind you, there was big hype over The Blair Witch Project when that came out and I find that boring as shit too.

Slashers like Halloween, Friday 13th, Nightmare On Elm Street, Scream are more my kind of horror though. So cheesy!

Thatswhyimacat · 09/09/2022 20:32

Right? I watched the Exorcist when I was 12 and didn't think it was scary at all!

User148563 · 09/09/2022 20:33

Actually I think I remember it being a bit boring as was The Blair Witch Project

NellesVilla · 09/09/2022 20:33

At least they could get an ambulance in those days.

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EbbyEbs · 09/09/2022 20:34

NellesVilla · 09/09/2022 20:33

At least they could get an ambulance in those days.

😂 good point. You’d be waiting 4 hours now at least

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GoatsandSheep · 09/09/2022 20:35

I could never take the Exorcist seriously after seeing the French and Saunders spoof!

Crunchymum · 09/09/2022 20:35

My dad left the cinema (my mum stayed on her own and teased him forever more)

I read the book when I was 14, it was terrifying.

Unicorn2022 · 09/09/2022 20:35

We have become so desensitised nowadays. It was absolutely terrifying at the time. I also remember having nightmares about the Jaws movie but when I watched it again as an adult I couldn't believe how tame it was.

User148563 · 09/09/2022 20:36

There were no ambulances at the cinema I went to or I'm sure I would have remembered, maybe we are made of sterner stuff in dullsville

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EbbyEbs · 09/09/2022 20:36

The only bit that freaks me out in the exorcist is when you see her walking down the stairs on all fours but her body is all back to front.
The rest of it is slow as hell.

Was it banned because of the crucifix bit?

The best quote of the film: “Do you know what she’s done? Your cunting daughter?” 😂😂 I can imagine that was pretty shocking language back in the day 🤣

OP posts:
Trinity65 · 09/09/2022 20:36

EbbyEbs · 09/09/2022 20:16

DH and I have just been talking about horror movies and we have both heard the same stories off our parents about how people were fainting in the cinema and how there were constant ambulances being called to the cinema etc

I saw someone saying this on a documentary about it too that there were “ambulances lined up outside the cinemas”

Surely not?

We’re not old enough to know for sure but these stories are exaggerated surely? It wasn’t even that scary! Most of the film is pretty boring if we’re being honest!

My Mum went to the cinema to see it with her Friend
She said that though it was sickening, in parts, she didn't feel faint or anything personally and did not witness anyone doing that either.
Just her experience.

Delabruche · 09/09/2022 20:38

I found it and The Blair Witch Project terrifying. I'm obviously a big softie!

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EbbyEbs · 09/09/2022 20:38

The Blair Witch Project is very boring.

Paranormal Activity is another bore-fest

OP posts:
mamabear715 · 09/09/2022 20:38

@NellesVilla So TRUE! ;-)

Clunkclicksuckmydick · 09/09/2022 20:39

I think it was shocking when first released.
Not so much now.

Snoozer11 · 09/09/2022 20:39

GoatsandSheep · 09/09/2022 20:35

I could never take the Exorcist seriously after seeing the French and Saunders spoof!

Not to hijack the thread, but I think a similar spirited question could be asked "Did people actually find French and Saunders funny?" I always see it referred to ask high comedy, but I don't find their routines clever or funny.

In terms of the Exorcist, I was too young but I actually think it's quite an unsettling film even today.

User148563 · 09/09/2022 20:39

I can't remember it being banned, maybe you are thinking of The Devils with Oliver Reed which was the same era, there was a furore about that because of a crucifix scene