Chilling Facts About The Exorcist
“What an excellent day for an exorcism.” —The Exorcist
The classic 1973 horror film The Exorcist, about a young girl possessed by the devil and the two priests sent to perform her exorcism, has terrified audiences and spawned imitations for decades. The facts behind the story and filming are equally diabolical. Here are 26 facts about the cult film.
The Exorcist Facts
26. Latest Technology
The hospital scenes where Regan gets an electroencephalography were filmed at an actual hospital and the actors were actual medical staff who worked there.
25. Other-Worldly Success
The Exorcist is one of the highest grossing films in history, the top grossing R-rated film of all time, and the first horror film to receive a nomination for the Best Picture Oscar.
24. The Right Man for the Job
Friedkin, who also directed The French Connection, was given the directing role after a number of big names at the time, including Arthur Penn (who had recently directed The Chase and Bonnie and Clyde), Stanley Kubrick (who would make The Shining in 1980), Mike Nichols, and Peter Bogdanovich, turned it down.
