The Exorcist, the original, isn't a film. It's a two-hour study of anxiety and dread. Beyond the demonic possession scenes, there's happy-pappy moments like the ol' "you're going to die up there scenes," or Father Karras' dream about his mother. For that scene,which is presented with minimal sound, William Friedken must have studied Sigmund Freud because it's one of the anxiety-inducing moments in horror films to-date. It's literally like watching a man's nightmare play out on screen.
The nightmares continue with Exorcist III, which is written and directed by William Peter Blatty. III is actually the second sequel to the Exorcist series (it basically ignores Exorcist II: The Heretic) and comes with the tag-line "Do You Dare Walk These Steps Again?" We recommend that you dare; it has some of the best jump-scares, ceiling-crawls in our countdown. I mean, isn't that why you watch horror films in the first place?
So, a few requirements for both of these films:
1. You must watch after 11 p.m. 2. You must have popcorn (so when you jump, it goes everywhere) 3. You must immediately watch Looney Tunes (I'd actually go with something like Tom & Jerry) after. Or, at least, before you go to sleep. It works, trust me. No nightmares.
The Most Memorable Scene:
This is from The Exorcist III , and it has one of the best-jump scares ever. The story follows George C. Scott's character, who's investigating a string of bizarre cult-ish murders. He's led to a psychiatric ward (right?), where he finds a man who resembles Father Damien Karras. Long-story-short: The place is filled with the really creepy shit, like ceiling-crawling grandmas. The creepy thing in this clip? A statue comes to life. That's all we'll say. Just watch.
Note: This scene is a total non-sequitor to the film's story, but simple and scary-as-hell.
The Mixmaster's Horror Movie Countdown October 1: Halloween October 2: Antichrist October 3: Student Bodies October 4: Poltergeist October 5: Jaws October 6: Suspiria October 7: Scream October 8: The Fly October 9: Dead Alive October 10: Drag Me to Hell October 11: Se7en October 12: Rosemary's Baby October 13: Friday the 13th October 14: The Thing October 15: Audition
