Conference bookie::movies

351.0. "Exorcist III" by 51219::GARLICK_N () Wed Oct 13 1993 11:49

    Recently, I've bought a laserdisc player and so am selling off VHS
    tapes that I've replaced with discs. One of the filsm for sale is
    Exorcist III and I can't get anybody to buy it. The Splatter Brigade
    don't care for it because it hasn't got any (splatter, revolving heads,
    pea soup etc.) while the calmer, more thoughtful movie lovers won't go
    near it because of its title.
    
    For me, this is one of the best horror movies around because of:
     
    a) 	an exceptionally literate script
    b) 	terrific performances (Brad Dourif in particular)
    c) 	the fact that, until the end, all the violence happens off screen
    	and we only hear about it through the cold 'officialese' of the
    	reports made by the police investigating the murders taking place 
    	throughout the city.
    
    
    What is striking about the film is its atmosphere, the way it sucks you
    into the story without recourse to cheap thrills, but through clever
    use of the soundtrack, moody lighting, off-centre camera angles (and
    some great compositions) and a continually surprising plot. And, for
    once in a horror movie, the story examines evil rather than wallowing
    in its effects. 
    
    I'm not saying its perfect; it isn't. But it strikes me as such a rare
    attempt to make something intelligent in what is usually a shoddily
    treated genre. Is there anybody else out there who shares my
    enthusiasm?
    

    
    
    For me, one of the more freakier films I've seen in the last few years.
    Stands alone quite well, requiring only minor knolwedge of what has gone
    before it.  Some scenes definitely chill the blood!
    
    Scott