The Exorcist is often mentioned in the same sentence with all the horror classics such as Psycho, Rosemary's Baby, and The Shining. It also holds the record for a horror film's Academy Award nominations, and to date is the only horror film to have won Best Screenplay (original or adapted). It is also one of only three horror films to have been nominated for Best Picture. Arguably, it is one of the greatest horror films of all time.
The classic and most touted performance of the film is that of the young Linda Blair, who performs the 360 degree head spin and the projectile vomiting. One of the strongest aspects of the film is the atmosphere that it creates. This is likely one of the most atmospheric of all horror films, which sets a dark tone for its viewing. Unfortunately, as we sit down in anticipation of a great horror flick, we are shown a vast amount of images that don't frighten us. The drama in the film is overdone, much like a roast that has baked twenty minutes longer than it should have. Furthermore, the possessed Linda Blair does not make for the demonic, terrifying figure that she should. She is actually not a very menacing character, other than looking incredibly frightening. Despite these factors, the film remains a great cinematic accomplishment, and for its time, was one of the best examples of its genre.
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