The Exorcist III
Directed by William Peter Blatty
A cop (George C. Scott) investigates brutal murders similar to ones committed by a long-dead serial killer. But the decapitations and crucifixions couldn’t be the work of the “Gemini Killer” - or could they? After his priest is butchered in a hospital, Lt. Kinderman traces the clues to the psych ward, where a patient claims to be Damian Karras (Jason Miller), the priest who died during the final moments in THE EXORCIST. William Peter Blatty’s complex adaptation of his sequel novel, “Legion”, contains a hallway scare scene that belongs in the horror history books.
A cop investigates brutal murders similar to ones committed by a long-dead serial killer.
Cast: George C Scott, Ed Flanders, Brad Dourif, Jason Miller
Member Reviews
First off I'd like to point out that I never hated the original sequel Exorcist 2: The Heretic. Director John Boorman decided to explore the origins of the demon Pazuzu beyond possessing Regan McNeill again Which I believe audiences wanted to view anyways. Thus Heretic ended becoming one of the most hated (still) sequels in cinematic history. Exorcist 3: Legion is indeed a more direct follow up to William Freidkins Exorcist. This time Author William Peter Blatty decided to helm the version of his own novel Legion & takes liberties by adding supernatural elements that were not in the book. I gave this film three skulls instead of four because of two minor quibbles. 1. Father Morning is not rounded out in the film the way he was in the book. He shows up to save the day but it would have been nice to have his background with the demon explained. 2. Brad Dourif as the possessing patient Gemini Killer didn't receive an Oscar nomination for at least best supporting actor for his frightening portrayal. "Catatonics are so easy to possess" chilling
M
Makes me wish that Blatty had directed more. This and the Ninth Configuration were near-masterpieces. Brad Dourif is teaching a masterclass in horror acting here, and the editing and long shots set you up for some really shocking moments.
Makes me wish Blatty directed more of things he's written
Favorite of the series. More thoughtful. More terrifying. More gruesome. Yet ultimately more hopeful.