This 2-hour 2-minute horror thriller will send chills down your spine, only 25 people watched in theatres and few were unconscious for days; movie is…, lead actors were…

In 1973, a film emerged that would redefine the horror genre and leave an indelible mark on cinematic history. Directed by William Friedkin and based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, ‘The Exorcist’ delved into the harrowing tale of a young girl’s demonic possession and the desperate exorcism attempts by two priests. Its chilling narrative, combined with groundbreaking special effects, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning it ten Academy Award nominations and securing two wins.

How The Exorcist Landed In Controversy?

Upon its release, ‘The Exorcist’ met with both acclaim and controversy. Its intense scenes led to reports of fainting and distress among viewers, prompting some theaters to provide barf bags and others to ban the trailer altogether, as it shows the face of the demon in black and white, which disturbed many. Despite or perhaps because of these reactions, the film drew massive crowds, eager to experience the unprecedented horror firsthand.

Was There Any Impact On The Mind Of Audiences?

It is worth noting that many strange incidents happened during the shooting of this film. A fire broke out on the shooting set of this film and some crew members died. At the same time, when it was released in theaters, many viewers had heart attacks and many remained unconscious for several days.

How The Exorcist Became Nightmare For Many?

As per The New York Times, it was reported that once inside the theater, approximately 25 people, who came to watch this nightmare, vomited due to the graphic content on the screen. Others fainted or exited the theater feeling nauseous, started crying and shaking before the film had finished halfway. One pregnant woman, who came to see ‘The Exorcist’ with her husband, went into a deep state of shock, due to which she suffered a miscarriage.

The Mind-Boggling Collection Of The Exorcist

Financially, ‘The Exorcist’ was a monumental success. With a modest budget of 11 million, it grossed approximately 233 million domestically and an additional 197 million internationally, culminating in a worldwide total of around 430 million. When adjusted for inflation, this figure translates to over ₹3,500 crore, solidifying its status as one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time.

The bone-chilling flick featured Ellen Burstyn, Late Max von Sydow, Late Jason Miller, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, Father William O’Malley, Barton Heyman, Peter Masterson and Rudolf Schündler, in which music part was helmed by renowned music composer Late Jack Nitzsche, whose composition can still give you chills.

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