[Sun UK] William Peter Blatty dead aged 89 as tributes pour in for The Exorcist author.
The news was confirmed on social media by the film’s director William Friedkin.
He is survived by his wife, Julie Alicia Witbrodt.
The writer won the Oscar in 1973 for his screenplay, based on his own book that was published in 1971 which told the story of a child possessed by a demon.
And thanks to the film’s success, the possessed child’s image has become iconic among horror fans. more
Requiesce in pace
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sSRJvq4Wd48
That’s too bad. The Exorcist was a scary movie that was a game changer. I especially liked the ending where a priest (Karras) that had lost his faith found it again in saving the life of this tormented girl at the cost of his own, a sacrifice he made freely knowing what would happen. The last rites scene at the end with his friend along with Reagan only remembering the priests collar which had a special meaning for her was terrific. I watch it every Halloween. Great score as well. I don’t think Hollywood would make this movie again unless the the priest was gay and married to a tranny and Father Merrin was a cross-dresser and the evil in Reagan (who would now be played by a visible minority) turned out to be the spirit of some southern white slave owner. It would cost $200 million to make, bring in $100 million at the boxoffice and be judged a success by the Hollywood movers and shakers (and the special accountants they use).
If you want an incredible experience, find the Exorcist audio book read by the author. The man had a million dollar voice.
Rest in Peace Mr. Blatty…The Exorcist was one of my favorite horror movies of all time.
That movie had me up at nights as a kid. The Exorcist III is just as scary and really pushes the “boogeyman” buttons lurking in your subconscious.
. . . and one of our all time favorite films, Blake Edwards’, A Shot in the Dark.
Always thought “William Peter Blatty” was a nom de plume.
Guess I was wrong …
RIP
No one pointed out he died on a Friday the 13th?
I was an adult when that movie came out, and it scared the crap out of me, because I believe satanic possession is real. Zombies? Vampires? Meh; not real. But Satan? I know he is real.
Pea soup was used for the ebalming.
I know Satan is real too. He’s been in the White House for the last 8 years.
Naw, I wasn’t seriously scared by a movie
until Alien came out. We laughed our
asses off at the Linda Blair scenes though.