The Fear of God: 25 Years of 'The Exorcist'

Superb documentary on the making of "The Exorcist". They go through EVERYTHING in this. They talk to all the actors, director William Friedkin, writer William Peter Blatty, assorted crew members and technicians--even the three priest used as technical advisors in the film! They go through it step by step--the casting, show audition tests, cut sequences (including the infamous "Spider Walk" which looks MUCH different than it appeared in the slightly reedited version released in 2001) and goes into detail about the more famous scenes. This is never dull for one second--the amount of information they squeeze into 75 minutes is incredible. Most fascinating are the talks with Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair and their thoughts about doing the movie and how they see it now. This is essential viewing for all fans of the film. Basically one of the best--if not THE best--horror documentaries ever done. A 10 all the way.

This is a well made documentary about the Exorcist. The contributions of all the cast and crew make for a fascinating watch.

Unlike the film, the real life events describing the deaths and bizarre events during filming were genuinely disturbing, helped by the cleverly chosen clips and deleted scenes.

However, I was disappointed that Mercedes McCambridge's contribution was deleted from the video release.

If you liked the film, watch this documentary, you'll view it in a far different light.

'Fear of God' is a brilliant documentary. It was wonderful to see such a broad sweep of cast and crew contribute their insights on this infamous film, and it is a MUST for fans of The Exorcist. Brilliantly edited, it was at times funny at others quite shocking (when it originally aired on British TV, it was the first time footage such as the Spider Walk had been seen in 25 years.)

I count myself lucky to have seen all 3 edits of the documentary. The first, the British TV showing, was the best of the three, and with an excellent, if somewhat odd contribution from Mercedes McCambridge. Ironically, she was cut out of the other 2 versions, rather as she was cut out of the actual film credits. The second version I saw was on the VHS release - which had been expanded in parts - but the third, on the DVD, was ultimately the worst cut of a what was still a good documentary. I don't understand why writer Mark Kermode was cut out and imagine he was quite insulted - especially after reading his well researched book to accompany the programme. His absence makes the DVD version seem more disjointed, though some interviews in it are extended.

All in all, an excellent watch for any film fan - and funny to see the difference between pragmatic commentators like von Sydow and Friedkin as opposed to McCambridge and Burstyn - who still seem a little shaken by the whole experience!

10/10

The Exorcist is one of my all time favourite films, and after seeing this documentary on the excellent 25th Anniversary Edition Dvd from Warner, I`d have to say that this is perhaps the best documentary I`ve ever seen about a movie. I strongly recommend everybody who own a Dvdplayer to pick up this disc, and never mind the horrible new version called: The version you`ve never seen. I saw it in the theater and I was tempted to leave. It`s awful, and Blatty has ruined the film. On this documentary you can see writer Blatty and director Friedkin disagree about the movie. I have also read Blatty`s book, and I have to say that Friedkins film is much better in any way. Shame on you Blatty for forcing them to make this silly new version after all these years. Friedkin was right, and his version of The Exorcist is much better than your book. Anyway, see this excellent documentary of one of the best movies ever made.

I saw this documentary when it was first broadcast in the UK and was waiting with baited breath for the DVD release of "The Exorcist" with the knowledge that it was to be included as an extra feature.

Unfortunately the version included on the DVD is edited so that it no longer includes the presenter Mark Kermode or the contributions of Mercedes McCambridge. I don't see any reason why these sections were not included, in the case of Mark Kermode I feel his presence was necessary as he led the viewer through the massive back story much better than in the DVD version of the Documentary where sections seem far to patched together.

I still believe that the DVD version of the Documentary is one of the best ever but it was MUCH better when it was first broadcast.