Posted by Kurl at 155.42.57.7 on October 02, 2000 at 19:31:32:
In Reply to: Friedkin was right the first time- posted by Vincent on October 02, 2000 at 17:25:18:
Have to disagree with you there Vincent. This new version is just as good, if not better than the original cut imo. The new footage may seem very distracting but that's because we've all seen the movie so many times. See the new version again, the footage will be more seamless and work better.
Some of the footage may be "unnecessary", but then so were numerous scenes in the original cut. The spiderwalk may be there simply to jolt the audience, but what was the crucifix masturbation scene for then? Or Chris exploring the attic when she hears noises that sound like rats? None of these scenes *really* advance the story in any way, and are there simply for scares. They all work though, as does the spiderwalk.
I like all of the new scenes with Merrin, the scene of Karras listening to tapes of a pre-possessed Regan leaving a message to her father, the short theology discussion Karras and Merrin have on the steps, and the CGI shot of Karras' mom on the window before he leaps out of it. The image itself could be interpreted in several ways. It could've been the soul of his mother being released from Regan's body. Or it was a way of telling Karras that if he does this thing then he will be re-united with her, or even still it might've been the demon using the guilt Karras feels for his mom's death to make him want to kill himself. To push him over the edge. All interesting ideas.
And lastly, concerning the new ending, I like it. Yes, it isn't very subtle and it may not be 'hip' these days to end with something hopeful(especially after films like 'Se7en'), but Blatty wanted it clear to the audience from the very beginning that in this story good DOES triumph over evil. Besides, it's the way the book ends and the book is still to date the best telling of this story. And if you still feel unsure about this new version you can always re-watch the original on DVD. Peace out.
Kurl