Top 7 Exorcisms in Horror
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Fueled by an advertising campaign that had audiences flocking to the theaters, The Exorcism of Emily Rose ended up giving viewers a bit of a curveball as they came in expecting split pea soup vomited over a dirty nightgown while all sorts of profanity was spewed about, but they got something much different. As it turned out, The Exorcism of Emily Rose was as much a courtroom drama as it was a horror film. Loosely based on the true case of Anneliese Michel, a teenage girl who was killed during the course of an exorcism to expel a supposed demon, The Exorcism of Emily Rose still managed to intrigue audiences with an interesting story and the performance of a young Jennifer Carpenter as Emily. Much like Bell in The Last Exorcism, Carpenter used her amazing physical prowess to perform snake-like contortions that drove home the realism of the possession scenes. Carpenter would soon after skyrocket to fame as the year after The Exorcism of Emily Rose, she arrived on television as Debra Morgan in “Dexter.”
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSy7DldFdUI&w=640&h=360]
The Rite (2011 )
Okay, so if Anthony Hopkins wasn’t nightmarish enough as Hannibal Lecter, The Rite brings us the legendary actor as the victim of a possession, first as an exorcist, then as an exorcisee. And just like every other role we’ve ever seen him in, ever, Hopkins is amazing as the possessed. Although most films involving exorcisms are religious, The Rite is even more religiously based than most, following the story of a young priest who is recruited to become a new exorcist because of his strong, calm demeanor and ability to handle stressful situations with amazing poise. Again, we have a priest who is struggling with his faith before facing unspeakable evil. Father Michael, however, is luckier than some of the other priests we’ve discussed as he uses his experience facing the demon, Baal, to help him reignite his faith and return to his service.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fycSViJHzUI&w=640&h=480]
Constantine (2005)
I think we can safely say that there was never an exorcist as cool as Keanu Reeves as John Constantine. When you’re so self-confident that you stroll in to perform an exorcism and don’t even bother putting your cigarette out, that’s pretty cool. That’s goddamn Fonzie cool. And then to not only anger the demon by taunting it, but then punch it right in the fucking face… John Constantine, you are our hero! Needless to say, if more exorcists knew how to handle themselves on a day-to-day basis like this, there would be much less demonic disruption in the world. For a master class on “Exorcism: How It’s Done,” check out the video clip below. Subtitles have been randomly included for our Dutch friends. Enjoy.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZIGLJWzGHY&w=640&h=360]
“American Horror Story: Asylum”
In the “Asylum” season of “American Horror Story”, it seemed that the creators wanted to work in as much insanity as possible. A serial killer, a Nazi doctor, aliens, monsters in the garden, hell, even Anne Frank made an appearance. So, amongst all this craziness, you knew an exorcism would have to get worked in there. As much an homage to the original nightmare of The Exorcist as you can get, “American Horror Story: Asylum” staged a fantastic exorcism that was incredibly reminiscent of the original terror but reversed the sexual roles with a teenage boy being the victim of the possession. Of course, the demon was exorcized, but it didn’t go far. Sister Mary Eunice provided the next landing place for the unholy creature… and then Sister Mary Eunice provided great entertainment for us all for the rest of the “Asylum” season! Check out this clip, which shows a fantastic comparison of the “American Horror Story” exorcism with The Exorcist.
The Vatican Tapes is directed by Mark Neveldine (Crank). The demonic possession drama stars Michael Pena (interview), Djimon Hounsou, Dougray Scott, Cas Anvar, Peter Andersson, and Olivia Dudley (interview).
Look for it on July 24th from Lionsgate.
Synopsis:
THE VATICAN TAPES follows the ultimate battle between good and evil- God versus Satan. Angela Holmes (Dudley) is an ordinary 27-year-old until she begins to have a devastating effect on anyone close, causing serious injury and death. Holmes is examined and possession is suspected, but when the Vatican is called upon to exorcise the demon, the possession proves to be an ancient satanic force more powerful than ever imagined. It’s all up to Father Lozano (Pena) to wage war for more than just Angela’s soul, but for the world as we know it.
