Possession in The Exorcist Essay - 2374 Words

Being Possessed The idea of possession can frighten many people. What horror movie producers and directors that go into this field are counting on is that they can use it to frighten their viewers. The Exorcist and The Exorcist Beginning both are centered on the act of exorcism. Both demoniacs in the films are women though their fates are polar opposites. The exorcisms are also shown in different lights. This is done through special effects as well as lighting and music. The first film in the series stays with a cut and dry method of keeping mainly to the exorcism itself; however, its prequel focuses more on fancy special effects and stimulating music. The newest addition to The Exorcist series also adds in the usual Hollywood†¦show more content†¦And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. 31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. 32 And there was there an herd of many swine feed ing on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. 33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked (Luke, 8:30-33). Not only did He bring exorcism into the Christian faith, but also by bringing it to his apostles, he set the precedent for future exorcisms through their techniques (Brakke, 1). These techniques have been continued throughout the following ages to expel a multitude of demons and spirits. The exorcism itself involves a holy man as well as the correct materials. The exorcist is usually a priest or other clergy official of the church clothed in surplice and a violet stole. The tools that they need include the crucifix, holy water, and any saint relics (Nauman, 41). The exorcism is to be repeated if necessary to fully drive out the demon. After such event, the cured person is to seek a life in Christ by devotion and spread the word of the Lord. This fills the gap left by the demon so that it can never return (Baker, 109). Exorcism is not as much of a hot topic andShow MoreRelatedThe Exorcist Defines the Horror Genre Essay1482 Words   |  6 Pagesthe air around Halloween, the film industry likes to fill in the holes between its major grossing seasons by filling the audience with fear. However, it was Christmas of 1973 that defined the new age of Horror, when William Friedkin released The Exorcist. 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