The first time I saw The Exorcist I was fairly disappointed, largely because I was expecting the profoundly frightening movie that I’d been promised from many sources. Seeing it a second time with different expectations I have a much better respect for the film’s craft; it’s a tour de force in creating a really intense atmosphere and crafting some really good set pieces. That said, I still don’t find the movie overly scary. I guess it comes down to the fact that I’m not religious and consequently am not overly afraid of the Devil. I also don’t really understand what Satan’s motive is supposed to be in the film, if he’s going through all the trouble of possessing someone wouldn’t he possess someone with more power than a 12 year old girl, and wouldn’t he do more with the possessee than do a couple of parlor tricks in front of her parents and a couple of priests? Anyway, I guess that’s all beyond the point. There is no doubt at this point that The Exorcist deserves its status as a classic of sorts, it was way ahead of its time and the craft is too good to ignore.