Linda Blair admits she was clueless about the immense popularity of ‘The Exorcist
Actress Linda Blair Reflects on the Surprising Success of “The Exorcist”
Linda Blair, the talented actress known for her role in the iconic horror film “The Exorcist,” recently shared her thoughts on the unexpected triumph of the movie. Released 50 years ago on December 26, 1973, the film took the world by storm and continues to captivate audiences to this day.
At just 14 years old, Blair was cast as the lead in this chilling tale of a young girl possessed by a demon. In an interview with Fox News Digital, she opened up about her experience filming the movie and how she and her mother were taken aback by its global success.
“It Was So Not Hollywood”
Blair expressed her surprise, saying, “For me, it was so not Hollywood. I had no idea. Mom and I just thought, ‘Oh, you know, your project, if it gets a little airing, the commercial runs,’ and that wasn’t the case. The case was it became an international controversial sensation around the world.”
To prove that Blair was merely acting and not actually possessed, the movie studio sent her on a tour. Despite the intense nature of the film, Blair hopes that viewers recognize its underlying message of good versus evil, especially in light of current world events.
Unforgettable Filming Conditions
Blair also shared details about the challenging conditions on set. She revealed, “The temperature, which people forget because we didn’t have all of the incredible magic that we now have with filmmaking, was 17 below in the morning, and then it was zero when we were filming. It was very uncomfortable, and the makeup and contacts added to the discomfort.”
In addition, Blair discussed the difficulty she faced in delivering swear words written in the script for her character. Director Billy Friedkin played a role in rewriting her dialogue, pushing her out of her comfort zone.
A Bittersweet Reflection
Despite the challenges, Blair maintains a positive outlook on her experience with “The Exorcist.” She said, “Of course, anybody can reflect back on things that are painful to them and uncomfortable memories, but you have to try to compartmentalize and move forward.”
Although the film received mixed reviews, it achieved tremendous financial success, grossing $193 million during its theatrical run. It also made history as the first horror film to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar, earning a total of 10 Academy Award nominations and winning for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
What impact did the extensive makeup and special effects have on the realism of “The Exorcist
E initial skepticism from the public, they were soon convinced of her acting abilities. Blair recalled, “There were people that really had a problem with me, thinking that I was very dangerous to society for being a part of this movie, and so, they would bring me in and see me in person, and they would see me in an interview, and they would see that I was just this little girl, and I wasn’t crazy, I wasn’t weird, I wasn’t possessed. And that was reassuring.”‘.
Reflecting on the impact of the film, Blair acknowledged that it broke new ground in the horror genre. She emphasized, “I think that what ‘The Exorcist’ did was take the genre to that next point, where it became so much more graphic and so horrific that even the audiences, to this day, you’ll hear people say, ‘Oh, no, I can’t watch that.’ It’s become this genre with its own wings.”
Blair also revealed that the extensive makeup and special effects used in the film added to its realism. She said, “When we were doing the makeup tests and all of that, I would look around at the walls and I would say, ‘This is going to make some people sick.’ Because it was so vile and so spooky because of how real it looked.”
Despite the success of “The Exorcist,” Blair acknowledged the challenges it presented. She discussed the difficulty of dealing with the negative public image associated with her role and shared how it affected her personal life. She said, “It was a long struggle for a long time to clear me of that image, that stereotype that they put on me as a person being Linda Blair, who played Regan in ‘The Exorcist.'”
A Lasting Legacy
Despite the challenges, “The Exorcist” remains one of the most iconic horror films of all time. Blair recognized the impact it had on both the horror genre and her own career. She stated, “It gave me some incredible opportunities and some amazing moments of gratitude to have been played in the role of Linda Blair doing ‘The Exorcist.'”
Now, 50 years later, “The Exorcist” continues to intrigue and terrify audiences with its gripping storyline and chilling performances. Linda Blair’s portrayal of Regan MacNeil is still regarded as one of the most memorable in horror movie history. As she reflects on the unexpected success of the film, Blair serves as a reminder that sometimes the most impactful works are the ones that defy expectations and transcend the boundaries of their genre.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
