If you're a fan of Slimer from Ghostbusters, and If there's something strange in your neighborhood, who are you going to call? Apparently, not Ghostbusters, but the charming Ellen Burstyn! Burstyn reprises her role from a half-century ago in The Exorcist, thanks to director David Gordon Green's self-proclaimed “magical powers.” (Insert dramatic wizarding music here).
Green, a director who clearly knows how to woo vintage stars of the horror genre, successfully lured Burstyn back to her old stomping grounds. Just imagine the scene: Burstyn casually sipping tea and study pigeons with Green, deciding to return to the heart of The Exorcist franchise where once she ruled supreme. Is it just me or does anyone else smell a classic Hollywood movie in the making?
In the latest creeping-you-out installment, "The Exorcist: Believer," we meet the notorious demon from the original flick, now flexing its demonic muscles by possessing not one, but two young darlings, who thought hanging out in the woods would be a cool idea. (Rule one, ladies: woods - especially at night - are NEVER a good idea unless you're into creepy demonic possessions.)
So, who do you think is going to clean up this devilish mess? Enter Burstyn’s character, Chris MacNeil – the demonic possession veteran and everyone's favorite! You can almost hear the "I'm too old for this sh*t" in her voice, but she's back, reluctantly dusting off her rusty demon-ousting skills to save the day.
Working with Burstyn didn’t go without hiccups, though. Initially, she eyed Green and his story with understandable skepticism. After all, the filming of the original Exorcist didn't go exactly as planned, and Burstyn does like her spine unaugmented and the media not sniffing around too much. However, after a teatime epiphany, she agreed to join Green’s wacky band of collaborators, on condition that there are no major spinal adjustments this time.
The filmmaker couldn't contain his joy, referring to the experience as "magical". I'm sure the thought of his crew becoming as silent as a tomb at the sight of Burstyn, only to break into grudging grins as she fit right in, warms his heart. Nothing like a hint of grumpy respect to make the day on set a memorable one!
News broke in the previous year that Universal had closed a deal on the franchise. With Burstyn finally on their side, they can spin enough horror to keep you awake for the next couple of years. The sequel, The Exorcist: Deceiver, even promised Burstyn's return once more. Maybe by then, she'll have run out of tea and pigeon feed and will demand proper demon extermination equipment.
Pouring more tea, feeding more pigeons, and likely saving teen girls from more demons, Burstyn promises to keep us perched on the edge of our seats. To fans, I say, prepare to chant along: "The power of Burstyn compels you!" Prepare, because "The Exorcist: Believer" is now watching you from your nearest theater!
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