Why was The Exorcist banned?
The Exorcist, a horror film directed by William Friedkin, was released in 1973 and has since become a classic in the genre. Despite its popularity, the film was banned or heavily censored in many countries due to its graphic content, which was considered too intense and disturbing for audiences. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the ban and delve into the controversy surrounding the film.
Reasons for the ban
The Exorcist was banned or heavily censored in many countries due to its graphic content, which included scenes of possession, exorcism, and bloody violence. The film’s depiction of demonic possession and the subsequent exorcism rituals were considered too intense and disturbing for audiences, leading many countries to ban or heavily censor the film.
Catholic Church reaction
The Catholic Church was particularly opposed to the film, citing its depiction of demonic possession and the exorcism rituals as being offensive and inaccurate. The Church argued that the film’s portrayal of possession and exorcism was not in line with Catholic doctrine and that it could be misinterpreted by audiences.
Country-by-country bans
The Exorcist was banned or heavily censored in many countries, including:
• United Kingdom: The film was banned in the UK due to its graphic content, including scenes of possession and exorcism.
• Australia: The film was initially banned in Australia, but was later released with heavy censorship.
• New Zealand: The film was banned in New Zealand due to its graphic content.
• Canada: The film was banned in some provinces in Canada, but was later released with heavy censorship.
Controversy surrounding the film
The Exorcist was also controversial due to its depiction of demonic possession and the exorcism rituals. The film’s portrayal of possession and exorcism was seen as being too intense and disturbing for audiences, leading many to criticize the film for its graphic content.
Impact on the film industry
The Exorcist’s ban and censorship had a significant impact on the film industry. The film’s success was largely due to its graphic content, which drew in audiences who were fascinated by the film’s depiction of demonic possession and exorcism. The ban and censorship of the film led to a shift in the type of content that was deemed acceptable for audiences, with many films opting for more subtle and less graphic depictions of violence and horror.
Conclusion
The Exorcist was banned or heavily censored in many countries due to its graphic content, including scenes of possession and exorcism. The film’s depiction of demonic possession and the exorcism rituals was seen as being too intense and disturbing for audiences, leading many to criticize the film for its graphic content. Despite the controversy surrounding the film, The Exorcist remains a classic in the horror genre and continues to be celebrated for its influence on the film industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the main reason for the ban on The Exorcist?
- The main reason for the ban on The Exorcist was its graphic content, including scenes of possession and exorcism.
- Which countries banned The Exorcist?
- The Exorcist was banned or heavily censored in many countries, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and some provinces in Canada.
- What was the impact of the ban on the film industry?
- The ban and censorship of The Exorcist led to a shift in the type of content that was deemed acceptable for audiences, with many films opting for more subtle and less graphic depictions of violence and horror.
Table: Country-by-country bans
| Country | Ban/Censorship | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Banned | Graphic content, including scenes of possession and exorcism |
| Australia | Initially banned, later released with heavy censorship | Graphic content, including scenes of possession and exorcism |
| New Zealand | Banned | Graphic content, including scenes of possession and exorcism |
| Canada | Banned in some provinces, later released with heavy censorship | Graphic content, including scenes of possession and exorcism |
Bullets: Controversy surrounding the film
• Depiction of demonic possession: The film’s portrayal of demonic possession was seen as being too intense and disturbing for audiences.
• Exorcism rituals: The film’s depiction of exorcism rituals was considered too graphic and intense for audiences.
• Violence and gore: The film’s use of violence and gore was seen as being too intense and disturbing for audiences.
• Catholic Church reaction: The Catholic Church was particularly opposed to the film, citing its depiction of demonic possession and exorcism as being offensive and inaccurate.