Pop Culture’s Strangest Trailers

The Exorcist: Still Haunting After All These Years

Few films capture the essence of fear like The Exorcist. Over 50 years since its release, it continues to send chills down spines. Directed by William Friedkin, this 1973 adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s novel stunned audiences. The Exorcist wasn’t just a cinematic triumph; it became a cultural phenomenon. Nominated for ten Academy Awards, it proved a horror film could be a blockbuster. Adjusted for inflation, its U.S. earnings would top a billion dollars today. It was a must-see to join the cultural conversation. But how did Warner Bros. convince audiences to dive into this nightmare?

The Making of a Cultural Phenomenon

The novel, inspired by a real 1949 exorcism in Georgetown, left a lasting impact on Blatty. Raised Jesuit, the chilling story haunted him enough to fictionalize it years later. The book swapped a boy for a girl and updated the setting. The novel exploded in popularity, leading Warner Bros. to grab the movie rights swiftly. The key to box office gold in the ‘70s was adapting bestsellers. Titles like The Godfather and Jaws thrived using this formula. The Exorcist was no different, following in formidable footsteps.

The scrapping of the Hays Code in 1968 was pivotal. The code, active since 1934, heavily censored films. Its abolition paved the way for the MPAA rating system. Horror films could finally push boundaries. Films like A Clockwork Orange soon emerged, unsettling audiences. Despite the relaxed rules, Hollywood followed certain guidelines. Friedkin, however, boldly disregarded them. His vision leaned into the shocking and sacrilegious, adding to the film’s realism. Casting actors like Ellen Burstyn and Max von Sydow further blurred fiction and reality, amplifying the terror.

Marketing Madness and Occult Obsession

The early marketing strategies were brazen yet effective. The film debuted right after Christmas 1973, provoking outrage among Christian groups. Many claimed the film was Satanic, fueling free publicity. Filming itself was marked by bizarre incidents and tragedies. Rather than hide these stories, Warner Bros. spotlighted them, enhancing the film’s eerie reputation. The original trailer, shown in select markets, was so disturbing it was pulled. Yet, this only added to the film’s mystique.

The banned trailer is a legend. Its narration set an unsettling tone: “Something beyond comprehension is happening to a little girl.” Quick flashes of possessed Regan MacNeil, paired with a haunting score, left audiences unnerved. Despite no gore or profanity, its flashing lights triggered seizures, leading to its ban. Playground rumors of its effects persisted for years. It resurfaced in the DVD era, revealing the controversy was part of brilliant marketing.

Crafting an Unforgettable Experience

Warner Bros. created a new trailer that delved deeper into the plot. It swapped dangerous effects for atmospheric storytelling. Without showing too much, it hinted at the possession’s toll. This approach succeeded in drawing massive crowds, proving less is more. The voice of Percy Rodriguez lent an eerie gravitas. His signature tones graced countless horror and sci-fi trailers, embedding themselves in pop culture.

The Exorcist’s legacy endures, still capable of terrifying viewers anew. Countless reaction videos on YouTube attest to its lasting impact. Many younger audiences, skeptical of its old-school horrifying reputation, emerge visibly shaken. They often wonder how such a film was ever made. This speaks volumes about its standing among horror greats. The term "iconic" fits it like a glove.