Influential Insights: Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair's Impact on The Exorcist Reveal Their Characters' Depths
Exorcist: Believer explores the enduring trauma of The Exorcist through the input of Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair, offering a thought-provoking perspective 50 years later
Summary
The Exorcist: Believer touches on the aftermath of Regan's exorcism 50 years ago, with actors from the original film having input on their characters' trajectories.
Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn's participation enhances the authenticity and depth of their characters' storylines, effectively portraying the aftermath of the possession and its consequences. By delving into Regan and Chris MacNeil's enduring experiences, the film examines how their relationship has changed and the profound influence of their individual recollections.
The Exorcist: Believer director, David Gordon Green, hints at incorporating elements from the original Exorcist, with input from Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn on their characters' developments 50 years later. The film tells the story of two girls, Katherine and Angela, who vanish in the woods for three days. Upon their return, they display disturbing behavior and have no recollection of their disappearance. Victor, desperate for answers, delves into the concept of possession and seeks help from Chris MacNeil.
In a conversation with Screen Rant, Green explains how The Exorcist: Believer references Regan's iconic exorcism from the past, suggesting that Victor turns to Chris MacNeil due to her firsthand experience. This revelation implies that Regan's exorcism holds some level of recognition in this world, potentially paving the way for unexpected paths for both the mother and daughter.
David Gordon Green had conversations with both Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair, seeking to understand where their characters could have gone. He embarked on this creative journey without knowing if these talented actresses would be involved. He approached them as friends and sought creative inspiration for the events that occurred in Georgetown and the evolution that transpired 50 years later. As their trust in him and the creative team grew, they began to delve into meaningful content that was not gimmicky or reliant on genre conventions. This exploration aimed to resonate with them as human beings living on this earth.
How The Exorcist: Believer Can Address The Trauma Of The Original Exorcist
Granting agency to the actresses who portrayed these characters not only brings admiration but also strengthens their character arcs. It is evident that Chris MacNeil has achieved some level of fame due to the events involving her daughter, prompting the question: what became of Regan? While Chris may be regarded as a source of guidance and support for parents going through similar horrors, Regan, on the other hand, likely experienced the darker side of this fame as the individual who was once possessed by a demon.
"The Exorcist: Believer" presents an opportunity to breathe new life into the original story while delving into the aftermath of the trauma endured by Regan and Chris MacNeil. Chris copes with her experiences through assisting others trapped in similar circumstances. A notable difference between mother and daughter lies in their memories - while Chris retains vivid recollections, Regan appears to have no memory of her possession by the end of the film.
The trauma likely had a lasting impact on their relationship, with questions arising about how it was changed, particularly if Chris MacNeil was responsible for drawing attention to it. Regan probably doesn't want constant reminders of the terrible experience, while Chris may be unable to move on due to the horrifying things she witnessed and went through. The Exorcist: Believer arrives at an opportune moment, coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of The Exorcist, providing a chance to delve into the lives of these iconic characters and explore the enduring effects of these events.
