Religion Expert Criticizes Ellen Burstyn's Patriarchy Statement in The Exorcist

Summary

In The Exorcist: Believer, Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn) theorizes that she wasn't involved in her daughter's exorcism because "I'm not a member of their damn patriarchy."

According to Dr. Laura Robinson, a Twitter user and Ph.D in Religious Studies, there are indeed patriarchal issues within the Catholic church. However, she contends that MacNeil's viewpoint in The Exorcist: Believer does not accurately reflect the original narrative. Dr. Robinson highlights the complexity of Chris' faith, sexism, and her concerns for her daughter's health.

One aspect of Ellen Burstyn's return in The Exorcist: Believer has faced criticism from a religious studies expert. Burstyn, known for her role as Chris MacNeil in the iconic 1973 film The Exorcist, turns to Father Karras for help after her daughter Regan exhibits signs of demonic possession. Together with Father Merrin, they perform an exorcism, ultimately sacrificing their lives. In the new movie, MacNeil is questioned why she did not participate in the exorcism, to which she responds, "My opinion? Because I refuse to be part of their patriarchal system."

Following the release of Exorcist: Believer on video-on-demand, Dr. Laura Robinson expressed dissatisfaction with this specific line spoken by Chris MacNeil. Dr. Robinson, who holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies focusing on the New Testament from Duke University, acknowledges the presence of patriarchal elements within the Catholic Church's structure but argues that this line undermines the original movie's story and Chris' connection to the exorcists who saved her daughter's life. Check out Dr. Robinson's tweet thread below.

Dr. Robinson considers the line to be "annoying," suggesting that the filmmakers lacked familiarity with The Exorcist. She further argues that Chris initially intimidated Karras, rather than the other way around.

According to her, Chris' lack of religious beliefs prevented her from recognizing Karras as an authoritative figure. Additionally, Karras' ongoing struggle with faith contradicts the notion that he would adhere strictly to formalities when dealing with a friend during that period.

Dr. Robinson explains that Chris was not present for a significant portion of the medical tests that led to the decision to perform the exorcism. This was done to prioritize Chris's mental well-being and to allow the doctors to have private conversations with Regan, free from any interference or bias. Chris also did not accompany Karras to his initial interview with Regan for the same reasons. Dr. Robinson emphasizes that Chris was not pressured into any of these decisions.

Dr. Robinson insists that Chris was familiar with Karras and his character. While Chris had a shorter relationship with Merrin, it was still amicable. According to Dr. Robinson, Chris did not request to attend the exorcism and was not rejected; she simply didn't ask because it was already established that she did not participate in such events.

She also raises concern about the danger posed by the exorcism, stating that Chris, not being an exorcist, was unable to contribute anything to the proceedings. Similarly, Merrin was uncertain about Karras' presence, considering his susceptibility to the attacks.

Additionally, she clarifies that the exorcism was deemed an urgent situation, emphasizing that if Chris were to get injured, there would be no available time or means to assist her without endangering Regan.

Dr. Robinson suggests that if Regan had killed Chris, Regan might have faced arrest, leading to the cancellation of the exorcism and ultimately resulting in Regan's death.

Furthermore, Dr. Robinson highlights that if Chris had attended the exorcism, it is probable that she would have also perished, leaving Regan without parents. Dr. Robinson continues to point out that "The Exorcist" already tackled the theme of sexism, portraying Chris's difficulties in dealing with the male-dominated medical field.

Many of the male characters in the movie, according to her, have preconceived notions about Chris due to their assumptions about a preteen daughter of a single mom who is also an actress. Consequently, she believes that Chris's persistent resistance against male dominance not only defines her own narrative but also serves as the foundation of her deep friendship with Karras, who happens to be the first man to genuinely lend an ear to her.

She acknowledges that addressing sexism in the Catholic church through a contemporary film is not an unwise concept, however, she firmly believes that Karras and Merrin, as they were originally portrayed by Blatty, do not embody sexist tendencies.

Every Way Chris MacNeil's Character Has Changed in The Exorcist: Believer

According to her, it is a drastic departure from the character portrayed by Blatty for Chris to attribute that specific label to two individuals who perished while rescuing her daughter, especially considering that she was acquainted with one of them.

The "patriarchy" comment made by Chris MacNeil has sparked controversy, adding to the criticism faced by the movie, which received negative reviews from both critics and audiences. Dr. Robinson's explanation highlights the difficulty in reconciling the Chris of the recent film with the character from 50 years ago. Despite her limited screen time, the new movie provides opportunities for the original The Exorcist: Believer characters, who are not legacies, to take center stage. Consequently, there are notable differences between Chris's portrayal in the movie and her original depiction, ranging from subtle to significant.

Chris and Regan's relationship in The Exorcist: Believer differs significantly from the original movie. In this version, Chris, hoping to assist other troubled parents, writes a book about her encounter with Regan's exorcism. However, this endeavor inadvertently drives a wedge between them, causing a prolonged estrangement between mother and daughter.

MacNeil's career underwent a complete transformation after The Exorcist. During the original film, she was a renowned movie star involved in a blockbuster production. However, in The Exorcist: Believer, her life's purpose has shifted exclusively towards spiritual exploration. This change may have been a logical consequence of enduring such a profound experience, but the disparities in Believer can contribute to Chris feeling entirely unrecognizable from her previous onscreen appearance.