"Something almost beyond comprehension is happening to a girl on this street, in this house…And a man has been sent for as a last resort. This man is The Exorcist."
Director: William Friedkin
Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason Miller, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb
The Exorcist — Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
The power of Christ compels you!
Context
During the climax of the exorcism, as Merrin and Karras sprinkle holy water on the levitating Regan.
Meaning
The ultimate assertion of faith and divine authority over evil, repeated as a mantra of spiritual warfare.
What an excellent day for an exorcism.
Context
Spoken to Father Karras when he first enters the room and introduces himself, establishing the entity's awareness and malice.
Meaning
A chilling display of the demon's confidence and mockery of the priests' efforts.
I think the point is to make us despair. To see ourselves as... animal and ugly. To reject the possibility that God could love us.
Context
Spoken quietly to Karras during a break in the exorcism, explaining the demon's psychological strategy.
Meaning
The thematic thesis of the film: the demon's target is not just the girl's body, but the observers' faith in humanity and God.
There are no experts.
Context
Karras explaining to Chris that modern exorcisms are rare and there is no simple 'fix' available.
Meaning
Highlights the isolation of the characters; even the Church is unprepared for this level of ancient evil.
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