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I love the opening Iraq segment of THE EXORCIST (1973), as Father Merrin discovers ominous signs of pending evil. We are first introduced to him in this terrific sequence. In honor of Max von Sydow, a short thread follows here. #MaxvonSydow (1929-2020)
Although Owen Roizman is the film's credited Director of Photography, the Iraq section was shot by Billy Williams. I love this shot! https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/54970
Father Merrin is presented as frail & sickly. He takes pills for his heart. Max von Sydow was just over 50 during filming, but he perfectly conveys the essence of a much-older man.
Correction: Max von Sydow was in his early 40s at the time of filming in 1972-73. https://exorcist.fandom.com/wiki/Lankester_Merrin
This tracking shot always brings to mind the great Twilight Zone episode 'The Howling Man' where [spoiler] a man transforms into the devil as he passes behind columns. That trick [also done in WEREWOLF OF LONDON] is examined here in detail: https://twitter.com/Foone/status/1070174477332361216
There's a terrific analysis of the entire Iraq opening of THE EXORCIST here:
When he encounters Pazuzu, how does the statue's shadow creep up over Father Merrin's face? Eerie!
Even under Dick Smith's stipple, latex, and makeup, Max von Sydow's handsome face was hard to disguise.
Time stands still, in THE EXORCIST (1973). #MaxvonSydow
'To finish off the whole 10-minute sequence, we get the most obvious metaphor so far: black & white dogs fighting, probably symbolizing good & evil...' ~Rob Ager, Excavating the Exorcist.
'The growls of the dogs become the symbolic voice of Pazuzu preparing to attack. After all, he has a dog-like head...'
'Then a two-shot of the spiritual face-off, with the wind blowing fierce, as is to be expected from the King of the Demons of the Wind...'
The lost art of the Slow Dissolve, in THE EXORCIST (1973). Directed by @WilliamFriedkin
