Saw it for the first time...

I wouldn't go so far as saying it's just you, and you yourself made the intelligent observation that you've been exposed to horror made post-Exorcist. Of course, there's no accounting for taste. But pre-Exorcist, no one had ever seen anything like it, in horror or outside of horror. It was as novel as it was shocking.

I don't understand what you mean when you say it was slow and it didn't adequately deal with (the novel's) themes of loss-rediscovery of faith. I think its pace is perfect, introducing a panoply of interesting characters in an ever-tightening knot of dread, suspense, and horror. And I don't know how much more Friedkin could have done to show Karras' beginning of returning faith (in the DC, right after he listens to Regan's normal voice on tapes, he's saying Mass and his face lights up and his eyes go intense as he says, "This is the Cup of My Blood... The Mystery of Faith...") It's clear that at this point, after hearing the real Regan, as opposed to "that thing upstairs" in the MacNeil home, Karras is beginning to wonder if there might be more to the case than mere mental illness. Again, in the DC, Merrin explains to Karras the possible "reason" for demonic possession. Finally, of course, Karras takes the demon "inside" and jumps from the window, with the result that Regan is immediately returned to herself (and Friedkin's camera shows what I call "the Kinderman Cross" which appears in the form of the window debris, indicating a real, final victory for Karras).

So for me the film is, with some exceptions, highly satisfying.

But...films like 'The Exorcist', The Amityville Horror '79' and 'The Shining' provided thought fuel for all the horror films you enjoy from the 21st century.

A lot of horror film making techniques for paranormal films originated from the classics.

https://www.facebook.com/271177612900892/photos/a.272118546140132.71777.271177612900892/1310787285606581/?type=3

Mad slasher films from this influence. ^

You may just not like the style that was popular in 70s of making the better genre films (horror, sci-fi, crime, etc.) as serious dramas in terms of going pretty far to establish the feeling of ordinary reality for the characters and settings.

What are some examples of horror movies that you enjoy?

I read the book when I was 14, but did not see the movie until I was in my 30's (the 20th anniversary edition). Even knowing what to expect, I have to say the movie made me very uncomfortable. I think it was VERY well done as a movie, and I think it holds up. Having said that, I don't routinely watch scary movies, so my bar is probably a lot lower than most when it comes to what I think is scary. The 2 movies that scarred me for life were Alien (the original) and Poltergeist (the original).

This film is so well made, it really is a horror masterpiece; one of the best in my opinion. I also thought it was perfectly paced. I love all the shots of Georgetown in the 70s in this and the whole film has a distinct atmosphere that makes it unique. Very well done and a groundbreaking film for its time.

It's just you

The thing about The Exorcist that so many people fail to appreciate, is that it is not just some mindlessly produced horror flick.

People shouldn't watch this expecting Scream or Saw or Nightmare on Elm Street.

This movie is actually a drama, first and foremost, that happens to have horrific, supernatural elements. This is, I'd venture to guess, why you found it 'slow'. It takes time to build the story, to set up for the horror that is to come. It builds characters and relationships, and in so doing makes a greater impact. It does not rely on jump scares or blood and guts to terrify. It gets under your skin and disturbs your peace of mind for days, weeks, years afterwards.

It is insidious (no pun intended).


"Puss rules!"
"It's Pus"

Agree with pelican_somber. A letdown, as I have found with many films considered great classics. One's expectations become built up too high so are to some extent dashed.