Questions


I've pretty much made my way through the collector's edition. I watched the deleted prologue that was included on the theatrical version disc. I am wondering why was that not added to the Legion director's cut? It was Dourif as Karras (which is why it never made the theatrical, because Miller wasn't involved yet) and was in better condition than most of the footage they added. I think it would have been an awesome way to open up Legion. I know there are reasons why things get added and dropped that we'll never know, but this struck me as a no-brainer.

And one more: I watched the making-of documentary on the second disc. Dourif goes on about how Miller was a severe alcoholic and how Blatty wanted him originally but his brain was "too far gone". They said he'd never be able to remember his lines. This is included in Dourif's segment which is fascinating, and how upset he was when they told him he was getting cut and replaced with Miller. Anyway, later on in the documentary it is mentioned by a crew member how Miller was a joy to work with and no mention is ever made again about his alcoholism. And he obviously did memorize his lines because his performance was pretty good. He also made 7 more movies after E3. Dourif made him sound like he was on the brink of death. Exaggeration on his part or did Miller manage to turn himself around? Maybe there's no way to definitively know. Fascinating documentary nonetheless.

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I watched the deleted prologue that was included on the theatrical version disc. I am wondering why was that not added to the Legion director's cut?


My guess would be that the scene tends to spoil what comes later, the big reveal that the man in the cell is Damien Karras...at least his body. Yes, I know the film is old and everyone already knows this, but maybe Blatty wanted to retain the structure of not revealing this until later on. Also, I think it might get in the way of the eerie opening credits, interrupting the smooth flow. That would be my guess, anyhow.

And he obviously did memorize his lines because his performance was pretty good.


Well remember, Brad Dourif was to be completely cut from the film and replaced by Jason Miller, but then later on, it became evident that Jason was having great difficulty doing the longer monologues. The decision was then made to bring back Dourif to reshoot certain segments. I believe the term used for Jason was "wet brain". I am not an expert on Jason Miller's life, so I only have this Bluray to go by. Most likely, he did have some difficulties at times which required them to go back to Dourif. The extent of the difficulties we will probably never know. All in all, I think it worked out brilliantly, with Brad playing the face of James Venamun and Jason playing the face of Father Karras.

Dourif made him sound like he was on the brink of death. Exaggeration on his part or did Miller manage to turn himself around?


Who knows. Brad may not have even been present when Jason was filming. Like I said, he was to be replaced, then was later brought back to reshoot certain scenes. Maybe Brad is just going by what he was told?? Jason Miller seemed good and well in the old vintage interviews.

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