Would it have been more fitting to have Father Dyer perform the exorcism at the end, rather than creating a whole new character for that role? I feel that it could have added a little more weight to the story and make the scene seem a little less forced.
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Then you'd (obviously) have to change the plot so that Dyer isn't murdered by the Gemini Killer, which would completely change the trajectory of the story.
It would be much better not to have had the exorcism at all (there was none in the novel, nor apparently in the original cut of this film).
It would be much better not to have had the exorcism at all (there was none in the novel, nor apparently in the original cut of this film)
Probably so, but the novel's climax is much too weak for a movie. Blatty's over-the-top exorcism was not the solution, of course, but in the novel, the climax is a real sleeper:
Vennamun/the Gemini Killer is (supported by the vengeful demon from the original novel and film) on a murder spree. He's back in the body (the resuscitated corpse of Damien Karras) and is continuing his rampage of killing people whose names start with the letter "K". He does this in order to avenge himself upon his wicked evangelical-preacher father, Karl Vennamun. In the Legion novel, Karl Vennamun simply dies, and when the Gemini learns of it, all the steam goes out of him, and he, too gives up the ghost, leaving Karras' body dead again. The only suspense in the scene is that Kinderman hears a shuffling sound and turns to see slippers-clad elderly-and-mental patients silently approaching him in this, the Gemini's final mass-possession. But at that moment, the Gemini dies and the patients become un-possessed, and Kinderman is out of danger.
Very weak stuff for a film climax, especially one that is the cinematic sequel of The Exorcist. I can't blame Morgan Creek Studios for wanting a strong, definitive and memorable ending, although I do blame them for insisting on a full-blown exorcism scene.
I think that having the Gemini just give up, leave Karras' body, and let Karras die upon finding out that his father was dead would be a fine ending, provided we had some back story about the twin brother and abusive preacher father.
Someone mentioned that the original cut of this film did have the back story about the Vennamun's father. I wonder who played Karl Vennamum in the original cut. I've always thought that it would have been a great opportunity for a cameo by James Coburn or someone equally good at playing violent, cranky old men (watch Coburn in Affliction to see what I mean).
Agreed, as you said, IF they had gone with the Twins motif. That would make the Gemini's "giving up" poignant. This might not make me popular, but I could easily see GC Scott in the part of the Twins' abusive dad, and have someone else take over the Kinderman role (Jason Robards, Herschel Bernardi). I think that had that cast change been made, people might be saying, "Yeah, that Exorcist III - did you see Dourif's great acting job?" Reply: "Yeah, Dourif was great, but Scott was just as good as a scary evangelical fanatic - he really gave Dourif a run for his money!"
Someone mentioned that the original cut of this film did have the back story about the Vennamun's father
I would love to see that, as would many people... too bad the original shoot is "lost" and/or "destroyed".
I would also like to see the Miller version with the coroner scene retained and intact, where Scott (or Bernardi or Robards) would come in and say, "Goodbye, Damien"... and then when everyone has left the room, a faint flicker of life shows up on the EG machine (or whatever monitoring device they used). This would perhaps hint at explaining the cassocked running priest at the beginning when the credits are rolling...
Someone mentioned that the original cut of this film did have the back story about the Vennamun's father. I wonder who played Karl Vennamum in the original cut.
Dude, are you still working on that book or what? I really await the day (rather patiently) when we can all view the original cut of the film. You said you had found it. No rush, but damn, at least give us an update..
I'm not a control freak, I just like things my way
Count me in as another wanting that update.
I still (really) want to read that book.
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Wait a minute... who am I here?
Yeah, sure, I'll buy the book, no problem. It'll be a good read and this film is intriguing enough to warrant a book on it. However, I really would like to know what's up with that original edit. Give us an update, or at least tell us what sort of quality it was found in. Was it VHS, laserdisc..?
I can't remember but I think I recall him saying that Blatty's ex-wife or someone had a copy of it or something..? Also, I hope they uploaded it to a computer immediately to salvage whatever quality it was in.
I'm not a control freak, I just like things my way
As I have stated before: there are many plot twists behind the scenes. It's hard to "finish" a story that's still unfolding. I've literally been talking to Blatty and Warner Brothers this weekend.
Meanwhile: you still have Bastach to educate you on the film. ;)
ekm
Writer/Director -- ROULETTE
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1294794/combined
Hey, sorry, somehow I missed this reply.
Thanks for the update. My mouth is watering for the original edit of this film, man. Whenever you get a chance, perhaps you can respond to my PM. I have an idea regarding the aftermath of your book that could lead to a fitting documentary. I hope Blatty and Warner Bros. can settle the thing they've got going on between them. WB could benefit from releasing a two-disc set of TEIII, one called Legion, and they could advertise it as The Exorcist's lost sequel. That'll garner sufficient sales, no doubt.
A book, a documentary, and a double-disc set. All these things would build hype and go hand-in-hand promoting one another, adding buzz to this cult film.
As for Bastach educating myself (or anyone) on the film, I'm afraid that is unnecessary. The details are available for everyone to research and investigate. Many of us are passionate about this film and its predecessor, and our insight and perceptiveness are equal to his. The only difference is, he puts in the grueling time to constantly flood the board with his excess notions. Your book is the one I'm interested in, though. Thanks again for the update. Please read my PM if you get a chance.
I'm not a control freak, I just like things my way