The Exorcist Cursed Injury Report
The Exorcist, a film that has long been shrouded in mystery and fear, continues to captivate audiences with its chilling narrative and the eerie tales surrounding its production. The movie, released in 1973, has not only left a lasting impact on the horror genre but has also been the subject of numerous rumors and alleged curses. One such story that has persisted over the years is the claim that an audience member fainted during the film’s original theatrical release, broke her jaw, and subsequently sued Warner Bros. and the filmmakers. This tale, like many others associated with The Exorcist, has been a topic of much debate and speculation.
The claim, which first appeared on IMDb and later on Wikipedia, suggests that the use of subliminal imagery in the film caused the audience member to pass out. However, extensive research into newspaper records, blogs, documentaries, and interviews has yielded no concrete evidence to support this story. While it’s not impossible that such an incident occurred, the lack of coverage in major publications like The New York Times makes it highly unlikely. The Exorcist is notorious for its numerous lawsuits and stories of its “cursed production,” but this particular claim seems to be more fiction than fact.
The production of The Exorcist was indeed plagued by a series of unfortunate events, leading many to believe that the film was cursed. Ellen Burstyn, who played Regan’s mother, mentioned in the documentary Fear Of God: 25 Years Of The Exorcist that nine people died during the year-long production. Max von Sydow, who portrayed Father Lankester Merrin, noted that the extended duration of the production increased the likelihood of accidents and mishaps. These incidents, coupled with the film’s dark subject matter, have contributed to the legend of The Exorcist’s cursed production.
One of the most significant setbacks occurred before filming even began. A fire broke out on the set of the MacNeil home, destroying everything except Regan’s bedroom. This incident delayed production by six weeks as the set had to be rebuilt. Additionally, personal tragedies struck the cast and crew. Max von Sydow’s brother passed away, and Linda Blair, who played Regan, lost her grandfather, causing further delays. A 10-foot demon statue intended for the film was also lost in transit, adding to the production’s woes.
Injuries were another common occurrence on the set. Ellen Burstyn suffered a back injury during a scene where she was pulled to the floor by a harness. Linda Blair also fractured her lower back while convulsing in a harness, leading to a lifelong struggle with scoliosis. These injuries were not the result of supernatural forces but rather human error and the physical demands of the scenes.
Despite the numerous setbacks and injuries, many involved in the film have dismissed the idea of a curse. Max von Sydow pointed out that with a production lasting as long as The Exorcist, accidents and deaths are bound to happen. He believed that the rumors of a curse were good for publicity but not rooted in reality. Director William Friedkin also downplayed the supernatural aspects, attributing the incidents to mere coincidence.
However, some crew members were convinced that the set was haunted. In response, Friedkin invited Father Thomas Bermingham, a consultant on the film, to perform an exorcism. Bermingham declined, opting instead to bless the cast and crew to alleviate their fears. Linda Blair, who was raised Protestant, did not find the subject matter of the film frightening and was more focused on her performance than the rumors of a curse.
The Exorcist’s legacy continues with the release of The Exorcist: Believer, which expands on the original story. The new film, set to open on October 6, is expected to reignite interest in the supposed haunting and cursed production of the original. As audiences prepare to revisit the terrifying world of The Exorcist, the stories of injuries, deaths, and supernatural occurrences will undoubtedly resurface, adding to the film’s enduring mystique.
In conclusion, while the tales of The Exorcist’s cursed production and the alleged injuries sustained by audience members make for compelling stories, they are largely unsubstantiated. The film’s impact on the horror genre and its ability to evoke fear and fascination remain undeniable. As new generations discover The Exorcist and its sequels, the legends surrounding its production will continue to be a topic of intrigue and speculation.
