Schrader's Rapture

klynnm

Schrader's version actually feels like it came before. there was nothing in Harlin's action movie version that looked like it took place before 2004. The most immediately noticeable difference in this version and Exorcist: the Beginning, is that it makes sense, though it is almost the same story. And, as a bonus, we actually care.

Schrader actually had a "take" on the material. His vision, as is typical of Schrader, exalts old Hollywood, which is ironic considering he was canned for not being Hollywood enough. Everything from the cinematography, to the cast, to the effects, feel like it might have actually been made in the forties when it is set.

The cast is infinitely superior to Exorcist: The Beginning. Gabriel Mann, in particular, stands out. Sarsgaard is back to his old self. Pop-star Billy Crawford is a far more appealing and believable martyr than the child and Geena Davis/Saffron Burrows look-a-like possessions in The Beginning.

The make-up and effects are going to get bashed, but they too seemed as if they were meant to be intentional artifice. The characters' faces are clear and bright, instead of dusty, as they doubtlessly would be in that environment, and Cheche's bronzed, angelic demon god, covered in toe to bald head in glitter is obviously make-up, but he looks painted, like the androgynous rapture art covering the walls of the church. One has to admire Schrader for changing the make-up concept from Friedkin's original, which Harlin's version copied directly. One EXTREME slow motion shot is beautiful, as is a glittering dissolve. The skies during the climax look like the backgrounds of every store-bought portrait of Jesus or the saints, a high school photo day backdrop, or a Cecil B. DeMille movie. Either way, they make this film feel aged - in a good way. One brief shot is the fluorescent green of an Italian horror, and the dream sequence brings to mind Hitchcock's SPELLBOUND.

Both Paul Schrader and Renny Harlin got screwed in this deal. Morgan Creek clearly didn't want either of the men they hired, and didn't believe in either vision. Had Harlin's done better business, Schrader's would have disappeared. Now, they release Schrader's to make up for the disappointing box-office of Harlin's, but they don't advertise at all, and they release it the same weekend as REVENGE OF THE SITH. They obviously want to fail.

score 8/10

klynnm 22 May 2005

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1085533/