It's a sobering thought that despite a fair amount of boring, stupid, uninventive and dull films that are released there were and still are figures like Blatty that make cinema worth it. Rest in peace.
I think the opening chapter of the exorcist, ending with seeing the statue of the demon pazuzu, is one of the most brilliantly haunting bits of writing ever. W.P.B was a real artist.
I read Legion a couple of years ago and couldn't put it down. I also love to hear him talk on the Exorcist commentary he did for DVD and Blu-ray. So intelligent and kind-hearted. He will be missed.
Lovely tribute, Mark. The tourist's photo story made me laugh out loud. When I heard he had passed away, I thought of you. I've never seen The Exorcist, so I will watch it now in tribute.
Thank you for this video Mark, that tourist story was great and it's nice to hear a tribute from someone who admired and respected all of his work and didn't just think of him as "that guy who wrote The Exorcist", because he really was so much more than just that. RIP.
Thanks Kermo! I had the privilege of setting him up for an interview maybe 18 months before his death. Then we spoke. He was a lovely person. Simple and kind. He even donated to my foundation for the Dwekh Nawsha families of soldiers fighting ISIS.
Thank you for the great tribute we knew was coming after hearing of Blatty's passing. And what a fabulous and fitting anecdote of the tourists at the Georgetown steps. I'm sure you're grateful to have all the wonderful memories of him as a man as well as the writer that we all know and will miss.
I just want to say that I was unaware of William Peter Blatty's death. He spoke at our film school Sherwood Oaks as a guest of William Friedkin. I saw both "The Ninth Configuration" and "Exorcist III" when they came out... loving them both. I was also raised Catholic. Thank you for this tribute.
I have often wondered whether the creators of Columbo were inspired by the brilliant character of Lt. William Kinderman. He was a great example of how Blatty fleshed out, particularly in the books, what in other hands would have been a minor cardboard cutout character.
Great video, Mark. How strange that right before the day he dies, I finally got my copy of Exorcist III in the mail. Such a terrifying movie it is but also wonderful in its own ways. RIP to a great writer.
When I heard the news I immediately thought of William Friedkin and then Mark Kermode. I had been planning on purchasing the Blu Ray of Exorcist III since it was announced, now after his passing, I'm ordering it today. R.I.P. Sir...
Didn't know he died until now. The Exorcist is one of the best novels I've ever read. The way it approaches faith and the supernatural through the gauntlet of skepticism and doubt is unparalleled. Like all great art, it changes you after encountering it. I'm a published horror novelist but I will never write anything nearly as good as The Exorcist. Thank you, William Peter Blatty.
i would agree - "Legion" was a revelation to me, in both it's storytelling and it's dip into gnosticism and myth. The theatrical version of "Exorcist III" (I haven't see the director's cut, yet) is well-acted and very effective in its aura of menace, fear and grief. It does justice to the book as best it can - with some slight suggestions from the studio.... But, demonic possession aside, Blatty could be very witty and charming, as is shown in his lesser-known works. God bless him - he'll be missed.
Despite being a great admirer of 'Exorcist III' for some reason it took me years to get around to reading 'Legion'. Since then I've read it I don't know how many times and will keep doing so. It's the most extraordinary ride and a treat every time - like all the really good books are.
Thanks for this, Mark. The Exorcist is one of my all time favourite films and I'll definitely be watching The Ninth Configuration and The Exorcist III (the director's version).
I finally read it a year ago, between December and January. I don't read much fiction because I concentrate on reading poltiics and history, but of the few novels I have read, "The Exorcist" is right up there! I'm talking here of the original 1971 publication.
I remember putting on the ninth configuration on with every intention of falling asleep to it but nope two minutes in i was hooked. I can't say its the best film i've seen personally but its weird and funny and down right creepy in parts and its brilliant what more would you want.
The Exorcist: Novel & Films, first and Legion are some of the most influential and copied, works ever. In thrillers, there are so many shots, and ideas, that I think directors and writers redo, even unconsciously, so often. As an adult, it is Legion(Exorcist 3) that stuck with me. It has tension that builds so tight, it feels like George C. Scott is going to have a heart attack at one point, or his head explode.
The original Exorcist is my all time favorite film. I keep hoping that maybe how Morgan Creek released the version of Nightbreed that had footage put back in from VHS copies of early cuts (only later to put out a version with the actual footage), that we will get a version of the "Legion" with footage that matches the film. It gets too distracting going in and out of formats.
A genius writer, and he must have had Satan's blood in his pen when he writ the classic The Exorcist, arguably the greatest ever film, and a cinematic Horror Masterpiece.
While I liked the film of The Exorcist (although I wouldn't put it anywhere near a list of favourite films) I found the book a real slog, I didn't like the writing style at all, and Legion I gave up on after about 30 pages.
![เจ้าผู้เดียว - ดิด คิตตี้ [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/q0NLCYKBOTo/mqdefault.jpg)
It's a sobering thought that despite a fair amount of boring, stupid, uninventive and dull films that are released there were and still are figures like Blatty that make cinema worth it. Rest in peace.
Would be wonderful if somehow those Japanese tourists watched this clip...
sad to see Kermode looking so heartbroken
I think the opening chapter of the exorcist, ending with seeing the statue of the demon pazuzu, is one of the most brilliantly haunting bits of writing ever. W.P.B was a real artist.
Such a heartfelt tribute.
R. I. P.
One of the greatest horror novels, perhaps the greatest horror film of all time.
THE EXORCIST is The Beatles of horror films.....
It is the greatest horror/psychology horror novel ever published.
Just finished listening to the audio book of the Exorcist.
Narrated by Blatty. It is absolutely superb!
Do I sense a slight amount of emotion in Mark at the end of the clip?
Most definitely.
Exorcist 3 is incredible; it’s brilliantly written & terrifying
I read Legion a couple of years ago and couldn't put it down. I also love to hear him talk on the Exorcist commentary he did for DVD and Blu-ray. So intelligent and kind-hearted. He will be missed.
Lovely tribute, Mark. The tourist's photo story made me laugh out loud. When I heard he had passed away, I thought of you. I've never seen The Exorcist, so I will watch it now in tribute.
The Exorcist 3, troubled production or not, is worth it just for THAT nurse scene. Absolutely my favorite jump scare. Brilliant!
What a story, Mark.
Water store remark.
Thank you for this video Mark, that tourist story was great and it's nice to hear a tribute from someone who admired and respected all of his work and didn't just think of him as "that guy who wrote The Exorcist", because he really was so much more than just that. RIP.
Thanks Kermo! I had the privilege of setting him up for an interview maybe 18 months before his death. Then we spoke. He was a lovely person. Simple and kind. He even donated to my foundation for the Dwekh Nawsha families of soldiers fighting ISIS.
Thank you for the great tribute we knew was coming after hearing of Blatty's passing. And what a fabulous and fitting anecdote of the tourists at the Georgetown steps. I'm sure you're grateful to have all the wonderful memories of him as a man as well as the writer that we all know and will miss.
I just want to say that I was unaware of William Peter Blatty's death. He spoke at our film school Sherwood Oaks as a guest of William Friedkin. I saw both "The Ninth Configuration" and "Exorcist III" when they came out... loving them both. I was also raised Catholic. Thank you for this tribute.
I have often wondered whether the creators of Columbo were inspired by the brilliant character of Lt. William Kinderman. He was a great example of how Blatty fleshed out, particularly in the books, what in other hands would have been a minor cardboard cutout character.
Great tribute Mark. William Peter Blatty was indeed a great artist /writer, The Exorcist is my favorite film of all time as well.
Great video, Mark. How strange that right before the day he dies, I finally got my copy of Exorcist III in the mail. Such a terrifying movie it is but also wonderful in its own ways.
RIP to a great writer.
When I heard the news I immediately thought of William Friedkin and then Mark Kermode. I had been planning on purchasing the Blu Ray of Exorcist III since it was announced, now after his passing, I'm ordering it today. R.I.P. Sir...
Didn't know he died until now. The Exorcist is one of the best novels I've ever read. The way it approaches faith and the supernatural through the gauntlet of skepticism and doubt is unparalleled. Like all great art, it changes you after encountering it. I'm a published horror novelist but I will never write anything nearly as good as The Exorcist. Thank you, William Peter Blatty.
i would agree - "Legion" was a revelation to me, in both it's storytelling and it's dip into gnosticism and myth. The theatrical version of "Exorcist III" (I haven't see the director's cut, yet) is well-acted and very effective in its aura of menace, fear and grief. It does justice to the book as best it can - with some slight suggestions from the studio.... But, demonic possession aside, Blatty could be very witty and charming, as is shown in his lesser-known works. God bless him - he'll be missed.
Despite being a great admirer of 'Exorcist III' for some reason it took me years to get around to reading 'Legion'. Since then I've read it I don't know how many times and will keep doing so. It's the most extraordinary ride and a treat every time - like all the really good books are.
His crisis of faith went better than mine is. I hope he's right, and he's at peace. Knew Mark would offer up a heartfelt tribute.
Thanks for this, Mark. The Exorcist is one of my all time favourite films and I'll definitely be watching The Ninth Configuration and The Exorcist III (the director's version).
Great video Mark. You have inspired me to investigate further.
Thanks you for this video! I share your passion for Blatty, and must watch The Exorcist, III, and Ninth Configuration, at least, once a year. :)
I'm sorry for the loss of your friend and hero Mark.
All the stills of Blatty kept on reminding me of Quint in Jaws.
Hahahha yes that's it I couldn't quite put my finger on it...
What a great tribute. I will look more in to Blatty's work.
The thing that grabbed me about Exorcist III was the great dialog.
rest in peace, and thank you for my favourite horror novel!
Beautiful tribute, Doctor K.
I finally read it a year ago, between December and January. I don't read much fiction because I concentrate on reading poltiics and history, but of the few novels I have read, "The Exorcist" is right up there! I'm talking here of the original 1971 publication.
Lovely tribute.
Mr. Blatty is a legend! A true talent, now gone....
RIP Mr. Blatty. Great writer, great man.
Great, great, great enidng anecdote!
9th configuration, very strange film, but never boring
I couldn't have put it better myself
I remember putting on the ninth configuration on with every intention of falling asleep to it but nope two minutes in i was hooked. I can't say its the best film i've seen personally but its weird and funny and down right creepy in parts and its brilliant what more would you want.
The Exorcist: Novel & Films, first and Legion are some of the most influential and copied, works ever. In thrillers, there are so many shots, and ideas, that I think directors and writers redo, even unconsciously, so often. As an adult, it is Legion(Exorcist 3) that stuck with me. It has tension that builds so tight, it feels like George C. Scott is going to have a heart attack at one point, or his head explode.
The original Exorcist is my all time favorite film. I keep hoping that maybe how Morgan Creek released the version of Nightbreed that had footage put back in from VHS copies of early cuts (only later to put out a version with the actual footage), that we will get a version of the "Legion" with footage that matches the film. It gets too distracting going in and out of formats.
Nice1 Mark
Totally agree.
got the ninth configuration on blu ray for a fiver in the chazza shop!
Best movie ever
A genius writer, and he must have had Satan's blood in his pen when he writ the classic The Exorcist, arguably the greatest ever film, and a cinematic Horror Masterpiece.
R.I.P.
Halloween is the best horror film of all time IMO.
But I still love The Exorcist.
RIP
WPB will be missed....
I’ll leave it on The Steps, Steps.
your book scaerd us
This abnormal obsession with Blatty and the Excorcist by Kermode is a rather strange
william blatty's dying wish was for the kermodeandmayo channel to fix their audio levels. this video is the ultimate disrespect.
Ha Ha great story : )
While I liked the film of The Exorcist (although I wouldn't put it anywhere near a list of favourite films) I found the book a real slog, I didn't like the writing style at all, and Legion I gave up on after about 30 pages.
I met him while I was working at HMV when him & Blair did a signing. He was a really nice man. Blair not so much.
No, Blair is a top bloke also.
Just rewatched the Exorcist and have one question…..
What was the noise in the attic?
If you love the film...1 make sure you see it on the big screen one day and 2 Read the novel. 40th anniversary edition.