Lizz > Status Update

Savageland (2015) - Documentary style film about a town killed off in one night, with one survivor, who may, or may not, be insane. Very original delivery.

Can you tell me three films similar to The Exorcist (1973)? I am looking for similar films that are grave, gripping, disturbing and with a long build up.

The Empty Man (2020) - There is a bogey man, a legend, a cult, and more than enough Lovecraft to satisfy anyone who likes that kind of thing. Like me.

Absentia (2011) - woman’s husband disappeared many years ago and just when she’s about to have him legally claimed absent, he reappears. Tunnel is suspicious.

Altered (2006) - men who were abducted by aliens, capture one many years later

I have seen The Empty Man, Lizz. Pretty good film.

I was happily surprised with that one. New movies are not my favourites. But I’m cataloging the best

The Atticus Institute.

Barbarian (2022) is pretty good. Despite the weak ending and crappy lead actress.

Yes! I can! I love the build up.
The Exorcist is in my top three of all time and nothing can get there the way that one did but many feel close: tension, paranoia, fear, demons

Rosemary’s Baby (1968) The Tenant (1976). Both directed by Roman Polanski. Slow burns, perfect settings and framing. Great performances. Both truthful to the excellent books they’re based from.

Messiah of Evil (1973) - woman goes looking for her hermit artist father in a weird small town and finds something horrible. In my top five of all time.

Possession (1981) - Sam Neil knows something is going on with his wife, but wasn’t prepared for the truth (in top ten of all time)

Another great film directed by the writer of the Exorcist, is The Ninth Configuration. A castle is inhabited by soldiers considered insane and the ex marine psychiatrist tries to help them. One new patient is the guy going on the space mission that, in the Exorcist, Reagan foretells his death before peeing on the rug (“you’re gonna die up there”). Not scary but just a great film.

City of the Living Dead (1980) and The Beyond (1981) both directed by Italian director Lucio Fulci. These still frighten me after all these years. The atmosphere. Plot holes and continuity aside, because that’s Italian horror for you. Just enjoy it

There’s more but this will keep you busy for a while

I have watched both the Polanski films and Possession. Not seen Messiah of Evil. Will check that out.

Great recommendations, Liz. I second Messiah of Evil. Such a creepy atmosphere in that movie.

J, if you are looking for movies similar to The Exorcist, I would also recommend some of Friedkin's other movies from that time- The French Connection, Sorcerer, Cruising. None of them are horror movies per se, the way The Exorcist is...but I think they share a similar intensity and bleakness.

Mike wrote: "Great recommendations, Liz. I second Messiah of Evil. Such a creepy atmosphere in that movie.

J, if you are looking for movies similar to The Exorcist, I would also recommend some of Friedkin's ot..."

Mike I have seen all of those. Sorcerer is a sinister film. I love it.

But I have not watched a horror film as devastating as THE EXORCIST. It makes most other horror films feel like total mediocre shit. There is nothing else like it, Mike. Not even The Shining.

I'll have to check out the Lucio Fulci movies you mentioned. I also love Messiah of Evil. The movie theater scene, the grocery store scene, really good movie.

Jayakrishnan wrote: "Mike wrote: "Great recommendations, Liz. I second Messiah of Evil. Such a creepy atmosphere in that movie.

J, if you are looking for movies similar to The Exorcist, I would also recommend some of ..."

I hear you. Yeah, it's a classic for a reason...although personally I'd rank Possession even higher than The Exorcist. I see Possession the way you see The Exorcist maybe, as just totally singular and radiating pure evil.

Ever see The Entity (1982)? That was the last movie that I'd say really unnerved me.

Kurt wrote: "I'll have to check out the Lucio Fulci movies you mentioned. I also love Messiah of Evil. The movie theater scene, the grocery store scene, really good movie."

That movie theater...*shiver.*

Nothing has that same feeling as The Exorcist. I think there’s many reasons. A big one is Freidkin went ape on the set, freaking people out. The crying priest giving Damien the last rites was shocked into tears by Friedkin. The bruise on the mothers eye was real. From the scene of her getting knocked around by the furniture. Regan screaming was real because the harness contraption throwing her body was hurting her. Oh and the coincidental deaths in the time period and even fires that took place on set. It’s a once in a lifetime film.

Thanks Mike. I’m trying to keep film alive, for myself and others. I’ve been so disappointed in modern art and film. I get excited when I find something good, I want to share it.

Messiah of Evil… the settings are perfect. The house with all the murals! The creepy 360 hanging bed. And the dialogue. My friends and I still use it
“Can’t bury em. Gotta burn em.”
“Where are we going?” “I DONT KNOW!”
“Do you like Wagner?”

Kurt if you love creepy horror, you’ll love Fulci. He did another one I like called, Zombie. It’s very atmospheric. Also, House by the Cemetery. I think those are his four worth watching. Give leniency for continuity like I said because Italian films are more about the experience than nitpicking details like “does this logically follow that?”

I watched House by the Cemetery last night again after reading your update. So good! Love me some Fulci!

That makes me very happy, Phil!