William Peter Blatty On The Exorcist From Novel To Film
The Exorcist: A Horror Classic
The Exorcist is a horror novel written by William Peter Blatty in 1971. The story revolves around the demonic possession of a young girl, Regan MacNeil, and the attempts of two priests to exorcise the demon. The novel was an instant bestseller and won the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel in 1972. It was later adapted into a movie, which became a cult classic and one of the most terrifying horror movies of all time.
The Inspiration Behind The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty was inspired to write The Exorcist after reading an article in The Washington Post about the exorcism of a young boy in Maryland. Blatty, who was raised Catholic, became intrigued by the idea of demonic possession and began researching the topic extensively. He spent several years studying the history of exorcism and interviewing priests, doctors, and psychologists.
The Writing Process
Blatty spent a total of three years writing The Exorcist. He wrote the novel in longhand, using a yellow legal pad and a pen. He would often write for 10 to 12 hours a day, taking breaks only to eat and sleep. Blatty has said that he was so consumed by the story that he often dreamed about the characters and woke up with new ideas for the novel.
The Success Of The Novel
The Exorcist was an instant success, selling over 13 million copies in the United States alone. The novel was praised for its suspenseful plot, vivid characters, and realistic portrayal of demonic possession. It was also controversial for its graphic depictions of violence and sexual content. Despite the controversy, the novel was widely acclaimed and won several awards.
The Adaptation To Film
In 1973, The Exorcist was adapted into a movie directed by William Friedkin. Blatty wrote the screenplay for the film, which starred Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil, Max von Sydow as Father Merrin, and Jason Miller as Father Karras. The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $441 million worldwide.
The Legacy Of The Exorcist
The Exorcist is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror movies of all time. It has been praised for its groundbreaking special effects, realistic portrayal of demonic possession, and powerful performances. The movie has also had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous imitations and parodies.
William Peter Blatty's Legacy
William Peter Blatty passed away on January 12, 2017, at the age of 89. He leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest horror writers of all time. In addition to The Exorcist, he wrote several other bestselling novels, including Legion, which was also adapted into a movie.
Conclusion
The Exorcist is a timeless horror classic that continues to scare audiences to this day. William Peter Blatty's novel and the subsequent movie adaptation have had a lasting impact on the horror genre and popular culture. Blatty's legacy as a master of horror will continue to inspire and terrify readers and viewers for generations to come.