Interesting. I actually liked the Anthony Hopkins movie better. I don't think I could stomach seeing the old one again, even for the parts that Fr. Barron finds fascinating. There is one image from it that I wish would have never entered my brain. I do find it interesting that no matter how skeptical the culture gets, the nagging mysteries of supernatural experiences still spark curiosity.
I think The Exorcist is the superior movie by far. Not that The Rite was bad, it wasn't. But The Exorcist is truly in a league of its own. As a story and as a motion picture.
And I agree with Fr. Barron, that ultimately the 1973 movie isn't about the manifestations of the supernatural entities harassing Regan. On its most profound level, it is really a love story: the love of God for man, and the love of the priests for a tortured young girl.
And I should add a mother's love for her daughter. What a brilliant performance by Ellen Burnstyn. There are no comparable performances in the Rite, other than by Anthony Hopkins.
February 11, 2011 at 11:27 pm
Always excellent.
February 12, 2011 at 1:19 am
Interesting. I actually liked the Anthony Hopkins movie better. I don't think I could stomach seeing the old one again, even for the parts that Fr. Barron finds fascinating. There is one image from it that I wish would have never entered my brain. I do find it interesting that no matter how skeptical the culture gets, the nagging mysteries of supernatural experiences still spark curiosity.
February 13, 2011 at 12:02 am
Mr. Rogers?
February 14, 2011 at 5:02 pm
I think The Exorcist is the superior movie by far. Not that The Rite was bad, it wasn't. But The Exorcist is truly in a league of its own. As a story and as a motion picture.
And I agree with Fr. Barron, that ultimately the 1973 movie isn't about the manifestations of the supernatural entities harassing Regan. On its most profound level, it is really a love story: the love of God for man, and the love of the priests for a tortured young girl.
February 15, 2011 at 12:52 pm
And I should add a mother's love for her daughter. What a brilliant performance by Ellen Burnstyn. There are no comparable performances in the Rite, other than by Anthony Hopkins.