3. Linda Blair – The Exorcist
Much has been written about the perceived or actual impact on Linda Blair of performing in the sort of distressing sequences featured in Friedkin’s horror masterpiece. Undoubtedly, even with body doubles, dubbing and prosthetic make-up, there is much here that an actor in their young teens should not be put through, no matter how much you explain to them what is going on.
Although the film eventually ramps up the more extreme elements of Regan’s possession, with levitation, green vomit, a revolving head and lots of unpleasantness with a crucifix, it is arguably in the film’s earlier, more measured sequences that Linda Blair delivers the more impactful work. As she becomes buried beneath make-up, it feels like there is less and less of her, whereas earlier moments of anguish and her coming downstairs and wetting herself really cut through, as the horror of such torment being inflicted on one so young and fragile hits home with us.
One can argue the toss ad nauseum about whether it was irresponsible to cast someone so young in such distressing scenes, though it is undoubtedly central to the film’s impact that the possession and its associated carnage be visited on a sweet-face little girl. Regardless of your position on tha debate, Blair delivers a performance that stays with you forever.
