Boorman's "Exorcist II" Nightmare: A Legendary Director's Haunting Tale

In the documentary "Boorman and the Devil," director David Kittredge offers a robust reframing of the legendary John Boorman's disastrous 1977 production of "Exorcist II: The Heretic." While the film is now best known for its meme-worthy moments, such as James Earl Jones dressed as a giant locust and Linda Blair tap-dancing her demons away, Kittredge's documentary provides a deeper exploration of Boorman's creative vision and the challenges he faced.

Boorman, now 92 years old, had already established himself as a visionary filmmaker with acclaimed works like "Deliverance" and "Zardoz" when he was offered the chance to direct the "Exorcist" sequel. Kittredge's documentary reveals that Boorman saw the project as an opportunity to explore the tortured interior of a traumatized character, envisioning a more spiritual and uplifting journey for Regan MacNeil (played by Linda Blair). However, this vision clashed with the studio's expectations, leading to a production plagued by setbacks, including illnesses, accidents, and a ballooning budget.

Despite the film's ultimate failure to meet industry standards, Boorman stands by his artistic choices, embracing the unexpected and troubled result as some of his most beautiful work. The documentary features insightful commentary from contemporary directors, who offer a philosophical perspective on the challenges faced by Boorman and other creators navigating the complexities of the film industry.