‘The Exorcism’ movie review: Russell Crowe drains all originality in desperate demonic déjà vu

Russell Crowe as Anthony Miller in a scene from ‘The Exorcism’

Joshua John Miller Exorcism An attempt is made to evoke fear and depth like William Friedkin’s 1973 classic film the Exorcist. But rather than reviving the demonic brilliance of its predecessor, it falls into a hellish parodic mess, saved from total disaster only by Russell Crowe’s over-the-top desperation.

Its basis Exorcism It’s a unique blend of meta-textual contemplation and genre tropes, which attempts to exorcise its own demons by referencing the Exorcist at every turn. The story centers on Anthony Miller (Crowe), a lost actor trying to regain his relevance by playing a priest in a film-within-a-film, unabashedly called “The Georgetown Project” (a not-so-subtle homage to the town in which he was born). the Exorcist Was established).

It’s the same creative choice that makes self-referential gestures without establishing its own identity. The opening scenes are filled with iconic images, from the fog-shrouded Georgetown townhouse to the infamous “cold room,” where the actors’ breath condenses into cold air. These elements, intended as clever homages, come across as heavy-handed gestures as if the film is constantly nudging you in the ribs, whispering, “Remember this? Wasn’t that scary?”. Jason Miller (Father Karras in the Exorcist), makes things interesting but fails to translate that into his work and honestly, it feels like an exercise in nepotism gone wrong

In a disappointing development, Crowe’s exaggerated acting in the film mirrors his role as an exorcist priest in last year’s film. The Pope’s ExorcistHis portrayal of Anthony is the film’s strongest asset, though it struggles to carry the weight of a directionless script. The film’s troubled anchor gives a performance that’s both committed and showy, oscillating between genuine pathos and unintended humor, managing to keep the film from becoming completely ridiculous.

Russell Crowe as Anthony Miller in a scene from ‘The Exorcism’

The supporting cast does little to shore up the sinking ship; Ryan Simpkins as Anthony’s estranged daughter Lee and Adam Goldberg as the insufferable director Peter give performances that are more space-hogging than pivotal. Simpkins’ character, burdened by unresolved issues with his father, lapses into confusion. Goldberg’s Peter, a cardboard cutout of a megalomaniac filmmaker, doesn’t have the stamina to make his confrontations with Anthony even mildly disturbing.

However, David Hyde Pierce gives a stellar performance as the hesitant mentor priest. His character appears timid, unsure and trembling with fear for most of the film, yet he manages to put on a show of bravery to inspire hope and faith in his own ability. This makes his scenes some of the most compelling in the film, although they are too few and far between to save the overall experience.

Visually, Exorcism is a study in horror movie clichés. Shadowy corners, flickering lights and startling visuals abound, but they do little to elevate the film above mediocrity. In its attempt to honor the ExorcistThe film inadvertently highlights its own shortcomings. Obsidian eyes, deformed appendages, obscene demonic sarcophagi, we’ve seen it all before. It’s recycled, uninspired and too eager to tick off every item on the demon-possession film checklist.

Ryan Simpkins, David Hyde Pierce and Chloe Bailey in a scene from ‘The Exorcism’

Exorcism is stuck in the liminal space between homage and parody, reverence and irreverence. The result is a mishmash of ideas that works neither as a compelling possession picture nor as a poignant exploration of a fallen star. It’s cinematic torture, where the possibility of something truly inspiring seems forever out of reach (and that’s probably for the best).

But most importantly, for the sake of all that is holy, can someone please keep Russell Crowe from another career-saving exorcism movie? This guy seems intent on making identical demon-exorcism movies, right down to the identical costumes and font on the posters. May the power of Christ keep you from completing the exorcism trilogy.

The Exorcism is in theaters now