William Friedkin filmed a real exorcism!

In 1973, Director William Friedkin gave the world “the Exorcist”, instantly entered the Pantheon of the best horror makers in the world. The picture was probably the most significant work of a demonic possession in the history of cinema. The film, as we know, was based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, and also on the set the team was assisted by priest John Nicola. However, years later, Friedkin, it appears, have been on a real exorcism, and even removed about it a documentary!

The film is called “the Devil and father amorth” (The Devil and Father Amorth) was presented at the Venice film festival, a leading American weekly magazine Variety took the Director interviews, inquiring about the details of this extraordinary work:

How did you meet father Amorth?

I was familiar with his books, four or five of which have been translated into English. And I knew he was good for the film “the exorcist”, although saying that special effects was a bit much. He felt that it helps people to understand his work. I never tried to meet him, I never thought it will turn out. But I was in Lucca [Italy] about a year ago… and someone incidentally dropped that Lucca is about half an hour from Pisa… where there is an airport, where I could just over an hour to fly to Rome. Something clicked, and through his friend I was able to connect with father Amorth. Two days later he texted me and said he’d meet me.

So it was your idea?

Yes. This idea immediately appeared in my head. I would call it an Epiphany. The inner voice just told me: “I Wonder if I can meet with father Amorth?”.

It is known that Gabriele amorth was a fan of “the Exorcist”. It’s really cool that in this movie you could show something that caused this resonance, even though you have not delved into research on the specifics of his craft.

There are no studies. The only research is his book. In the United States in the 20th century there were only two known cases of possession, as far as we Mr. Blatty could judge. In the United States there were only two cases that were really confirmed… the Church is not too spread on this topic. They do not publish anything about it. They don’t encourage it. I doubt that they will Express their position regarding my [new] film. They never comment on such things. It is unlikely that they would give me permission to do what I did. He [Gabriele amorth] gave me permission, and he acted completely independently from the procedures of the Church and openly criticized the Vatican.

Still amazing that you so easily got on a real exorcism.

I myself was shocked. I had no idea that someday I will be able to meet him. I know how busy he is. He was doing exorcisms all day, every day, until I got to the hospital, and then died [September 2016].

Why do you think he made you?

I think I came to him at the right time, he wanted to let people know about this work, and he wanted the Vatican was preparing a more exorcists. He believed that I have enough attention to grasp the essence of his story… that I will be able to bring it to the public in the form of a film.

Tell us about the filming.

I had to take alone, first and foremost. Conditions were put that I come without a team and without light. So I used a Sony camera that shot high definition video. I only had this camera, and I was two feet from them, perhaps even closer.

What was it like to watch a real exorcism so close?

It was awful. I was afraid that the audience may be sympathetic to the pain and suffering of this woman that are visible in the film.

As I understand it, Amort already tried to exorcise the devil out of her?

Filmed by me, the session was already the ninth for her second in a month.

Subsequently, you have consulted with scientists in the US about what you saw and filmed. What did they say?

I consulted with neurologists, neurosurgeons, some of the best in the United States. The neurosurgeons did not have the slightest idea what happened to her, and none of them recommended surgery. They believe that all this is happening in the brain, but they say it in the film — they had never seen these symptoms… Then psychiatrists… it has been reported that modern psychiatry recognizes demonic possession. It’s called dissociative identity disorder, or demonic obsession. And if a patient comes in and says that he is possessed by demons or the devil, he’s not saying it’s wrong… They conduct psychiatric treatment, which, in their opinion, necessary, including drug therapy. And they call exorcists.

That’s the kind of passion tells William Friedkin. Well, I think regardless of your belief in demons, Satan and the big guy standing over all, this documentary deserves serious attention. We will follow the further fate of the film.