Documentary Explores John Boorman's 'Exorcist II' Disaster

The documentary 'Boorman and the Devil' chronicles the production of John Boorman's 1977 film 'Exorcist II: The Heretic,' a project widely regarded as a cinematic disaster. The film delves into the director's unwavering commitment and the subsequent critical and commercial failure of 'Exorcist II,' which starred Linda Blair, Richard Burton, and Kitty Winn. Despite the film's infamous reception, the documentary suggests that Boorman and those involved still grapple with understanding the precise reasons for its downfall, portraying their perspective as a blend of admirable fortitude and perhaps delusional hubris. The narrative positions the making of 'Exorcist II' as a story so marked by high-minded ambition clashing with reality that it takes on the tone of an unintentionally comedic mockumentary, akin to the style of Christopher Guest's films.

'Exorcist II: The Heretic' was a sequel to William Friedkin's highly successful 1973 horror film 'The Exorcist.' Boorman, known for his ambitious and often unconventional filmmaking, took over directing duties for the sequel. The film attempted to expand the mythology established in the first movie, introducing elements of science fiction and exploring the psychological and spiritual aspects of exorcism in a way that diverged significantly from its predecessor. However, the creative choices made by Boorman, including a focus on psychic powers and a complex, non-linear narrative, were met with widespread confusion and derision from critics and audiences alike. The film's budget was reportedly substantial for its time, further amplifying the impact of its box office underperformance and critical panning. Its failure led to significant damage to the reputations of both Boorman and the 'Exorcist' franchise for a period.

The documentary 'Boorman and the Devil' reportedly features interviews with individuals connected to the production, offering firsthand accounts of the challenges and creative decisions that defined the filming of 'Exorcist II.' It aims to explore the mindset of a director who, despite mounting evidence of a project going awry, maintained a steadfast belief in his vision. This persistence, while perhaps admirable in its dedication, is presented as a key factor contributing to the film's eventual status as a cult classic for all the wrong reasons. The film's narrative arc, as depicted in the documentary, is one of grand artistic aspiration colliding with the harsh realities of audience reception and critical judgment, creating a compelling, albeit unintentional, study in creative conviction and its potential pitfalls. The documentary's title itself, 'Boorman and the Devil,' alludes to the dark and challenging nature of the film's creation and its thematic elements, while also hinting at the personal struggle Boorman faced in bringing his vision to fruition. The film's legacy is thus framed not just by its failure, but by the extraordinary circumstances and the singular vision that led to it, making its story a subject of fascination for film historians and enthusiasts of cinematic misadventures.