How ‘Boorman and the Devil’ Director David Kittredge Makes a Case for ‘Exorcist II’

John Boorman's 1977 film "Exorcist II: The Heretic" was met with intense criticism upon its release, earning a zero-star review from Gene Siskel and being considered one of the worst movies ever by many. The film's box office performance was disappointing compared to the original "Exorcist," which grossed $441.3 million. Over time, attitudes towards the sequel have shifted, with critics and filmmakers now appreciating its outrageousness and artistic merit.

David Kittredge, the director of the documentary "Boorman and the Devil," aims to highlight the film's significance by showcasing its production, release, and the fallout it caused. Kittredge was encouraged to make the documentary by Jeffrey Schwarz, who noted that many of the principal cast and crew members were aging, suggesting it might be the last chance to tell the story.

Boorman, who had previously directed the hit "Deliverance" and the divisive "Zardoz," was given a significant budget for "Exorcist II," allowing him to take artistic risks. Despite the film's massive budget and the challenge of blind bidding, which forced a predetermined release date, Boorman's innovative approach ultimately contributed to the film's reputation as an artistic achievement.

However, the rushed production timeline and lack of time for post-production testing led to Boorman making further edits to the film after its release. The final cut, which includes a controversial happy ending, was not well received by audiences, leading to limited re-releases and special edition Blu-ray releases today that showcase both the original and edited versions.