{
  "id": 3958494,
  "title": "Boorman and the Devil Review",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/boorman-and-the-devil-review",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-28T12:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IGN",
    "slug": "ign",
    "url": "https://www.ign.com/articles/boorman-and-the-devil-review"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Boorman and the Devil, a documentary directed by David Kittredge, explores the tumultuous journey behind the making of John Boorman's 1981 film Exorcist II: The Heretic. Released in New York City on August 28 and then expanding to other cities on September 4, the film offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs of both Boorman's career and the movie itself.\n\nBoorman, now 93, provides a reflective and witty perspective on his experiences working on Exorcist II, which he considers more of a \"riposte\" to the original rather than a sequel. The documentary delves into his personal struggles, including the aftermath of the highly successful Deliverance and the rejection of directing the original Exorcist due to concerns about its content. Boorman's decision to take on Exorcist II, despite the studio's treatment hinting at a more metaphysical approach, ultimately led to a clash between his artistic vision and audience expectations.\n\nThe film captures the essence of the \"New Hollywood\" era, highlighting the shift from traditional studio films to more independent productions. It also examines the challenges faced by filmmakers during this transitional period. Interviews with key players, including Boorman himself, stars Linda Blair and Louise Fletcher, and various crew members, provide valuable insights into the production process and the pressures faced by those involved.\n\nAs Boorman candidly admits, he may have miscalculated the type of film the audience expected, leading to the film's eventual downfall. The documentary showcases the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success, offering a compelling narrative of the highs and lows of filmmaking. Ultimately, Boorman and the Devil serves as a testament to the complexities of balancing creative vision with audience expectations, all while navigating the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood.",
  "summary": "Review: John Boorman and the Devil is a fun and engrossing look at the creation of what is considered to be one of the worst sequels ever made.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}