Boorman and the Devil Offers a Deep Dive into Exorcist II's Troubled Production
The documentary, directed by David Kittredge, chronicles John Boorman's experience making Exorcist II: The Heretic, a sequel widely considered one of the worst ever. Featuring interviews with Boorman, Linda Blair, and others, it explores the creative and personal challenges during filming. The film provides a candid look at the clash between artistic vision and audience expectations.
Boorman was 93 when he sat for his interview, which was captured roughly seven years before the documentary's release. He had previously declined the original Exorcist after reading the source novel, feeling it centered on the torment of a child. His interest in the sequel was sparked by a two-page studio treatment hinting at metaphysical themes.
The production was marked by a serious health crisis, with Boorman hospitalized during an extended hiatus. He described his intended film as a "beautiful poetic healing film," and preferred the title The Heretic, viewing it as a "riposte" to Friedkin's original rather than a continuation. The documentary also features commentary from Mike Flanagan, who is developing his own Exorcist project.
This documentary could reshape how audiences and industry professionals perceive a famously derided film, offering a more sympathetic lens on creative ambition clashing with commercial expectations. It may encourage reconsideration of other "failed" sequels and deepen appreciation for Boorman's broader body of work. For emerging filmmakers, it could serve as a cautionary yet inspiring example of artistic resilience, while also generating renewed interest in the Exorcist franchise ahead of Flanagan's upcoming installment.