Dave kicks off a new occasional series, looking at the films that have courted controversy over the years.
Where better to start than The Exorcist?
Some of these films you will have heard of.
You see, horror has always captured the imagination.
Yet, as with videogames in modern times, they struggled to be accepted as a valid medium.
It may not be respected, but it is often mined as a source for ideas and inspiration.
Even today, horror rarely features in the more serious award ceremonies.
BAFTAs and Academy Awards are both reticent in their appreciation of the genre.
Its something entirely different.
So, why this fear?
Its a powerful tool.
Furthermore, people needed this regulation to get to protect themselves from themselves.
Its true that there were some…explicit materials out there.
However, theres more to the film than that.
The language is still as shocking as ever.
Of course, we can argue, today, that these moments would be accepted.
Indeed, many teenagers may find cause to laugh at the language.
Is it a laugh of humour or discomfort, though?
Theres probably no wiser individual on the topic ofThe Exorcistthan Mark Kermode.
The portrayal of religion has always been a challenge for the BBFC.
The film doesnt even have to be directly and boldly about religion to raise the protests.
Many worried that people would believe in demonic possession or become possessed themselves.
So, what ofThe Exorcisttoday?
The Exorcistis heavily dialogue driven, emotionally draining, shockingly powerful and raw.
