Documentary Review: An In-Depth Exploration of the Creation of 'Exorcist II: The Heretic,' a Controversial Sequel Famously Hated by Hollywood

In the summer of 1977, a much-anticipated follow-up to William Friedkin's horror classic, "The Exorcist," was released. However, the sequel, titled "Exorcist II: The Heretic," was met with negative reviews upon its release and was considered a critical and commercial bomb.

Directed by John Boorman, the film's production was fraught with difficulties. A documentary titled "Boorman and the Devil," directed by David Kittredge, delves deep into this troubled production and reception. The documentary includes interviews with technicians involved in the production of "Exorcist II: The Heretic," providing a play-by-play account of the project that had the potential to be something special.

One of the key aspects explored in "Boorman and the Devil" is the idea that artistic freedom still exists in an industry that tries to remove it from the formula. Despite the challenges, Boorman and his team attempted to create a unique and original sequel, a fact that some critics have praised.

The film's budget ballooned to $15 million ($85 million today), making it one of the most expensive films of its time. Linda Blair, who played the lead in the first film, returned for a huge fee for the sequel. However, she refused to wear the same makeup from the first film during the production of "Exorcist II: The Heretic."

The film's cast included Richard Burton, who was criticized for his performance, with some describing it as "phoning it in." Director John Boorman was hospitalized due to a rare disease caused by inhaling sand during filming.

"Exorcist II: The Heretic" was not as successful as its predecessor, pulling in significantly less revenue. The film's failure led to questions about whether a flop can sometimes be a good thing, a question that "Boorman and the Devil" asks.

Despite the negative reviews, some critics have mixed opinions on "Exorcist II: The Heretic." Some have praised its originality and categorized it as a masterpiece, while others have criticized it harshly. The documentary "Boorman and the Devil" recreates some of the on-set mayhem using animated sequences, offering a unique perspective on the film's production.

After the release of "Boorman and the Devil," Kittredge has planned a film titled "The Right to Love" as his next project. The documentary serves as a testament to the complexities of filmmaking and the enduring legacy of "Exorcist II: The Heretic."