This stream is a special presentation of the two Exorcist prequels, which have an interesting history…
Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull) was originally hired to helm the prequel to The Exorcist, agreeing to do the film because he found the script and the studio’s approach intriguing. The film, titled Exorcist: The Beginning was completed and even had begun to be marketed (a teaser trailer had been released) when it was shelved by the studio, over concerns about the film’s commercial viability.
Despite Schrader having faithfully directed the script the studio had developed, Morgan Creek (in Schrader’s estimation) had a case of “buyer’s remorse” upon seeing the result in rough cut form, believing that the film was too cerebral and lacking in overt “horror” scenes that would be expected from the franchise.
The studio consequently replaced Schrader with Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2: Die Harder, Deep Blue Sea), originally with the plan to conduct a few re-shoots. However, ultimately the movie was re-written and re-shot altogether, albeit with many of the same plot points, locations and sets as the original production, but with a tone dramatically shifted to that of a more conventional horror film. Several cast members were retained for the more expensive second production, as was cinematographer Vittorio Storaro.
The end result? Two crap prequels. They are fascinating purely from a production standpoint though.
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5:00 GamesMaster (series 3, episode 16)
5:25 Da Ali G Show – ‘Peace’ (series 3, episode 3)
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5:55 FILM: Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist (2005)
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7:55 Face Off – ‘Dishonorable Proportions’ (series 3, episode 6)
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8:40 FILM: Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)
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As always, remember that start times are approximate, so if there’s anything in particular on the schedule that you would care to see, please try to join the stream 10 minutes or so ahead of the listed start time. I hope to see you all on the other side.
Join the stream from 5:00pm (GMT) and onward, Wednesday 02/12/20, over at https://live.fc2.com/25093044.