The original, theatrical release of William Friedkin’s landmark horror film, The Exorcist (1973), clocks in at 122 minutes, or 2 hours and 2 minutes. However, different versions exist, making the answer slightly more nuanced than a simple runtime.
Understanding The Exorcist’s Different Cuts
While the 122-minute theatrical cut is the version most audiences are familiar with, understanding the film’s history involves navigating its various versions and subsequent releases. This includes differences in international versions and the addition of deleted scenes in later releases. The differences in runtime can be subtle, but impactful to the overall viewing experience.
The Director’s Cut (aka “The Version You’ve Never Seen”)
In 2000, William Friedkin released what he called “The Version You’ve Never Seen,” often referred to as the Director’s Cut. This version included approximately 11 minutes of previously deleted scenes, extending the runtime to approximately 132 minutes. These additional scenes were re-incorporated into the film, altering the pacing and character development in subtle but noticeable ways. Some scenes, like the infamous “spider walk,” were restored, while others, Friedkin felt, added unnecessary length.
International Versions and Censorship
It’s also important to acknowledge that international versions of The Exorcist have sometimes been subject to censorship, which can affect the runtime. In some countries, specific scenes considered particularly graphic or offensive were trimmed or removed altogether, leading to shorter versions of the film. These censored versions were often driven by local regulations and sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Exorcist Runtime
Here are some common questions viewers have about the different versions and runtimes of The Exorcist:
FAQ 1: What is the runtime of the theatrical version of The Exorcist?
The original, theatrical release of The Exorcist (1973) has a runtime of 122 minutes, or 2 hours and 2 minutes. This is the version most commonly associated with the film’s initial impact and legacy.
FAQ 2: How long is “The Version You’ve Never Seen” of The Exorcist?
“The Version You’ve Never Seen,” also known as the Director’s Cut, released in 2000, has a runtime of approximately 132 minutes. This version includes approximately 11 minutes of previously deleted scenes that were re-integrated into the film.
FAQ 3: What scenes were added to “The Version You’ve Never Seen”?
Key scenes added to the Director’s Cut include the infamous “spider walk” scene where Regan descends the stairs upside down, additional dialogue between Father Karras and his mother, and more extended scenes detailing Regan’s medical examination and deteriorating condition. These additions provided more context and heightened the sense of dread.
FAQ 4: Does the Blu-ray or DVD version of The Exorcist contain both versions?
Yes, most Blu-ray and DVD releases of The Exorcist typically include both the original theatrical version (122 minutes) and the Director’s Cut (132 minutes), allowing viewers to choose their preferred viewing experience. Checking the specific edition’s details is always advisable.
FAQ 5: Does the extended runtime of the Director’s Cut significantly change the film?
While 11 minutes may seem insignificant, the added scenes do alter the pacing and impact of certain moments. The added scenes provide more character development and enhance the overall sense of dread, though some argue that they disrupt the film’s original, tighter pacing. Ultimately, whether the extended runtime significantly changes the film is a matter of personal opinion.
FAQ 6: Are there any other versions of The Exorcist besides the theatrical and Director’s Cut?
Beyond the theatrical and Director’s Cut, some international versions of The Exorcist may have been censored, leading to shorter runtimes. These versions are less common and often represent edits made to comply with specific regional regulations.
FAQ 7: Why was the “spider walk” scene originally cut from the theatrical release?
William Friedkin originally cut the “spider walk” scene because he felt it looked unconvincing and detracted from the overall realism of the film. He later regretted this decision and restored the scene in the Director’s Cut after improvements were made to the special effects.
FAQ 8: Where can I find the runtime information for a specific release of The Exorcist?
The most reliable way to find the runtime information for a specific release of The Exorcist is to check the packaging or the disc menu itself. Online databases like IMDb or online retailers like Amazon also often provide detailed information about the different versions and their corresponding runtimes.
FAQ 9: Is the Director’s Cut considered the definitive version of The Exorcist?
Whether the Director’s Cut is considered the definitive version is a matter of personal preference. While it includes additional scenes that provide more context and character development, some viewers prefer the tighter pacing and more impactful editing of the original theatrical release. William Friedkin himself had mixed feelings about the restored scenes.
FAQ 10: Does the runtime of The Exorcist sequels or prequels vary?
Yes, the runtimes of The Exorcist sequels and prequels vary. Each film has its own unique length, typically ranging from 90 to 120 minutes. They are unrelated to the runtime variances found in the original film.
FAQ 11: Why is it important to know the runtime of different versions of a film like The Exorcist?
Knowing the runtime of different versions allows viewers to choose the viewing experience that best suits their preferences. It also helps them understand the context of specific scenes or elements that may be present in one version but absent in another. It is key for film appreciation.
FAQ 12: What impact did the extended runtime of the Director’s Cut have on its reception?
The Director’s Cut was generally well-received, with many viewers appreciating the restored scenes and the additional depth they added to the characters and story. However, some critics felt that the added scenes disrupted the film’s original pacing and impact. Overall, the reception was positive, solidifying the film’s place in cinematic history. The restoration of the “spider walk” scene was a particular highlight for many fans.