A new documentary examining the creation of John Boorman’s infamous 1977 film “Exorcist II: The Heretic” reveals the director’s continued inability to understand why his sequel became one of cinema’s most notorious failures. Decades after the film’s release, when audiences famously laughed at its absurdities, Boorman maintains that he created “some of the best work I’ve ever done,” suggesting instead that viewers simply wanted a different kind of movie than what he intended to deliver.
“Boorman and the Devil,” directed by David Kittredge, offers an inside perspective on how an ambitious project derailed so spectacularly. Rather than deliver the horror and gore audiences expected from an “Exorcist” sequel, Boorman deliberately chose to craft a meditative reflection on the aftermath of demonic possession. The documentary reveals that even Stanley Kubrick warned the director that a successful sequel required “more blood and gore,” advice Boorman disregarded in pursuit of his artistic vision.
The resulting film became lifeless and nonsensical, yet Boorman and others involved remain largely unaware of their fundamental misstep. This obliviousness gives the documentary an unintentionally comedic quality, transforming it into a darkly humorous exploration of unchecked creative hubris. The project exemplifies a particular era when Hollywood directors possessed such creative freedom that they could confidently pursue misguided visions without fully grasping their catastrophic results.
Originally reported by Variety →
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