A BRIEF EXPLORATION OF LIGHT
THE EXORCIST
In this disgusting masterpiece, there is a battle between Good and Evil, God and Satan, Light and Dark. I've broken down the film into important frames that visually illustrate the themes within the film.
F1: The exorcist feels the demon has been released and he sets out to find it
F2: The Exorcist passes through dark/light streets/alleyways juxtaposed.
F3: Dark horse nearly tramples exorcist (wearing light clothing)
F4: The Demon statue blocks out the sun
F5: Black Dog vs. White Dog
F6: The forces of good and evil seem evenly matched as the exorcist and the demon stand across the divide.
F7: The mother smiles at children in Halloween costumes (satan/evil)
F8: nuns in white, pass on the opposite side of street
F9: The protagonist walks through a series of dark and light places juxtaposed. Here, he is in a dark subway and meets a crazy beggar.
F10: Light Street, kids playing
F11: Dark Bedroom where the protagonist struggles with Science vs. Faith
F12: Protagonist’s mother’s Room, Bright happy, innocent
F13: Bedroom- dark (evil resides), hallway- light (Safety)
F14: Psychiatrist’s office where mother learns her daughter is only suffering from adolescent/mental issues (Bright/Hopeful)
F15: Situation worsens, only light source is outside, Inside is becoming cold, lifeless
F16: Psychiatrist’s Office, mother is in the dark about what’s happening to her daughter
F17: Dark room/ Bright hallway
F18: Exorcist/Savior silhouetted in light
F19: The Demon seems to be winning the fight/ blocking out the light
F20: Face is half dark/half light as protagonist struggles with faith vs. science
F21: Exorcist/Savior illuminated in light
F22: protagonist watches on, cloaked in dark confusion
F23: Protagonist is prompted By the innocent light of his mother
F24: Protagonist knows what to do and takes on the demon
F25: The room is Bright, as the demon is cast into the dark stairwell below
F26: Darkness
F27: Chaos
F28: Painful descent into darkness
F29: Clean, bright, white room. Girl wears baby blue- the color of innocence
F30: Protagonist is finally cloaked in light, like the hero/savior
