"Boorman and the Devil" Documentary Explores "Exorcist II: The Heretic"

The forthcoming documentary "Boorman and the Devil," directed by David Kittredge, takes a deep dive into the creation of one of horror’s most infamous sequels, 'Exorcist II: The Heretic'. The film chronicles the labyrinthine production and reception of the notorious 1977 film directed by John Boorman, a sequel that remains vilified by critics but has piqued the interest of cinephiles who see it as a misunderstood misfire. Bloody Disgusting and IndieWire released exclusive trailers, promising a meticulous examination of the creative process behind this cinematic pariah.

John Boorman, known for directed works such as “Deliverance,” was an unexpected choice for a horror sequel, and "Boorman and the Devil" doesn't shy from capturing his ambitious yet tumultuous journey. The documentary reveals how Boorman endeavored to create a film that was starkly different from William Friedkin’s frenetic original, opting instead for spiritual and visual experimentation that baffled audiences and critics alike.

"Boorman and the Devil" aims not just to deconstruct an infamous flop but to explore the broader implications of creative risks in genre cinema, highlighting where daring visions can both flounder and inadvertently achieve cult status. This new behind-the-scenes exploration, premiering at The Quad in New York City on August 28, will be vital viewing for horror aficionados and film historians eager to reassess 'Exorcist II’s' place on the horror fiasco spectrum—an opportunity for fresh appreciation or renewed bewilderment.