The Exorcist III

About The Exorcist III

The Exorcist III, released in 1990, is a supernatural horror film written and directed by William Peter Blatty. It serves as the third installment in The Exorcist series and is based on Blatty's novel, Legion (1983). The story is set 15 years after the original movie and follows Lieutenant Kinderman, who notices a disturbing series of murders that bear the eerie signature of the Gemini Killer. In his investigations, unexpected connections to demonic activity and the exorcism of the late Father Karras emerge, leading Kinderman into a confrontation with supernatural forces beyond his understanding.

Making / Production

William Peter Blatty returned to his The Exorcist series with this film, not only as a writer but also as a director. Despite studio-led reshoots and the editing of his initial cut, Blatty's vision for the story largely remained intact, delivering a psychological horror that leans more into suspense and dread than outright scare tactics.

Actors

• George C. Scott as Lieutenant William F. Kinderman: Scott delivers a compelling performance as a hardened police officer forced to confront the supernatural.
• Brad Dourif as James Venamun/The "Gemini Killer": Dourif provides a chilling portrayal of the serial killer whose signature links to the disturbing murders.
• Jason Miller as Father Damien Karras: Miller reprised his role from the original film, adding a layer of continuity and deepening the mythology of the series.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Exorcist III is the only film in the series not to be a box office success.
• Despite the tepid box office returns, the movie has amassed a cult following over the years.
• The film's climactic exorcism scene was added during post-production after studio insistence.

Quotes

• "This I believe in... I believe in death. I believe in disease. I believe in injustice and inhumanity, torture and anger and hate... I believe in murder. I believe in pain. I believe in cruelty and infidelity. I believe in slime and stink and every crawling, putrid thing... every possible ugliness and corruption, you son of a b****. I believe... in you."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's eerie and tension-filled score was composed by Barry De Vorzon, contributing significantly to the movie's atmospheric horror.
• The soundtrack includes several unnerving themes that enhance the mystery and supernatural elements of the plot.