The documentary Boorman and the Devil, directed by David Kittredge, explores the turbulent production and complicated legacy of John Boorman’s 1977 horror sequel Exorcist II: The Heretic. Distributed by Yellow Veil Pictures, the film dives deep into one of Hollywood’s most infamous cinematic disasters. It traces how a major box-office and critical misfire nearly derailed a celebrated director’s career while altering industry practices forever.
Following a run on the festival circuit, the documentary received theatrical rollouts starting at New York City’s Quad Cinema, followed by nationwide releases. Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has also featured the project through its “Films on Film” series, pairing it with complementary features to provide broader historical context regarding 1970s studio filmmaking.
From Point Blank to a Bizarre Sequel
After finding critical and commercial success with films like Point Blank (1967) and Deliverance (1972), director John Boorman was approached by Warner Bros. to helm a follow-up to William Friedkin’s massive 1973 supernatural hit The Exorcist. Despite initially turning down the first film because he disliked the core premise, Boorman was eventually induced to take on the sequel.
Rather than repeating the formula of the original-a path recommended by his friend and fellow director Stanley Kubrick-Boorman chose an avant-garde, artistic direction. He enlisted script-and-direction consultant Rospo Pallenberg to help craft a surreal supernatural fantasy. The resulting film starred returning cast members Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil and Max von Sydow, alongside Richard Burton as the troubled Father Philip Lamont and Louise Fletcher as psychiatrist Dr. Gene Tuskin.
Production Chaos and Industry Fallout
The making of Exorcist II was plagued by severe behind-the-scenes obstacles. Boorman fell seriously ill during production, forcing a five-week shutdown that strained both his physical and mental health. Cast members faced their own hazards; Linda Blair later recalled being placed in dangerous, unsecured positions atop high buildings during high winds, while Richard Burton struggled with alcohol consumption and strict daily departure times.
When the film finally reached audiences, the reaction was catastrophic. A notorious early preview screening sparked genuine outrage among viewers who felt deceived by the bizarre narrative shifts and lack of traditional scares. According to Hollywood lore, an angry audience chased studio executives out of the theater and down the street. Although Boorman attempted to recut the film to remove its sillier elements, the damage was irreversible.
The failure of Exorcist II also coincided with the end of specific studio practices, most notably “blind bidding,” a system where theater chains purchased screening rights upfront based solely on directors, stars, and known concepts. Coupled with the box-office dominance of Star Wars that same year, the film’s collapse marked a definitive turning point for how major studios greenlit and handled risky auteur projects.
Cast and Filmmakers Reevaluate the Legacy
Boorman and the Devil features candid interviews with John Boorman himself, alongside returning cast members Linda Blair and Louise Fletcher. The documentary also gathers insights from prominent modern filmmakers and critics-including Joe Dante, Mike Flanagan, Karyn Kusama, and Michael Gingold-who dissect the ambition, craft, and sheer audacity required to make such a polarizing project.
Rather than dismissing the 1977 sequel outright, Kittredge’s documentary offers a balanced re-evaluation, framing Exorcist II: The Heretic as a fascinating, flawed artifact of an era when major studios trusted visionary directors to take massive creative risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boorman and the Devil about?
Boorman and the Devil is a 2025 documentary directed by David Kittredge that examines the troubled production, critical backlash, and lasting cultural legacy of John Boorman’s 1977 film Exorcist II: The Heretic.
Who appears in Boorman and the Devil?
The documentary features interviews and commentary from director John Boorman, cast members Linda Blair and Louise Fletcher, as well as contemporary filmmakers and critics such as Joe Dante, Mike Flanagan, and Karyn Kusama.
Why was Exorcist II: The Heretic considered a failure?
The film was a major critical and financial disappointment upon release. Audiences and critics rejected its surreal, non-traditional approach to the horror genre, leading to widespread mockery and severe financial losses for Warner Bros.
Who distributed Boorman and the Devil?
North American distribution rights for the documentary were acquired by Yellow Veil Pictures, leading to theatrical screenings in major cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Did John Boorman want to direct the first Exorcist film?
No. Boorman was originally offered the chance to direct 1973’s The Exorcist, but he disliked the story and turned it down, only to accept the challenge of directing the 1977 sequel years later.
