‘Boorman and the Devil’ Review: The Making of John Boorman’s 1977 Disaster ‘Exorcist II: The Heretic’ Becomes a Documentary So Unbelievable It’s Funny

A new documentary, "Boorman and the Devil," delves into the tumultuous production of John Boorman's 1977 film "Exorcist II: The Heretic," a project now widely considered a cinematic disaster. The film reportedly chronicles the ambitious yet ultimately flawed creative process behind the sequel to the iconic horror film.

The documentary highlights what is described as the director's unwavering determination throughout the challenging making of "Exorcist II." This fortitude, according to the review, borders on delusion, lending the documentary a darkly comedic tone. The narrative focuses on the clash between lofty artistic aspirations and a production that spiraled into what is characterized as unhinged hubris. The film's approach to its subject matter is described as unintentionally funny, drawing parallels to the mockumentary style of Christopher Guest.

"Boorman and the Devil" appears to explore the consequences of such an approach to filmmaking, where grand artistic visions are pursued without sufficient grounding. The documentary's portrayal of the production suggests a fascinating case study in creative overreach and the often-unforeseen outcomes of ambitious filmmaking endeavors. The film's reception suggests that the story of "Exorcist II: The Heretic," as told through this documentary, is so extraordinary that it elicits laughter rather than despair.

The documentary's focus on the making of a film that became a notorious failure offers a compelling look at the often-unseen struggles and eccentricities within Hollywood. The review implies that "Boorman and the Devil" provides an almost unbelievable account of the events, transforming a behind-the-scenes story of a cinematic misfire into an unexpectedly humorous and engaging narrative.