A new documentary, *Boorman and the Devil*, examines the troubled production of *Exorcist II: The Heretic*, the 1977 sequel that nearly ended John Boorman’s career. Directed by David Kittredge, the film traces Boorman’s journey from the lows of *Zardoz* to the fraught writing, filming, and release of *The Heretic*, the title he preferred. The documentary features interviews with Boorman, Linda Blair, Louise Fletcher, and others involved in the production, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s troubled history.
The film highlights the disconnect between Boorman’s artistic vision and audience expectations, as he aimed to create a poetic, spiritual follow-up rather than a traditional sequel. Boorman’s reflections—including his dry humor and sharp insights—anchor the documentary, while Fletcher and Blair provide candid, often humorous anecdotes about the production. The documentary also includes commentary from filmmakers like Mike Flanagan, who is currently working on *The Exorcist: Martyrs*.
Despite a slow start that delves into Hollywood history, the documentary gains momentum as it dives into the making of *The Heretic*, revealing the personal and professional toll of the project. Boorman and the Devil ultimately paints a portrait of an artist grappling with the pressures of studio demands and audience expectations, offering a compelling look at the cost of creative ambition.
