Episode 40: HALLOWEEN SPECIAL: The Exorcist asks, have you considered your mental illness could simply be a touch of demon possession?

TRANSCRIPT HERE 

Join us on a spooky scary episode where Steph and Michael discuss in great depth (yet, succinctly, dare we say?) 1973's massively influential horror film The Exorcist. Together we shed light on the religious and cultural context of this film, the various stories of its creation and resulting impact on society, feminist and psychodynamic theories behind it (Oedipal Complex welcome to the podcast), and whether it’s trying to say something about mental illness, religion, or both.

And don’t forget to watch our shot for shot remake of the film in our tiktok HERE !!

CONTENT WARNING: Suicide, medical trauma and discussion of invasive procedures, violence, sexual assault and rape, including sexualisation of a child, misogyny, ableist tropes, discussion of religion and Catholicism.

(Hotline numbers: Lifeline 131114, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732)

References:

• Here is John Safran Vs God's Exorcism episodes on youtube - Part 1 ; Part 2 ; Part 3 
• William Friedkin: 'You don’t know a damn thing, and neither do I' | William Friedkin | The Guardian
• Cinematic neurosis following "The Exorcist". Report of four cases - PubMed (nih.gov)
• Mental illness following The Exorcist – Mind Hacks
• ‘Somewhere between science and superstition’: Religious outrage, horrific science, and The Exorcist (1973) - Amy C. Chambers, 2021 (sagepub.com)
• Satanic Cults and Ritual Abuse: A fantasy on film and in History? (shef.ac.uk)
• Anneliese Michel - Wikipedia
• The Exorcism of Emily Rose | Disability Studies Quarterly (dsq-sds.org)
• Superstition Masquerading as Science | Skeptical Inquirer
• As a psychiatrist, I diagnose mental illness. Also, I help spot demonic possession. - The Washington Post
• The self-possessed psychiatrist Richard Gallagher should exorcise his delusions - The Washington Post
• The Exorcist: 10 creepy details from the scariest movie ever made | EW.com

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NOTE: This podcast is not designed to be therapeutic, prescriptive or constitute a formal diagnosis for any listener, nor the characters discussed. The host is not representative of all psychologists and opinions stated are her own personal opinion, based on her own learnings and training (and minimal lived experience). Host and co-hosts do not have the final say and can only comment based on their own perspectives, so please let us know if you dispute any of these opinions – we are keen for feedback!

Host: Stephanie Fornasier

Cohost, music and artwork: Michael Watson

Editor: Nicholas Fornasier