World Famous Comics: Charles Vanderpool In the Grip of Evil
Charles Vanderpool In the Grip of Evil
Starring: Dustin Lawyer, Joe Kelly, Debs Szymkowiak, Tony Colavito, Ellen Strauss Directed By: Charles Vanderpool Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD Format: Black & White, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC Label: Winstar Number of Items: 1 Picture Format: Academy Ratio Release Date: March 23, 1999 Running Time: 50 minutes Theatrical Release Date: 1997
Amazon.com: Is there any validity to the supernatural phenomenon of demonic possession? Or can such instances be explained through psychology and science? Charles Vanderpool's fascinating documentary-docudrama, In the Grip of Evil, successfully argues the definite possibility of demonic possession by recounting the alleged 1949 case of a 13-year-old boy that inspired William Peter Blatty's bestselling novel (and, later, blockbuster film adaptation) The Exorcist. Vanderpool aligns a range of interviews, from William Friedkin (director of The Exorcist) to supernatural "experts" to, most convincingly, one of the priests that actually took part in the exorcism. (Their views are countered only by one doubting psychologist, so the documentary is hardly objective.) Unfortunately, Vanderpool also felt the need to use cheesy re-creations of the events, thereby lessening the film's dramatic grip. Regardless of which side of the argument you eventually believe, In the Grip of Evil still leaves you feeling a bit creepy. The DVD is packed with supporting evidence of demonic possession, including the case-study diary of Father Halloran (one of the two priests who conducted the exorcism), newspaper accounts of the events, and interviews with the filmmakers. Those with a DVD-ROM drive can read all the newspaper articles and all the original letters, and print out several versions of the case study. --Dave McCoy
Reasonably good I have the VHS and most of the facts are correct, as far as I can tell. It isn't supposed to be a "sensationalized" effort. In fact, from all I have seen of the video, it's presented in a very matter-of-fact way.
They're not looking to make "believers" out of people, but present what happened along with a critique from both sides of the issue.
Granted, I wouldn't be watching this for the same purpose as I would the Exorcist. The Exorcist was meant to scare the bejeezers out of you, and this seems to be designed to inform. All in all, well worth the money they charge.
Not An Authoritative Documentary In The Grip Of Evil is an interesting little snippet of American occultism, but hardly an authoritative documentary on exorcism in the United States. However, the DVD may lead the viewer to take a more in depth look at occultism. If that's the case, I recommend Michael Cueno's book American Exorcism: Expelling Demons In The Land Of Plenty.
It will make a Believer Out of You!!!!! I have all the exorcist Movies and this really does a great job of explaining all the beginning to end details. If the Original movie of the 70's doesn't get you back to church, this documentary, sure will!!!!!
this DVD comes through on extras It's not often you see a good documentary and then get access to the sources used to make it. I was quite impressed with this DVD and the story. It is much better done than your typical documentary fare.
To address the previous reviewer, I checked out the DVD of this documentary and I think they got it pretty much right. The DVD includes the diary of the exorcist priest and letters and newspaper clippings that corroborate all the locations mentioned in the film. If your basis for fact checking is the internet, I'm not at all surprised you think this film is wrong. Check the real sources.
Mindless Entertainment... Hardly Factual THIS IS DEFINITIVELY NOT THE TRUE STORY OF THE POSESSION THAT "THE EXORCIST" IS BASED ON! It is horribly researched and drastically sensationalized to say the absolute least. It does not even give the proper location of the events. It took me only an hour or two of internet research to debunk nearly 3/4 of the movie. Do not buy this movie if you want the facts of this case, but instead buy it if you are looking for a cheesy "Exorcist" "mock-umentary" for momentary chills. If you do watch this, do legitimate journalism a favor and don't spread the rumors that this is the true story of "The Exorcist". If you want the truth, just look for it yourself. It's out there, but it's definitely not on this video
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