I don't want to discuss about technical aspects, my comment focuses on the absence of any deep meaning in this work, because I think this movie is a little bit overrated.
Is it the metaphor of something? I tried to understand it very carefully, but I didn't find any trace of symbols. The dialogs are not funny and are not profound, they seem only pointless and pretentious.
The psychiatric experiment in itself is totally unbelievable for the large amount of energy and money used, and the serious risks implied. The friendship between Cutshaw and Kane is too fast and superficial, and that's why his death is not a dramatic event. The scene at the bar is a very mediocre representation of stereotypes. You cannot say how evil is the "normal" human race, watching a band of drunk bullies. This poor scene is made to raise - very easily - the rage of the audience. It wants to hit below the belt, not inducing any reflection.... so, whose side are you on, Blatty?
But the most important point is: why a man who commits suicide has to be considered a hero, a martyr, a saint? That's the point. 1) A disturbed man doesn't do it intentionally, he is forced by his illness. 2) Someone thinks it's an altruistic action dying for a simple demonstration? I don't think so. 3) He says: "I'm tired of living". OK, so dying is selfish. This makes no sense. No, sorry: it's stupid.
Someone found God or any sort of illumination watching this movie? I don't think so, because it is a fraudulent and messy juxtaposition of strong themes (madness, sacrifice, friendship), but empty of any artistic synthesis.
(Sorry for my poor English)
Is it the metaphor of something? I tried to understand it very carefully, but I didn't find any trace of symbols. The dialogs are not funny and are not profound, they seem only pointless and pretentious.
The psychiatric experiment in itself is totally unbelievable for the large amount of energy and money used, and the serious risks implied. The friendship between Cutshaw and Kane is too fast and superficial, and that's why his death is not a dramatic event. The scene at the bar is a very mediocre representation of stereotypes. You cannot say how evil is the "normal" human race, watching a band of drunk bullies. This poor scene is made to raise - very easily - the rage of the audience. It wants to hit below the belt, not inducing any reflection.... so, whose side are you on, Blatty?
But the most important point is: why a man who commits suicide has to be considered a hero, a martyr, a saint? That's the point. 1) A disturbed man doesn't do it intentionally, he is forced by his illness. 2) Someone thinks it's an altruistic action dying for a simple demonstration? I don't think so. 3) He says: "I'm tired of living". OK, so dying is selfish. This makes no sense. No, sorry: it's stupid.
Someone found God or any sort of illumination watching this movie? I don't think so, because it is a fraudulent and messy juxtaposition of strong themes (madness, sacrifice, friendship), but empty of any artistic synthesis.
(Sorry for my poor English)