THE EXORCIST (1973)

Director: William Friedkin

Cinematographer: Owen Roizman, ASC

Street Scene

Bedroom Exorcism Scene

TECHNICAL SPECS

Camera: Panavized Arri IIC
Format: 35mm, 1.85:1
Lenses: Panavision lenses
Film Stock: Kodak 5254
Key Innovation: Refrigerated set for visible breath

ROIZMAN'S APPROACH

Philosophy: "Technical solutions for supernatural effects"
Signature: Naturalistic lighting with subtle supernatural elements
Innovation: Refrigerated bedroom set at -20°F
Style: Documentary realism with expressionistic elements

LIGHTING SETUP

Georgetown Scenes: Natural light with minimal enhancement
Bedroom: Backlit breath while keeping faces dark
Exorcism: Cold blue light with practical sources
Iraq Prologue: Hot, harsh sunlight with minimal fill

VISUAL STRATEGY

Contrast between warm, normal world and cold supernatural realm
Visible breath as supernatural indicator
Gradual desaturation as story progresses
Practical light sources within frame

RECREATION NOTES

Use cold environments or dry ice for visible breath
Backlight breath while keeping faces in shadow
Create contrast between warm normal world and cold supernatural realm
Employ practical sources within frame
Use subtle camera movement to create unease