John Boorman, the acclaimed British director known for films such as "Deliverance" and "Hope and Glory," has opened up about his difficult experience making "Exorcist II: The Heretic," the 1977 sequel to the horror classic "The Exorcist." The film, which carried a then-record budget of $14 million for Warner Bros., was widely panned upon release and is often cited as one of the worst movies of its era. Decades later, Boorman revisited the project in a new documentary titled "Boorman and the Devil," which premiered recently and offers a rare, candid look at the film’s troubled production and legacy.

Filmed in a single day in 2018, the documentary features extensive interviews with Boorman, original cast members including Linda Blair and Louise Fletcher, and crew who recount the chaotic circumstances behind the film’s creation. Boorman, now 93, described the period as a challenging chapter in his life, one he had not previously discussed in depth. The director recalled a series of setbacks during filming, such as a five-week production halt caused by his bout with Valley fever and difficulties with cast members, including Richard Burton, who struggled with alcoholism during the shoot.

"Exorcist II" diverged sharply from the horror tone of its predecessor. Instead of aiming to frighten audiences, Boorman explored themes of technology, faith, and superstition, which some critics and fans saw as a misstep. The film incorporates striking visual elements, such as psychedelic sequences and pioneering effects involving swarms of locusts, which have drawn praise for their cinematography by William Fraker. Despite these artistic ambitions, the movie frustrated audiences expecting a horror experience, resulting in negative reviews and even public demonstrations against the studio.

While the original release provoked anger and disbelief—some viewers reportedly threw objects at theater screens and demanded refunds—the documentary invites a reappraisal of the film’s merits and its place in cinema history. Critics such as Pauline Kael and filmmakers like Martin Scorsese have recognized the movie’s unique qualities, and some fans appreciate its ambition despite its flaws.

Filmmaker Mike Flanagan, preparing the upcoming seventh installment in the "Exorcist" franchise, regards Boorman’s sequel as a bold but flawed work that focused more on thematic exploration than traditional horror elements. He and director David Kittredge, who made the documentary, emphasize Boorman’s honesty in reflecting on the impact the film had on his career and creative outlook.

Kittredge noted that Boorman’s willingness to confront this painful chapter “is important to anyone who loves cinema” and offers valuable insight into the director’s artistic process. The documentary has been well received, standing in contrast to the lasting negative perceptions of "Exorcist II," which continues to provoke debate among fans and critics about its place in film history.