As the 50th anniversary of the iconic horror film “The Exorcist” approaches, the world is once again abuzz with discussions about its enduring impact on the genre and its upcoming direct sequel, “The Exorcist: Believer,” set to premiere just in time for Halloween. The passing of legendary director William Friedkin earlier this year has added a poignant note to the film’s legacy. “The Exorcist” not only left an indelible mark on cinema but also laid the foundation for a sprawling media franchise.
- This Is the Scariest Plot Twist in a Movie, and It’s Not ‘The Sixth Sense’
- Is ‘Reptile’ Based on a True Story?
- ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ End-Credits Scene Explained: What’s Next for the Team?
- A Last-Minute Change From James Wan Gave Us ’The Nun’s Horror Icon
- The Cannes Film Festival Has a Yearly Award for Dogs (Yes, Really)
However, beneath the veneer of a cinematic masterpiece, “The Exorcist” has a darker side, encompassing tales of troubled production, eerie coincidences, and even real-life horror. One such chilling chapter involves Paul Bateson, a medical professional turned extra in one of the film’s most realistic yet gruesome scenes.
you are watching: There’s a Real-Life Murderer Hiding in ‘The Exorcist’
How Paul Bateson Found His Role in ‘The Exorcist’
William Friedkin, the mastermind behind “The Exorcist,” had an eye for authenticity in his filmmaking. During his research for a crucial sequence in the film, Friedkin had the opportunity to witness a cerebral angiography at New York’s University Hospital. This procedure, now largely obsolete due to technological advancements, involved inserting a catheter into a patient’s artery to capture X-ray images of blood vessels around the brain. Friedkin was deeply impressed by the medical staff involved, including radiographer Paul Bateson.
see more : Marvel Should Cast This Actor as Its New ‘Kang the Conqueror’
In a unique twist, Friedkin offered these medical professionals, including Bateson, a chance to play themselves in a scene depicting the angiography. Though a relatively minor part, Bateson’s portrayal of a compassionate medical professional trying to comfort a nervous Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) left a lasting impression.
While “The Exorcist” is renowned for its horrifying possession scenes, it’s the stark realism of the cerebral angiography that lingers in viewers’ minds. The graphic depiction of the procedure, unflinching and blood-soaked, is a stark contrast to the supernatural horrors elsewhere in the film. Friedkin himself described this scene as “medical science impinging upon the innocence of this little girl,” a discomforting concept even more unsettling than the demonic forces at play.
A Disturbing Twist: Paul Bateson’s Dark Secret
The story takes a sinister turn in the years following the release of “The Exorcist.” By 1977, Paul Bateson, now residing in New York, had lost his job at University Hospital due to escalating alcoholism. He frequented Manhattan’s club scene and struck up an unlikely friendship with Addison Verrill, a reporter for Variety. Tragically, Verrill was found dead in his apartment on September 14, 1977, seemingly the victim of a break-in or robbery.
In an era when crimes against the LGBTQ+ community often went underreported, Arthur Bell of The Village Voice received an anonymous phone call just eight days after Verrill’s death, confessing to the murder. The caller provided intimate details of the crime scene, leading Bell to believe that the caller had been present during the murder. A subsequent call pointed the finger at Paul Bateson as the killer.
Authorities began to suspect Bateson of more than just Verrill’s murder. During 1975-1977, the Hudson River became a grim repository for the dismembered remains of at least six men. While these cases had remained unsolved, the prosecution argued that Bateson had confessed to a friend about committing these gruesome acts, suggesting a person with medical knowledge due to the precision of the dismemberments.
see more : ‘Harry Potter’: Horcruxes and You, a Guide to Splitting Your Soul Through Murder
Despite these chilling allegations, Bateson was convicted solely for Verrill’s murder and sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison. To those who had known him during his time at University Hospital, Bateson’s transformation into a criminal mastermind was incomprehensible. Dr. Ajax George, who had also been involved in “The Exorcist” production, expressed shock, describing Bateson as a compassionate and intelligent professional.
Influence on William Friedkin and a Mysterious Fate
Remarkably, Paul Bateson’s connection to “The Exorcist” didn’t end with his cameo. Friedkin visited Bateson while he was incarcerated at Rikers Island, an encounter that has been cited as partial inspiration for Friedkin’s later film, “Cruising.” This gritty crime thriller delves into the dark underbelly of New York City’s gay scene, as a detective played by Al Pacino goes undercover to apprehend a killer targeting gay men.
While Bateson was released from prison on August 25, 2003, his current whereabouts and status remain shrouded in mystery. The New York Department of Corrections has no record of his death, though it’s confirmed that his last-known residence was in Freeport, New York.
In a bizarre twist of fate, Paul Bateson, the unassuming radiographer turned extra in “The Exorcist,” became unwittingly immortalized in cinematic history. Yet, his involvement in real-life horrors adds another layer of eeriness to the film’s already unsettling legacy.
Source: https://dominioncinemas.net
Category: MOVIE FEATURES