Episode 15: The Exorcist with Dr. Courtenay Stallings

Jan 18, 2022

On this month's episode of The Sociologist's Dojo Podcast, return guest Dr. Courtenay Stallings of Pepperdine University and I tackle the spiritual horror classic: The Exorcist.  In this episode we go over the impact of 70's social and political strife and its effect on filmmaking; especially on white male gazey Hollywood and those "Mavericks" of the time. Stick around for a discussion of science, belief, and religion through the context of the Sociology. It is a fun existential romp through the world of Pazuzu. Sadly, Poncho was cut for time.   

Basics: (1:10-24:40)

• Dr. Stallings' Horror Flavor of Pop Culture 
• Basics of The Exorcist 
• Discussion of Director's/Extended Cuts
• Production Trivia (IMDB)

Historical Context: (24:55-58:29)

• Dr. Stallings' Biographical Context
• Brian coming to The Exorcist through parody 
• White Male Gaze
• The Importance of the 70's 
  • Roe v. Wade 
  • 70's Social Research 
• Anomie 
• Parallel between Directors and Researchers

Social Analysis (58:43-86:30)

• The Sociology of Religion 
  • Power of Belief and Faith
  • Science and Belief 
  • Power of Religion is people
• Mental Illness 
• Motherhood 

Outtro 86:31-90:57

• The Other Exorcists 
• Plugs and Social media

 

Links

Look for Dr. Stallings and her work:

Twitter @CourtenayCal 

Book: Laura's Ghost: Women Speak about Twin Peaks 

Episode 8: Mulholland Drive 

Follow the blog and Podcast on Twitter @thesociologistS

Blog: The Sociologist's Dojo 

All episodes of the Podcast can be found here 

All clips used are under Fair Use.

February Episode: Dr. Liz W. Faber returns to talk the Sarah Conner Terminator Trilogy