The Exorcist, released on December 26, 1973, was a critical and commercial success. The film was directed by William Friedkin, who had previously directed The French Connection (1971). The Exorcist was based on the 1971 novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty. The film stars Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, and Jason Miller. The Exorcist's portrayal of demonic possession and the subsequent exorcism rituals shocked audiences and helped to cement its place as a horror classic.