Russell Crowe is mainly known as Maximus for starring in the American historical epic film Gladiator. Recently, the Academy Award-winner takes on the role of Father Gabriele Amorth, the actual Chief Exorcist of the Vatican, in Sony Pictures’ film The Pope’s Exorcist.
Crowe’s portrayal of Amorth in Sony’s 2023 supernatural horror film, directed by Julius Avery, draws from the late priest’s books, documenting his 36 years of exorcism and Vatican-related activities.
The film was released this year on 14 April. Although it is a horror flick, it does lack jump scares or truly scary moments and instead relies on predictable horror clichés. But reading the harrowing paranormal encounters of the real-life chief exorcist gave Crowe chills.
Father Gabriele Amorth’s Life Experiences Really Intrigued Actor Russell Crowe
Before taking on the role, actor Russell Crowe became interested in the history of real-life Catholic priest Father Gabriele Amorth. Father Amorth claimed to have performed over 50,000 exorcisms which really intrigued Crowe. The 58-year-old said to Reuters:
“He left behind a whole bunch of his first-person experiences to read through. I think there are like a dozen books or something like that, you know. So, it was just his journey that really fascinated me to start with.”
The actor said in an interview with Collider:
“I began to believe in Father Amorth through reading about his life experiences. So by extension, if he’s written it down in a book, he didn’t make it up. So, there it is.”
There are twelve books that document the personal experiences of Father Amourth. All the information presented about the priest helped Russell Crowe to know more about the role he would play.
Is the Movie The Pope’s Exorcist Based on a True Story?
In Father Gabriele Amorth’s own words, “An exorcism is a prayer said in Jesus which is a name to cast out demons.” While conducting The Pope’s Exorcist fact check, Father Gabriele Amorth has performed more than 70,000 exorcisms in his lifetime.
While researching The Pope’s Exorcist true story, it is reported that the case was likely inspired by Gabriele Amorth’s memoirs. The movie’s fictional Father Amorth states that many possession cases he encountered were actually mental illnesses like psychosis or personality disorders (which are quite common).
So, the movie is not exactly based on the true events. While it is indeed inspired by a real person’s work as an exorcist, it doesn’t state any specific cases that are focused on the real Father Gabriele Amorth. The movie unfolds around the fictional storyline, which has taken bits and pieces from his memoirs.
While The Pope’s Exorcist does reference a few historical events, even these references are heavily fictionalized to suit the movie’s storytelling.
The Pope’s Exorcist is available on Netflix.
Source: Collider
