Re: The Exorcist, the reason for that choice was primarily the fact that I’m not brave enough to watch it on television (also the sound design is much better appreciated at a cinema).

Expanding on the small-scale thing a little, much is made of cinema as spectacle, and rightly so. This list concentrates on that aspect. But not enough is said about cinema as intimate immersion. Certain directors know how to make great use of close-ups and small-scale dramatics that work far more intensely at a cinema. Marriage Story is a good recent example (I managed to catch a rare screening at our local arts centre, though I appreciate most saw it on Netflix). Somehow having all the emotion in your face in a darkened screening room gives it more immersive power.

Returning to The Exorcist for a moment, I do agree there are other horror films where the scale works much better in a cinema. The Shining is a case in point, due to Kubrick’s incredible steadicam work, choice of lenses, and so forth.

Always honoured to have your thoughts on these matters, so thank you for commenting. :)