• Fanedit Title: The Ninth Configuration - The Reconsecrated Cut

• Original Movie Title: The Ninth Configuration

• Original Release Date: February 29, 1980

• Original Runtime: 1 hours, 57 minutes

• Fanedit Release Date:  June 29, 2023

• Fanedit Running Time: 1 hours, 37 minutes

• Time Added/Removed: 20 minutes

• Synopsis: An ex-marine psychiatrist attempts to rehabilitate his patients by indulging their fantasies, and seeks to prove the existence of a loving God.

• Intention:  I learned about The Ninth Configuration rather recently - shoutout to editor  Vasglorious and his Trilogy of Faith edit - that’s what got the gears spinning for this fanedit series, and what introduced me to this film in the first place.

• Unfortunately, I found The Ninth Configuration to be less than a coherent watch. While the film explores a colorful cast of characters, each of which are touched by unique mental challenges, the scope was far too wide and indulgent to successfully focus on the interplay between psychologist Colonel Kane and failed astronaut Captain Cutshaw. The quantity and rhythm of dialogue overpowered the core story. My ex wife had to stop watching with only a half hour left because she became overwhelmed.

Changelist:

• Trimmed 20 minutes from the film, making it more akin to the somber, realistic tones established by both The Exorcist and Exorcist 3, while still retaining Blatty’s personality, allowing for a seamless experience that more seriously considers faith throughout this core trilogy.

• Removed the godawful opening, scored by 70s melodramatic ballad, all of which looks like it was filmed on 8mm. Begins with the title sequence of the space launch, featuring inserted dialogue from the Exorcist to set up Cutshaw’s fear oppressive in the film. Although the role is portrayed by a different actor and there are no other connections in the film, Blatty intended for Cutshaw to be the same astronaut Regan warned during the dinner party in The Exorcist. 

• Exercised exchanges between the patients that lingered and distracted from Cutshaw and Kane’s story. 

• Removed lines and moments that overtly date the film, being tough in particular due to Jason Miller’s character, as he is the sole, direct through line from The Exorcist to Legion. I had to limit his screen time by about a third so as to not distract from the actual narrative.

• Adjusted the film’s visual quality by increasing contrast and correcting color to appear less yellowed.Fade to black at the end  and adjusted the remaining footage to just retain the end credits.