Thanks for your thoughts.

"The "weakness" of the direction was imo, that Schmid chose this story about exorcism when he was actually concerned with something else (this is my impression). I think he wasn't interested in the screenplay as it was (see the fantastic movie-moments I refer to at the end of my review and which you also quote - they are not from the original screenplay), but used it as a way with dealing with personal issues that concerned himself. BUT, and that is my objection, he went into a direction where he tried to disguise this halfheartedly (or subconsciously?) and was still entangled in the story and the real life events."

This, needless to say, is complete and utter supposition on your part. I know that you partially agree with that, but your remarks could easily be construed as personal accusations rather than criticism of the film. Unless, of course, if you have any real evidence to support your claims.