The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
The Exorcism Of Emily Rose is a brilliant proof that a horror film can be very intelligent, blood-free and still deeply frightening. The fact that it’s based on true events in 1976 adds a lot uniqueness, but the real value here is the masterfully built intellectual and moral fight between pragmatism and mysticism. Flashbacks from Emily’s life strategically drives the viewer into the most unsettling horror that stands above any beliefs or disbeliefs. The Exorcism Of Emily Rose is highly recommended- especially to those who seek for deeper values in film art.
The plot is quite unbelievable, especially if to consider that such event like exorcism happened in 1976, Germany. But it’s based on the true story of Anneliese Michel, a young catholic student, that died during the attempt of healing from demonic possession. On top of that, she was using the psychotropic drugs, prescribed by modern medical experts. The priest was accused with negligence of modern medicine and by that driving the girl’s physical condition to a mortal exhaustion. Now, everything seems to be quite logical from a modern, agnostic person’s view, doesn’t it? But the most interesting starts only here- the advocate Erin Bruner (by the way, also agnostic) throws in logical arguments against the unshakeable belief in modern medicine thus building a base for alternative and unknown possibilities. The advocate even invites anthropologist Dr. Sadira Adani (very loveable character, by the way) which studies demonic entity beliefs and foundations underneath them. So was Emily Rose epileptic and psychotic or she was possessed by demons? The film subtly heats up the atmosphere without favouring any of sides- the viewer is to decide and make his/her own opinion.
Meanwhile flashbacks takes back to the most remarkable events in Emily’s life- from her happy and careless childhood till the infamous exorcism. The psychological tension builds up slowly, but strategically till it becomes one of the most scariest and unsettling films ever built. And please note that such horror is achieved almost without any blood- everything’s being kept in realism and strictly in believable limits. The visual effects are scarcely used and only for the depiction of Emily’s visions. That said, please bare in mind, that fantasies of a psychotic or demon possessed mind can go far and be very scary… So don’t turn off the lights while watching this film!
Acting is simply flawless in The Exorcism Of Emily Rose- that’s a rare but more than appreciable feature these days. The credit for that goes not only to the director Scott Derricson, but also to the brilliant cast consisting of many well known film veterans (see the list below). The special praises go to Jennifer Carpenter (Emily Rose) for her incredible, unbelievable acting- she is so convincing with her possession by six demons at once:
- I am the one who dwelt within Cain!
- I am one who dwelt within Nero!
- I dwelt within Judas!
- I was with Legion.
- I am Belial.
- And I am Lucifer, The devil in the flesh.
The Exorcism Of Emily Rose is a masterpiece in both- drama and horror- genres. It provides interesting and strong arguments from both camps- agnostics and believers in supernatural powers- and weakens them all in confrontation with each other. In the end it masterfully manages to avoid picking up a side, so the viewer could do that by himself/herself. And don’t underestimate power of psychological horror- especially when it’s built so masterfully!
Facts:
Release year: 2005
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Written by: Scott Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman
Cast: Jennifer Carpenter (Emily Rose), Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Campbell Scott, Colm Feore, Kenneth Welsh (Twin Peaks), JR Bourne, Henry Czerny, Aaron Douglas and others