Are you a believer in God? If you are, are you a believer in Satan as well? Or put more simply…are you a non-believer after all? The Exorcism of Emily Rose may not and doest not provide answer to any of these questions. But yes it takes this age-old battle of science against faith to a new level. Being a non-Christian I may not be able to relate much to the movie…but I am sure the devout Christians would have been shaken to their core after seeing this realistic yet horror movie.
Based on a true story (or so what the director clams!) The Exorcism of Emily Rose is different from the classic horror movies in a way that it tends to rationalize the otherwise misunderstood ritual like Exorcism. The director, Scott Derrickson, makes use of the courtroom drama to this effect. So much so that at one point of time you might feel it’s more of a courtroom drama than a horror movie. But the important message here is whether one should ignore the cases like that of Emily Rose, discarding them as out rightly impossible…. or should one believe what actually happened to Emily, thereby lending ears to her side of story! The director has used the courtroom sequences very intelligently to convey this message across and I would give full marks to him.
The movie:
The movie is disturbing. Really disturbing…I couldn’t help getting up at 3.00 in the morning and checking out if there was any ‘supernatural’ or ‘demonic’ activity going around me. It had that impact on me. This is what makes the movie worth a watch. . The interesting aspect is the way in which reality has been tampered with…it makes the movie all the scarier. And yes the fact that its based on a true story makes matter worse. I mean one can sympathize with Emily all right, but what if she was your neighbour, your sister or for that matter anyone around you.??
There are many scenes in the movie that would give you your money’s worth. The first half deals with what happened to Emily and it leaves you in a state of great shock. I mean the girls in the theatre were screaming at the top of their voices every time something spooky or dramatic happened. (I am still trying to figure out…. whether it were these screaming girls or Emily that frightened me more? Ha ha ha…). But I am sure it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Many people might not get scared…. but this one is certainly not for the faint-hearted!
The Cast:
Jennifer Carpenter: Plays the Emily Rose to perfection. She has such flexible body that one actually wonders if she is possessed for real? She has enacted the role pretty well and provides for the horror element of the movie.
Laura Linney: She plays Erin Burner, the agnostic lawyer who would defend Father Moore against the charge of negligent homicide. And mind you she fits in the role perfectly. The way she fiercely put forth her arguments while defending Father Moore is well suited. She is very convincing.
Tom Wilkinson: Father Moore is the central character of the movie. Nothing much to say about Tom, except for the fact that he has done full justice to this character. However I felt he could have been a little more emotional when he delivers Emily Rose’s message to the world. One expects him to have a sympathetic look, which for some reasons he lacked. Otherwise he’s done his job well.
The other actors have done a good job as well but I don’t think I would be expounding on that.
Overall: The direction of the movie is good. The pace slows down considerably in the second half. But the first half is a treat to watch. All the horror scenes come at a time when you are least expecting them. Believe me not many directors are able to do this. The sets are dark…. typical of any horror flick and the sound as well as the visual effects are equally terrifying. Thanks to the movie makers…there aren’t any stupid somersault or ugly faces in this one. I would recommend you to watch this movie only in theatres.
Finally: The Exorcism of Emily Rose isn’t about exorcism. It’s about conveying Emily’s message. When she’s visited by Mother Mary and asked to make a choice she chooses to be “possessed” and fight the demons within her one her own. Now that is one incredible decision. Emily wanted to show the world the faces of evil through her…if people would believe her she would be successful in compelling people to also believe in the existence of God. But of course its up to an individual…After all Erin Burner (Laura Linney) stills remains an agnostic. It’s not an attempt to change one’s beliefs…. It’s about facing one’s demons with trembling and fear!!