Film Review: The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Catholicism has long been Hollywood's preferred form of Christianity. There are many reasons for that, and one, which became apparent after the success of The Exorcist, relates to Catholic teachings and iconography serving as good inspiration for countless horror films in the same vein, creating a subgenre that is uniquely its own. One of the more unusual examples of this phenomenon can be found in The Exorcism of Emily Rose, a 2005 film directed by Scott Derrickson.
Based loosely on the true story of Annelise Michel, a young woman who died during an exorcism in 1970s West Germany, the script, co-written by Derrickson and Paul Harris Boardman, sets the plot in contemporary America. The protagonist, Erin Breuer (played by Laura Linney), is an ambitious lawyer tasked with defending Father Richard Moore (played by Tom Wilkinson), a Catholic priest jailed for his role in the tragic death of 19-year-old student Emily Rose (played by Jennifer Carpenter). As Erin delves deeper into the case, flashbacks reveal that Emily began to suffer from a mysterious medical condition that could not be alleviated through conventional medicine. Her bizarre and frightening behaviour convince those around her to bring in Father Moore to perform an exorcism. As Erin prepares her defence, she initially approaches the case with scepticism but begins to experience a series of frightening events that mirror Emily's.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose had an original and, at times, refreshing concept by blending supernatural horror with courtroom drama. Derrickson and Boardman decided to portray the sad affair of Emily Rose ambiguously, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions as to whether the tragedy was the result of demonic possession or mental illness. Both authors provide their own perspectives, with Derrickson as a believer and Boardman as a sceptic. The script also uses the bizarre and tragic story as an opportunity to explore themes of religion in modern secular society and the clash between these two worlds.
Unfortunately, this ambiguous approach only works to a point. As a mainstream Hollywood film, The Exorcism of Emily Rose had to provide audiences with standard horror genre content, which it does through some frightening scenes in flashbacks and by hinting that the same evil force that took Emily might haunt Erin. The courtroom drama portion of the film is also beset by cheap clichés, although a slightly unconventional ending, which, more or less matches real events, improves the overall impression.
Derrickson directs the film well, using a relatively low budget to create a mostly melancholic atmosphere. Jennifer Carpenter shines in her role as the tragic victim, easily overshadowing Laura Linney as the nominal protagonist. Tom Wilkinson delivers a strong performance as the Catholic priest.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose is an ambitious but flawed film that, despite its shortcomings, can still be recommended for its direction and acting.
RATING: 5/10 (+)
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