The Exorcism of Emily Rose

June 15, 2006

Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 119 min Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

When The Exorcism of Emily Rose first hit theaters, the buzz was rather lukewarm. I think this was due, in large part, to bad marketing as opposed to bad filmmaking. Viewing the trailer and the TV commercials would lead most people to believe that this was a horror flick in the vein of The Exorcist and other demonic possession themed movies.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose Not so! While there certainly are some very disturbing scenes in the movie, they are all presented in past tense at the trial of the catholic priest accused of negligent homicide in the death of a young girl he tried to exorcise demons from.

Indeed, the trial itself is the heart of the movie and, as such, it’s much closer to being a pure drama than a spook movie. To that end, director Scott Derrickson had some top-notch people to work with. Both Linney and Wilkinson have previous oscar nominations and they both put in some very fine performances here. Linney plays Erin Bruner, the reluctant and agnostic defense attorney who gets pressured into taking the case in order to make full partner at her firm. Wilkinson plays Father Moore, a faithful and pious priest who was in the wrong evil place at the wrong evil time and whose actions (inactions?) may have resulted in the young girl’s death.

His presumed victim is the namesake of the movie, Emily Rose, and played to great effect by relative newcomer Jennifer Carpenter. It’s too early to tell yet what her acting range is, but I can tell you that she does “terrified” and “demonic” both QUITE well.

I have to admit that I’m a sucker for a good courtroom. I think I’ve watched every single episode of Law & Order at least twice, in fact. And as a courtroom movie, Emily is pretty darn good. I could have done without some of the cliche’ scenes between Bruner and her cliche’ schmuck of a boss, and some of the courtroom procedural stuff was off a bit, but nothing detracts too much from the quality of the performances and the unusual story.

In short, if you view this thinking you’re getting a good christian-themed horror flick, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re in the mood for some good popcorn-munching courtroom action, then this is your flick.

Posted by Alex | Filed Under 4 Stars, DVD, Drama, Horror, Jennifer Carpenter, Laura Linney, PG-13, Tom Wilkinson