Based on incredible true events, The Exorcism of Emily Rose
tells a story of a young girl (Jennifer Carpenter) who dies under
the care of her parish priest (Tom Wilkinson). While attending college,
Emily believed she became possessed. After medical care ceases to work,
she turned to her faith. In the care of her priest she dies and he goes
on trial for her death. This is where our story begins. Represented
by a career-minded and driven lawyer (Laura Linney) who does not
believe in God, the story of Emily Rose, is more Courtroom Drama rather
than your run-of-the-mill Exorcist Part 23: Satan Goes To Miami
with the events told by those in the trial and the priest who watched
her through her possession. So at times, it actually feels like your
getting two movies for the price of one, a welcome surprise, in
particular for anyone who may have recently purchased White Chicks (which as far as I can tell, was barely one movie for the price...of one). Based
on the true story of Anneliese Michel, a young German woman who
suffered the same fate as the fictional Emily Rose in the 1970s -
thought to have been epileptic and not possessed though she believed
herself to be - the original inspiration for the film stems from the
book titled The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel by Dr.
Felicitas Goodman, the anthropologist called in as an expert on
possession during the real life case (and allegedly is in possession of
the the chilling audiotapes of the real life ritual). However, as
is the case with most "Based On True Event" biopics - the original has
heavily adapted for cinematic purposes. Not that it's a major problem
as The Exorcism of Emily Rose really kicks along at a fantastic pace with an acceptable and even fare of both realism and the supernatural. There
are some really chilling moments to be had here, in particular the
flashback sequences of the gradual possession of Emily by the six
demons (including Lucifer himself). The possession scenes are
fantastic, putting recent demonic tales such as The Omen and Exorcist: The Beginning to shame. Carpenter
is superb as young Emily, in what would have been one of the most
physically and emotionally draining performances yet put on the screen
(keep an eye out for the early possession when she runs to the college
chapel for safety). Wilkinson is good as the out of luck priest, while
Linney seems to be on auto pilot - essentially reprising her role from Primal Fear.
Not that it's a major problem, Linney's performance is solid and
convincing, however - I just couldn't help but think of Edward Norton
repeating "I..I..I lost t-t-time Mr. Vail" every time she was on screen. There are some points which don't quite seem to match up, and a little to Buffy-esque
at times (Linney's encounters with potential spirits in particular) but
most of the time - in particular watching Emily's gradual evolution
into psychosis - are excellent and creepily chilling. I have to admit,
I've always been a bit creeped out by Possession films or stories of
that ilk. It goes back to a segment on the short lived Aussie series The Extraordinary
which talked of a young teenage boy being possessed - not great viewing
for a 10 year old at the time. Needless to say, that it was difficult
not to look suspiciously at the shadows on the walls of my bedroom
later that night. Solid viewing which never quite reaches it's
full potential of either being a GREAT courtroom drama, nor a GREAT
exorcism film purely due to the restraints of keeping both stories
running simultaneously. But, just to be on the safe side, keep the
Ghostbusters on speed-dial after watching this one. EXTRAS
Not
a bad little collection. It's a general rule in the film world that
these sort of films have a cursed set, etc. and there are plenty of
stories to tell with a 3-part behind-the-scenes documentary on the
making of the film that explores the story, casting and visual design.
Also
there is an uncut version (with scenes not shown in cinemas), Audio
commentary by director Scott Derrickson and Never-before-seen deleted
scene with optional director's commentary. Devilishly good.
Conclusion:
Movie 70% Extras: 60%
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