"The Exorcism of Emily Rose" is great at giving you new, unique perspectives... of the inside of your sweater. (Who knew you could see so well through those little tiny holes?) Through it, one sees some horror movie norms: possessed teenagers, haunted dorm rooms, and a bunch of overly religious country folk. Yet this movie is no cheap thrill for dreary days and nights with Ben & Jerry's. "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," according to the filmmakers, actually happened.
The story unfolds through the family priest Father Moore's (Tom Wilkinson) trial for negligent homicide. Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter), an innocent girl from a small town, goes off to college and begins to experience "forces" controlling her.
After seeking medical help proves futile, her family calls upon Father Moore to find a more spiritual solution. Observing Emily's behavior, all agree that her only hope for relief is a ritual exorcism. She ceases medical treatment and the priest performs an exorcism that is unfortunately unsuccessful. Her condition spirals downward, ending in a painful and tortured death.
Though the movie focuses heavily on the possibility of the divine, there are also medical theories tossed out, creating an interesting debate not usually found in horror films. Is Emily plagued by demons or psychotic epilepsy? Could someone's body twist like that? Can people speak using both vocal cords?
It is this believability factor that makes "scary" aspects of the movie effective, especially Father Moore's trial. While it is common to have some sort of investigation throughout a horror film, as in "Silence of the Lambs" (1991), this trial seems unique, providing a believable and tangible element to the story line. The director, Scott Derikson, didn't just throw out a few monsters to get a cheap rise - he wants you to actually consider that this happened.
This effect was made possible by commendable performances across the board. Laura Linney, perhaps best known for 2004's "Kinsey," is especially effective as Father Moore's skeptical defense attorney. While the alcoholic, agnostic, lawyer aspect is overdone, Linney's subtle, convincing change of heart provides depth to her character.
This transformation is what Derikson attempts to provoke in the audience. Just like Peter Pan, minus all the clapping, he hopes this movie will inspire us all to believe in fairies (or, in this case, demons). Luckily, he provides us with an engrossing plot instead of just a proselytizing scary story.
Unfortunately, Carpenter's Emily Rose might be a little too good - will anyone see her as anyone other than the demonic contortionist that she proves to be in the film? Veteran actor Tom Wilkinson's Father Moore, on the other hand, is a convincing, entertaining, and moving character. As opposed to his "ultimate gangster" character, Falcone, in "Batman Begins" (2005), and his evil mind erasing doctor in "Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind" (2004), Father Moore is a kind and genial priest not afraid to sacrifice his own well-being for Emily.
Again supporting the film's religious undertones, almost every major character in the film is a martyr of some sort; all undergo personal pain in order to benefit the collective. The only character who doesn't fall into this category is the overzealous Protestant prosecutor, played by Campell Scott, determined to erase the divine possibility present in the case.
Now what kind of message does this send about Protestants? Although director Scott Derikson definitely attempts to weave in some of his own religious opinions here, one must try to look beyond it and appreciate the film as a whole.
In the era of technology and special effects, the poor quality of recent horror movies is astounding. Amidst such offenders as "The Ring" (2001), "Hide and Seek" (2005), and "The House of Wax" (2005), scare value has caused a decrease in quality of plot and direction. Finally, the industry has been introduced to a film with a strong cast, development and message.
If you are looking for a good scare as well as a decent film, "Emily Rose" is your pick. One word of advice, however - make sure you and whoever you see it with are properly restrained in order to prevent serious injury.
