(dir. Scott Derrickson)
 |
| Screen Gems |
*First time viewing
After performing an exorcism that leaves a young woman
dead, a priest is tried by the state for negligent homicide. His only hope lies
in an agnostic defense attorney.
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I think most
exorcism movies simply aren’t that great. Too many simply retread the steps of The Exorcist without any consideration
to pace, characterization, and shock value. Those that are effective are the
ones that allow the actual exorcising process to take a back seat to other
supernatural phenomena or events. So with that being said, Scott Derrickson’s The Exorcism of Emily Rose is partly
successful. The actual trial is the most interesting part of the movie, and
with leads Tom Wilkinson and Laura Linney, the courtroom dramatics provide
high-entertainment that also serves as a breath of fresh air from other
exorcism-oriented movies.
The problem comes when the film incorporates flashbacks
of Emily’s possession and subsequent exorcism into the trial. Now, these scenes
are wonderfully directed and it’s clear Derrickson has had a great visual sense
from the beginning. And, Jennifer Carpenter is equally great as Emily Rose. But
the possession, demonic tongues, and back-bending feats are all routine. The
flashbacks, while a reasonable narrative convenience, are boring because
they’re all too familiar, regardless of how well acted or directed. The film’s
ultimate message about faith is an interesting one, but I wish more time had
been spent on the trial and the characters’ struggle with their beliefs. If the
film had treated the audience like a jury, only allowing us to see pictures and
hear recordings entered as evidence, and allowed us to make our own judgement
on the story, The Exorcism of Emily Rose
could have been one of the most innovative and brave horror films of the
previous decade.
Scare Factor: 1/5 The
Exorcism of Emily Rose is a decent film and it’s certainly entertaining and
well-shot, but it’s also a frustrating film because it’s just a few alternate
creative decisions away from greatness.
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