2008 Woodie Awards
The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Jeff Pruitt
Issue date: 9/15/05 Section: Reviews
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Director Scott Derrickson believes The Exorcism of Emily Rose may be the first ever courtroom horror film.
That may or may not be the case.
The problem with "Emily Rose," though, is that combining the two different genres doesn't necessarily make for a good movie.
Granted, they were obviously trying to make a different type of exorcism film than its predecessor, "The Exorcist," and that's commendable. But, if you've seen the previews then you're probably expecting to see a different movie than the one they actually made.
The reason being is that there are some long, unexpected courtroom scenes that tend to drag on and make the movie flat and boring in spots.
They are the types of scenes that are a totally unrealistic portrayal of a courtroom where the witness is allowed to go on an emotional tangent for five minutes without interruption, but when the next question is asked, the opposing attorney stands up and yells "objection, your honor" and, amazingly, it's sustained.
Oy vey!
On trial is Father Moore, Emily's priest. Through a series of flashbacks, her story is told, including her possession and the exorcism that attempts to rid her of her six demons.
It seems like the goal of The Exorcism of Emily Rose is to make the audience question their individual belief in the existence of demons.
This is partly done through the character of Erin Bruner, the attorney who defends Father Moore. Played by Laura Linney
Away from the courtroom, the movie is more interesting.
There are some scary moments, especially the exorcism scene. I don't want to give it away, but when Emily's demons begin speaking through her and telling of the bodies they have inhabited over the years, it's hard not to pay attention. It's the best scene of the movie.
Also, 3:00 a.m., the "witching hour," will not be the same for a while. If you happen to wake up at exactly that time, then you're going to be in for a long night.
Although not great, some of the performances are good; most notably, Jennifer Carpenter (Emily Rose), Tom Wilkinson (Father Moore), and Linney.
The setting is effective as well. The cold, dreary, winter conditions mirror the isolation and fear felt by the characters and Rose's family home, a Victorian-style house serves as an ideal, although cliched, location for a possession.
So, if you like traditional horror films, you probably won't be a big fan of The Exorcism of Emily Rose. But, if you're interested in the combination of two genres, specifically horror and courtroom drama, then this might appeal to you.
Personally, the mixing of the two genres left me wanting for one or the other, but certainly not both.
That may or may not be the case.
The problem with "Emily Rose," though, is that combining the two different genres doesn't necessarily make for a good movie.
Granted, they were obviously trying to make a different type of exorcism film than its predecessor, "The Exorcist," and that's commendable. But, if you've seen the previews then you're probably expecting to see a different movie than the one they actually made.
The reason being is that there are some long, unexpected courtroom scenes that tend to drag on and make the movie flat and boring in spots.
They are the types of scenes that are a totally unrealistic portrayal of a courtroom where the witness is allowed to go on an emotional tangent for five minutes without interruption, but when the next question is asked, the opposing attorney stands up and yells "objection, your honor" and, amazingly, it's sustained.
Oy vey!
On trial is Father Moore, Emily's priest. Through a series of flashbacks, her story is told, including her possession and the exorcism that attempts to rid her of her six demons.
It seems like the goal of The Exorcism of Emily Rose is to make the audience question their individual belief in the existence of demons.
This is partly done through the character of Erin Bruner, the attorney who defends Father Moore. Played by Laura Linney
Away from the courtroom, the movie is more interesting.
There are some scary moments, especially the exorcism scene. I don't want to give it away, but when Emily's demons begin speaking through her and telling of the bodies they have inhabited over the years, it's hard not to pay attention. It's the best scene of the movie.
Also, 3:00 a.m., the "witching hour," will not be the same for a while. If you happen to wake up at exactly that time, then you're going to be in for a long night.
Although not great, some of the performances are good; most notably, Jennifer Carpenter (Emily Rose), Tom Wilkinson (Father Moore), and Linney.
The setting is effective as well. The cold, dreary, winter conditions mirror the isolation and fear felt by the characters and Rose's family home, a Victorian-style house serves as an ideal, although cliched, location for a possession.
So, if you like traditional horror films, you probably won't be a big fan of The Exorcism of Emily Rose. But, if you're interested in the combination of two genres, specifically horror and courtroom drama, then this might appeal to you.
Personally, the mixing of the two genres left me wanting for one or the other, but certainly not both.