‘Emily Rose’ a tale of horror

If you like spooky courtroom dramas about the occult, “The Exorcism

of Emily Rose” will be the perfect movie for you. If you’re looking

for a typical teen slasher flick, steer clear of this recent release

and see something else or head to Knott’s Scary Farm.

“The Exorcism of Emily Rose” is based on the true story of a

teenage girl who is either possessed by the devil or suffering a

severe mental illness. That’s the main question of the film and the

audience has to draw their own conclusion.

After an exorcism goes wrong, a priest is charged with Emily’s

death and the movie follows his trial and tells Emily’s story via

flashbacks. Being the good writer I am, I will not give away the

ending. Feel free to continue reading my review. “Emily Rose” is a

very different film. It’s not a gross-out or a blood-and-guts

picture.

This is a wonderfully made drama and the excellent acting of the

stars Laura Linney and Tom Wilkinson add to the suspense. Jennifer

Carpenter plays Emily and her performance is very believable and

terrifying as the possessed girl.

I’m still wondering how she got her body to contort throughout the

film’s one hour and 53 minute running time.

The look and feel of the movie is very dark and this adds to the

experience. The soundtrack and sound effects are also top shelf and

this increases the creepiness level.

Since most of the action takes place in the courtroom, at times

you feel like you’re watching an episode of “Law and Order,” but

precision directing never lets the pace slow too much.

“Emily Rose” is a great date movie and my screening was 90%

couples.

Nothing is better than taking a beautiful woman to a scary movie

so she can snuggle up next to you during the frightening scenes. Like

a genius, I took my friend Chad and this eliminated any snuggling.

In conclusion: “Emily Rose” is a good picture that should scare up

plenty of business for those looking for an intelligent thrill this

fall.

REEL FACTOID

“The Exorcism of Emily Rose” is based on the true story of

Anneliese Michel, a young German woman who was believed to be

possessed and went through several exorcisms. She suffered the same

fate as the fictional Emily Rose in the 1970s.

* MATT BELLNER is an actor and freelance writer from beautiful

Burbank.