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The Exorcism of Emily Rose By David DiCerto Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- Generally speaking, Hollywood misses the mark in its treatment of the supernatural. More often than not, movies which explore spiritual realities -- especially those dealing with the demonic -- opt for sensationalism or horror cliches rather than serious reflection. Not so with "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" (Screen Gems), a sober consideration of faith and the mystery of evil. Thoughtfully directed by Scott Derrickson, an evangelical Christian, the film is based, in part, on true events that took place in Germany in 1976 involving a young epileptic, Anneliese Michel, who died of starvation after several exorcism sessions, and led to criminal charges being filed against the priests involved. More theological courtroom drama than horror film (though it walks a fine line at times), Derrickson's fictionalized version transplants the story to an unspecified rural American town and changes the names of the principal players. Michel has become Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter), a devout Catholic college student, who, after experiencing terrifying episodes while away at school, comes to believe she is possessed by demons. When medical treatment proves ineffective, her family enlists their parish priest, Father Richard Moore (an extremely empathetic Tom Wilkinson) to perform an exorcism. Despite Father Moore's sincere efforts, the girl dies from associated medical complications -- mostly malnutrition -- resulting in Moore's arrest for negligent homicide. In the German case, two priests stood trial, as did the girl's parents. Emily's back story is told mainly through flashbacks interspersed throughout the various testimonies. Laura Linney co-stars as Erin Bruner, the agnostic, high-profile lawyer hired to defend Father Moore and make sure the church -- which wants to keep the case out of the spotlight and the priest off the witness stand -- avoids any embarrassing publicity. Campbell Scott plays pit-bullish prosecuting attorney Ethan Thomas, a practicing Methodist who disdains the Catholic idea of exorcisms. The film is not so much concerned about providing an answer to the central mystery surrounding Emily's death, as it is posing questions about the nature of evil. Was Emily really possessed or merely suffering from a psychological malady? The filmmaker remains intentionally ambiguous, though the movie clearly leans toward the existence of larger realities beyond the empirical. The performances are solid across the board, especially that of Linney. Carpenter does a credible job conveying her demonic torment with a minimal reliance on special effects. But, despite the title, it is Bruner's story as she wrestles with her own demons, and her wavering between skepticism and belief no doubt mirrors the inner spiritual grappling of many viewers. The narrative tone remains respectful of Catholic tenets and rituals. The film's occasional excursions into horror territory -- including unsettling and at times intense depictions of Emily's ordeal -- are relatively few, but used to chilling effect. Though comparisons will no doubt be made to William Friedkin's classic, "The Exorcist," viewers hoping for Linda Blair-style spinning heads and projectile vomit will be disappointed. A late revelation that Emily endured her suffering as a self-sacrificial martyrdom suggests that belief in God is somehow confirmed, or at least facilitated, by proving that the devil exists. Viewers may have legitimate questions about that proposition, as well as other some other plot points such as the effect of drugs on an attempt at exorcism. Also Father Moore's contention about the appropriateness of Halloween for exorcisms will strike many as either superstitious or plain silly. Though not without flaws, "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" is a well-crafted and intelligent movie that aspires to engage heads and not just spin them. The film contains disturbing scenes of demonic possession, a brief but violent vehicular homicide, and a grisly death image, as well as minimal crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. - - - DiCerto is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. END Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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