CANON HAMLIN
Staff Writer
The commercials advertising “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” may be puzzling. Images of wide-mouthed screaming demons mean this must be a terrifying, special-effects-filled, horror extravaganza, right?
But for those looking for a horrifying movie-going experience, this is not it.
That does not mean it is a bad movie — it just isn’t a scary one. The film claims to be based on a true story, but the leaps of faith it requires probably should make it read “inspired by a true story.”
The original case took place during the 1970s and involved a 19-year-old college freshman whose demonic possession was officially recognized by the Catholic Church in Germany. The movie takes that case and transposes it to modern-day America, but the gist of the story is still the same.
The film follows the tale of a Catholic priest on trial for negligent homicide following his exorcism of the teenage girl, Emily Rose. Most of her story is told in chilling flashback sequences seen through the eyes of the possessed girl.
The attorney defending the priest is agnostic, while the prosecutor is Christian. This tense relationship adds to the pressure and drama of the movie.
While the flashback sequences give the movie its chilling scenes, most of the film is not a flashback. The majority of the dramatic narrative is set in a courtroom. The courtroom drama, mixed with the occasional demon attack, makes the movie more “Law & Order” than “The Exorcist.”
Most of the movie’s effectiveness depends on the viewer’s stance on religion. If one believes in demons, then the movie and most of the scenes make perfect sense and are quite effective. If one does not believe in the supernatural or religious aspects, then the prosecution’s case of negligent homicide makes more sense.
Granted, the movie leans more toward the demonic side, hence the film’s title. Many times, though, the moviegoer is given a choice of what to believe. This lends a more theological perspective to the movie, which is a welcome change from the constant barrage of special-effects blowouts that are typical of horror movies today.
Most Christian audiences will appreciate the scenes and references, in addition to the defense’s case. Most non-Christian audiences will appreciate the prosecution’s points comparing Emily’s possession to epilepsy and psychosis.
Horror fans may be sated with the flashback sequences, which, while not filled with special effects, have enough for the occasional jump and a whole night’s worth of chills. The times when the viewer looks through the eyes of Emily provide some of the most frightening sequences in the movie. If one believes she is possessed, then she sees demons in everyday life. If one believes she is psychotic, then she is merely acting out her psychosis.
Drama fans will appreciate the courtroom intensity and the anguish of the two individuals trying the case. As the movie progresses, the church-going prosecutor gets angrier and angrier at the thought of a priest killing a helpless teenage girl. Thriller fans will appreciate the effect the case has on the defense attorney and those involved in the exorcism. As the case moves forward, the priest warns her to be wary of “demonic attack” and she experiences several frightening moments, which could either be from demons or products of her own mind.
“Emily Rose” is an excellent film as long as the viewers know what they are getting into. Viewers looking for a good scare should look elsewhere. As a theological movie, “Emily Rose” holds up well. And for those few double majors in religion and pre-law, look no further — the flagship has arrived.
09-15-2005
