Review of Carrie (1976) by Richard Eder for The New York Times — 10 Apr 1989

Mr. de Palma has ordered universal overacting. Piper Laurie does it with considerable grace—the wicked witch in a children's pantomime. The marvel, though, is Sissy Spacek. She makes us perfectly aware that she is overacting, and yet she is very effective.

Her hysteria is far too hysterical. Her delight in being taken to the prom is far too radiant. But it moves us.