Review of The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) by Simon L — 05 Dec 2017
Derrickson's film is based on the real life exorcism of Anneliese Michel, and that's half its problem. The film reimagines the neglectful, superstitious and science-fearing individuals (who were in fact responsible for the girl's death) as the victim, rather than Michel/Emily herself.
The script attempts to atone for this crime by reimagining Emily as a hero, instead. It fails, and you end up feeling as tainted for watching it as Dickinson is for making it. On the other hand, Linney and Wilkinson really are very good, and Carpenter is sensational in a performance that is much less aided by effects than one comes to expect.
The film strives to be both court-room-drama and horror-film, and fails to satisfy in either capacity. Parts of the story that allude to the incompatibility of superstition and evidence based justice systems are interesting at times, but the way the case wraps up is so unfeasable one finds it hard to consider the film a serious exploration of that theme.
Most disappointing is the film's failure to explain why the demon chose to possess her. I had wanted to watch this for so very long. I wish I hadn't.
This review of The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) was written by Simon L on 05 Dec 2017.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose has generally received positive reviews.
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