Movie: The Exorcism of Emily Rose
This past Friday night, I was scared by this movie. Based on a true story. I have yet to investigate the extent to which this movie is true, but as this exorcism was recognized by the Catholic church as real … it does make you wonder. One more quick note: it may been declared “real” to help the priests involved (who, ultimately, were judged guilty). Hard to say. Regardless: this movie was not a jumpy horror movie in the traditional sense, with one important exception. It has the single-most spine tingling special horror effect you will witness for some time. Warning, spoiler (skip to the end of this paragraph to avoid): Emily, pursued by the devil, makes eye contact with people around her, and without any warning at all, their faces begin melting off, like the worst mascara-in-the-rain you’ve ever scene. Except the eyes come with it. And a demonic face emerges. Fun.
The movie tosses out the accepted horror format: main character enters house/location. Outside communication greatly decreases. Becomes intrigued. Finds something deeply wrong. Goes to get help. Goes back (I hate that part). Dies in a horrible, sudden way. Indeed, the horror parts of the movie are all flashbacks, rooted in the court trial taking place, a trial which attempts to convict the Priest who performed the exorcism.
Get this, though. This movie, to me, was far less darkly horrifying than, say, Skeleton Key. See, Skeleton Key ends on a hopeless note: no justice will be served, the cycle will perpetuate, the horror will continue. The focus of the Exorcism of Emily Rose, however, is on justice (quite literally). Centered in the courtroom, the movie and some characters in it focus on “telling Emily’s story.” This serves to warn people about demons, to put some “good” back into the world. To me, this made the movie more believable, and more visceral. Caveat: I am easily scared. If you are going for a cheap non-intellectual thrill and have no imagination, this movie will not be for you.