Darrell, over at Film Geeks 2.0, has posted a new review of The Exorcism of Emily Rose. And since I just watched the DVD two nights ago myself, I thought I would post a few words. I commented on this film earlier when it was first in the theaters, as did Darrell.
I think it was a good movie. Probably one of my five favorites of the year. First because it was just so well made. The cast was top of the line. Jennifer Carpenter, as Emily Rose, deserves some attention. She was superlative. Laura Linney, who has never given a bad performance, said more with her facial expressions at times than most actors do with a thousand lines of text. Her intelligence was commanding. And if Tom Wilkenson is not nominated for an Academy Award, an injustice will have occured. Usually Christian clergy are portrayed in films as either ignorant, bigotted, or villainous - or all three. Wilkenson's Father Moore was intelligent, sensitive, pastoral, strong, passionate about his beliefs, and willing to sacrifice himself for what is good.
As a pastor, I think this film and others like it can serve a useful purpose. Movies about the devil or demon possession are often overly sensationalistic, gory or special effects laden. This one had it's scary moments, but it was comparatively easy handed in the effects department, which I appreciated. This put more of the attention on the characters. And these characters are exceptionally well-drawn.
What I didn't like:
What I liked:
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
More On Emily Rose
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3 comments:
I've seen the film and thought it was very well done (not with
standing some of what you mentioned in the theological dept.)
Also, I've heard that the director is a Christian, so I'm sure that a positive effect on the overall presentation of the characters and script, which, I understand, is based upon the experience of a girl in Germany.
We rented the DVD this weekend and watched. Frankly, I have to admit the only reason I rented it was because you listed it in your Christmas letter! I liked it for all of the reasons you have previously stated.
However, what was dissatisfying about it (as a Christian) was that Christ is never proclaimed as more powerful than the devil. And, you are left feeling rather hopeless, powerless, and depressed. I want my epitaph to read "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling."
Yes, it was a good movie. But it could have been much better.
Pastor Grams,
You are absolutely right. I agree with you 100%.
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