THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE

REVIEWED BY CHARITY BISHOP

Our rating: 3 out of 5

Because of: thematic elements

Rated:

Critics and audiences alike didn't quite know what to do with this movie on its release. A combination of a horror film and a courtroom drama, The Exorcism of Emily Rose is loosely based on a similar case that took place in Europe in the 1970's, but has been "heavily adapted" for the cinema.

The ranch is quiet. The doctor called by the police to examine the girl's body is stone-faced. Members of the house are shaken but unspeaking. The priest in the corner looks away. When the medical man cannot say for certain the cause of death, Father Moore (Tom Wilkinson) is taken into custody. The DA's office doesn't want this case to go to trial, in fear that it will stir up too much public unrest. The Arch Diesis doesn't want this case to trial either because it will have a dramatic backlash on the church. Unfortunately, Father Moore refuses to take a plea and confess to something he has not done. Arrangements are made and attorneys chosen on both sides. Speaking for the prosecution is Ethan Thomas (Campbell Scott), a religious man convinced that Moore's intervention in the removal of medication from Emily Rose caused her unfortunate death.

An agnostic is chosen to represent Father Moore. Erin Bruner (Laura Linney) doesn't know where to stand on the issue of demonic possession, but this case will earn her a long-desired full partnership in the firm. Father Moore contemplates her seriously on their first meeting, and then confides in a quiet but impassioned voice that she must prepare herself for spiritual warfare, because "there are evil forces in this world, and they do not want Emily Rose's story to be told." He doesn't really care if he's convicted, he just wants the public to know the truth about the deranged girl. Both sides present different views to the twelve jurors. The prosecution paints Emily Rose as an emotionally unstable epileptic, while the defense attempts to build a case for demonic possession.

The interesting thing about this film is that it draws no ultimate conclusions. Based on your personal views, you will either translate the events through the eyes of the prosecution or defense. There are inconsistencies on both sides, so you can imagine the moral quandary the jury was faced with. I like courtroom dramas and it's no secret that this one remains compelling, but it's also highly disturbing in its horrific imagery. Tranquil scenes at trial are interspersed with violent, often horrific depictions of epileptic seizures and demonic behavior, based on who is doing the talking. Emily Rose levitates, contorts into incredible positions, attacks anyone who attempts to subdue her, and speaks in multiple languages with at least seven voices. During the initial exorcism, the demons inside her scream with rage and refuse to reveal their names. The flashbacks are excessively disturbing, and the only thing to earn the PG13 rating. (The lengthened, unrated version is even more unsettling.)

Language is minimal, left to a half dozen mild profanities interspersed throughout the film, but religious conviction comes into play through alternate beliefs. Emily Rose believed God had chosen her to carry the demons in order to send a message to the world. The film implies that she chose not to have them expelled because of a vision in which Mary, the Mother of Christ, told her what could be achieved through her suffering. There is also superstitious "nonsense" about 3am being the demonic hour (because it's a reversal of 3pm, the hour many believed Christ died), and the appearance of multiple demonic events. Beds shake, furniture moves, and various characters see a hooded apparition. 

If nothing else the movie brings up some interesting conversations about the afterlife, exorcisms, and faith. I found it highly intriguing because of what it represented, the moral quandary priests face in attempting to determine if superstition or reality influences what they perceive to be demonic. The conclusion I drew was that yes, Emily Rose was possessed, and the priest's actions were justified. But as to whether or not the jury agreed with me, you will have to watch the film to find out. If you are in any way bothered by supernatural films, if even the trailers unnerved you -- as they did many, and even myself -- I would encourage you to use discretion when viewing the film. If nothing else, it is profoundly unsettling.