Demons and demonic possession have always interested me mostly because both ideas scare the hell out of me. When watching Paranormal Activity I was intrigued by the characteristics of the demon in the movie, but the movie ended up not focusing very much on the history of the demon and it left me feeling let down. The Exorcism of Emily Rose, however, brought to me a different kind of demonic encounter that I think will haunt me more than the events of the demonic activity in Paranormal Activity.
"Demons exist, whether you believe in them or not." -The Exorcism of Emily Rose
The aspect that stood out to me the most about this film was it didn't shove the in-your-face kind of horror that often accompanies movies with demons. Emily Rose was not puking on the priest with her head spinning around in a 360. And there was no need for her to do these things because we understood how utterly terrified Emily was of the things inside her, of losing control over her body, without the over-the-top kind of gore. The movie wasn't even bloody, and yet it leaves an impression with its subtle way of showing the audience the looking glass and daring them to keep an open mind about what may have happened here.
I identified with the lawyer, Erin, since she claims herself to be agnostic, but says in her closing statement to the jury, "Are we alone in this life or are we not alone? Either thought is astonishing." This line stuck with me because I related to Erin's agnostic viewpoint, but she also came across things she could not explain, even if they were strange emotions, and that is a very relatable kind of feeling to convey to your audience. Erin states she isn't sure if she completely shares Father Moore's beliefs, but she believes in him, and I thought that poignant point really captured the whole point of the movie, and the whole point of what Emily thought she was standing for when faced with the choice to flee from the horrible pain of the demons inside her, or stay and suffer in an attempt to get others to think about her strong convictions.
I am a fan of quiet, subtle horror, and this film captures that sort of uncomfortable quiet very well. The part where Emily says the names of the demons inside her, and suddenly calmly tells Father Moore "and I am Lucifer, the devil in the flesh" is about as creepy as it gets.
While I had trouble getting a grasp on Emily's character or identifying with her, since in all we hardly get to see her personality outside of being possessed, I still thought the movie was well done and I would be interested in reading more about its background and inspiration.
Happy Hauntings,
Sara
I much prefer the subtle horror like in Emily Rose than the in your face, gory horror. Leaving things up to interpretation quietly messes with my mind more than sensationalism does, which is the biggest thing I like about Emily Rose. The unanswered question of whether demons exist or not was more creepy than coming down on a side.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I watched this film I absolutely loved it! The second time I was looking with a critical eye so I couldn't help but nitpick at it. Although, even during the second viewing Jennifer Carpenter's performance still stood out as the absolute best part of the movie, which is saying something considering the only thing we know about her goals is that she wants to go to school. I agree with you about the subtle horror too. I think the over the topness got pushed further back because it was presented through the courtroom which added some distance to the overall events.
ReplyDeleteI do love this movie, and a big reason for this is because I consider it to be thought-provoking horror. Like you said, there's not too much gore or violence, yet it can still be frightening to viewers. There's two way s to view this film, and that's through a psychological lens or a theological one. Maybe a third, just a general supernatural lens, but in the context of the film, I think the two I mentioned are what the movie aims for. I don't think I believe in legitimate possession, so I viewed this movie with interest. It provides two sides to a story, and the viewer is forced to question their beliefs and look at opposing viewpoints. This is what makes the movie in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I was so focused on the court stuff and how this film reminded me of a weird episode of Law and Order that I didn't even notice how much of a prop Emily is. We never learn anything about her. Like, at all. She's just a girl who we see twisted up on the floor from time to time and tied down in the barn.
ReplyDeleteI'll give it this, that Lucifer line sent chills up my spine.