as bad as it looks?

[kateri05]

so just saw a preview for this new PG-13 movie, not sure if the USCCB has rated it yet. the preview was toting the movie as a "demoic possession approved by the Catholic Church" and based on the recording of this young lady while she was possessed.... we all know how they messed up the original story that "the exorcist" was based on, so... is this movie going to be offensive or not?

thoughts?


i'm inclined to error on the side of caution (ie. its offensive to catholics, possibly to even believing CHristians), not to mention, even if its right on, why freak one' s self out regarding the powers of Satan, a very real, REAL REAL evil, existance in our world.

[Thy Geekdom Come]

Sober, theologically oriented thriller based, in part, on true events surrounding a Catholic priest (Tom Wilkinson) on trial for negligent homicide in connection with an exorcism he performed on a young woman (Jennifer Carpenter) believed to be possessed that resulted in her death. Thoughtfully directed by Scott Derrickson and with a solid performance by Laura Linney as the priest's skeptical attorney, the film eschews horror-movie cliches (though not entirely) in favor of serious reflection on faith and the mystery of evil. Disturbing scenes of demonic possession, a brief but violent vehicular homicide, a grisly death image, as well as minimal crude language. A-III -- adults. (PG-13) 2005
Full Review
Generally speaking, Hollywood misses the mark in its treatment of the supernatural. More often than not, movies which explore spiritual realities -- especially those dealing with the demonic -- opt for sensationalism or horror cliches rather than serious reflection.

Not so with "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" (Screen Gems), a sober consideration of faith and the mystery of evil.

Thoughtfully directed by Scott Derrickson, an evangelical Christian, the film is based, in part, on true events that took place in Germany in 1976 involving a young epileptic, Anneliese Michel, who died of starvation after several exorcism sessions, and led to criminal charges being filed against the priests involved.

More theological courtroom drama than horror film (though it walks a fine line at times), Derrickson's fictionalized version transplants the story to an unspecified rural American town and changes the names of the principal players.

Michel has become Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter), a devout Catholic college student, who, after experiencing terrifying episodes while away at school, comes to believe she is possessed by demons.

When medical treatment proves ineffective, her family enlists their parish priest, Father Richard Moore (an extremely empathetic Tom Wilkinson) to perform an exorcism. Despite Father Moore's sincere efforts, the girl dies from associated medical complications -- mostly malnutrition -- resulting in Moore's arrest for negligent homicide. In the German case, two priests stood trial, as did the girl's parents.

Emily's back story is told mainly through flashbacks interspersed throughout the various testimonies.

Laura Linney co-stars as Erin Bruner, the agnostic, high-profile lawyer hired to defend Father Moore and make sure the church -- which wants to keep the case out of the spotlight and the priest off the witness stand -- avoids any embarrassing publicity. Campbell Scott plays pit-bullish prosecuting attorney Ethan Thomas, a practicing Methodist who disdains the Catholic idea of exorcisms.

The film is not so much concerned about providing an answer to the central mystery surrounding Emily's death, as it is posing questions about the nature of evil. Was Emily really possessed or merely suffering from a psychological malady? The filmmaker remains intentionally ambiguous, though the movie clearly leans toward the existence of larger realities beyond the empirical.

The performances are solid across the board, especially that of Linney. Carpenter does a credible job conveying her demonic torment with a minimal reliance on special effects. But, despite the title, it is Bruner's story as she wrestles with her own demons, and her wavering between skepticism and belief no doubt mirrors the inner spiritual grappling of many viewers.

The narrative tone remains respectful of Catholic tenets and rituals.

The film's occasional excursions into horror territory -- including unsettling and at times intense depictions of Emily's ordeal -- are relatively few, but used to chilling effect.

Though comparisons will no doubt be made to William Friedkin's classic, "The Exorcist," viewers hoping for Linda Blair-style spinning heads and projectile vomit will be disappointed.

A late revelation that Emily endured her suffering as a self-sacrificial martyrdom suggests that belief in God is somehow confirmed, or at least facilitated, by proving that the devil exists. Viewers may have legitimate questions about that proposition, as well as other some other plot points such as the effect of drugs on an attempt at exorcism. Also Father Moore's contention about the appropriateness of Halloween for exorcisms will strike many as either superstitious or plain silly.

Though not without flaws, "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" is a well-crafted and intelligent movie that aspires to engage heads and not just spin them.

The film contains disturbing scenes of demonic possession, a brief but violent vehicular homicide, and a grisly death image, as well as minimal crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

[kateri05]

ok well i guess they have reviewed it : well darn it, i guess this thread is dumb then

although, i must say, i'm tempted to see it now. but i'm already well aware of the realities of evil, sin and the existence of the devil. i'm not sure i want more {read: scary) proof

[morostheos]

If you weren't so far away off in LA, I'd go see it with you and at least we would have Catholic support - we could bring our rosaries with us! :

[shelly_freak]

I asked this question about 3 weeks ago but no one felt like answering me, figures. But yeah, now I really really really can't wait to see it. I think my friend Matt and I are going to see it tomorrow. Should be interesting.

[kateri05]

well if YOU weren't so far away in VA, we could see it together who's far away from who claire? just like fr. h always said, LINA is the most important person here, hello!! :

[Krush2k2]

I just saw it, its awesome, I just want to know if the letter she wrote really said what the movie said it did

[Maester Supremo]

FFS, offensive to Catholics? Based on a true story? Emily Rose a real person? FFS.

HOLLYWOOD PEOPLE, HOLLYWOOD!

FFS

[phatcatholic]

FFS?

[morostheos]

There have been several threads on the Music and Movie phorum about it too, Bro Adam posted "the real story of emily rose" as well

From Bro Adam: [url="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=38418"]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=38418[/url]

Other topics on the movie:
[url="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=39403"]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=39403[/url]
[url="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=39340"]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=39340[/url]

[MissScripture]

Helpful Hint: If you are living in a dorm and your roommate goes home for the weekend, it is not a good idea to go see the movie! I didn't do that, but one of my friends did. BAD IDEA!

[kateri05]

yea see here is my dilemma: my husband is out of town, and he would NEVEr want to see this (he hates most movies in the theaters because he thinks they aren't worth the $8 to get it. i am inclined to agree but i just like going to hte movies for the sake of it so... ).

so really, this is my only change to see it BUT i'm too scared to see it alone

[Paladin D]

[quote name='MissScripture' date='Sep 10 2005, 03:33 PM']Helpful Hint: If you are living in a dorm and your roommate goes home for the weekend, it is not a good idea to go see the movie! I didn't do that, but one of my friends did. BAD IDEA!
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I would imagine it to be hard to sleep at night.

[Thy Geekdom Come]

[quote name='kateri05' date='Sep 10 2005, 03:51 PM']yea see here is my dilemma: my husband is out of town, and he would NEVEr want to see this (he hates most movies in the theaters because he thinks they aren't worth the  $8 to get it.  i am inclined to agree but i just like going to hte movies for the sake of it so... ).

so really, this is my only change to see it BUT i'm too scared to see it alone
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If you buy my tickets, I'll fly down and watch with you.

[Fides_et_Ratio]

$8?!? GEEZ! It's still $3.50 for students where I am! Horray for Cinemark!

[kateri05]

how bout you buy the tickets and i'll treat for the movie

[kateri05]

lol yea $8 is the MATINEE price. and there is no student discount. CA is evil in SO many ways

[Brother Adam]

[quote name='Fides_et_Ratio' date='Sep 10 2005, 04:16 PM']$8?!? GEEZ! It's still $3.50 for students where I am! Horray for Cinemark!
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waa? does teh theater here do that?

[Maria]

I've read an article that called the combination of this movie and the forthcoming Narnia movies the baptism of Hollywood's newfound Christianity. Of course, that 'Christianity' is the Christianity inspired by the revelation (via the Passion of the Christ) that Christian movies can make money, so if it's just trying to make money, I remain skeptical of this 'Christianity'. Besides, it's Disney doing the Narnia series. But the Exorcism of Emily Rose seems ok from what I've heard.

[littleflower+JMJ]

*shudders* no thanks, i'll pass