about her exorcism, but also about the trial that follows.This movie is also about alternatives,what ifs, and perceptions. A good movie for psychology majors--as am I--who are trying to learn about mental illness, diagnosis, and the DSM-IV.You don't need to know much about Emily, science, exorcism, or the Bible to be able to follow this movie; but, if you do, it'll definitely make you raise questions about your own faith, beliefs, and what you've learned throughout life about yourself.Will you like this movie? Think "Primal Fear" meets "The Exorcist" meets the TV Show "Fact or Fiction".

''The Exorcist'' nor are the images and scenes shown as scary.What we see, lays emphasis on the drama and suffering of a girl and touches on the human side of things.I think that the perspective of this film is to a have more a social impact,not so much to be a horror film.It conveys a lot of messages and stresses how important it is to have integrity how sometimes you have to sacrifice your ambitions ,to do what your heart tells you.How some life experiences change us,our personality,and give us a true,deeper wisdom and understanding of life.How they can make us revise some views that previously we thought were unshakeable.Finally,the film provides an explanation why sometimes God allows some horrible things to take place and some people to become martyrs.I do agree though that for a materialistic,atheistic person this film might be less ''thrilling'' than he would have expected it to be.I have called it a ''modest masterpiece'' because in a simple,humane,full of strong performances way,it touches our hearts and strengthens our beliefs in justice,moral values,and for those of us who believe,in God and His mercy.

have to state my opinion that Ms. Linney is a bit more powerful and effective in her multi-layered performance as the defense attorney."Emily Rose" will have people talking because it demands its audience to take sides as it reveals the events that led to the exorcism of the title. In here, the church grants permission to go ahead and perform an exorcism on Emily Rose, the title character. Things turn out to be a little different, and suddenly the priest who performed the exorcism finds himself in the middle of a big mess. Throw in the elements of psychological and physical ailments versus theological beliefs, and you really have a collision of very powerful forces.The film presents both sides quite well, and there are times when you have to really make an effort to avoid switching perspectives. In the end, it's very clear what the writers and filmmakers set out to do, but it's an intense and very emotional 2 hrs. The film works very well because of Wilkinson's fiery priest and the outstanding work of Campbell Scott. Yet it belongs to Laura Linney in what might be her most powerful performance yet. She truly presents a case, with steely assurance she is one of the best things to come out of Hollywood in the last two decades. Now we know her work "You Can Count on Me" and "Kinsey" were just the beginning. One could sense the power in the chilling closing scenes of "Mystic River" and her limited appearance in "The House of Mirth". Nothing comes close to what she achieves here.

movie in theaters for the chill effect. It did spark an interest in Emily Rose and I plan to do more research.

the negligent death of young Emily Rose a breakout performance from Jennifer Carpenter . Laura Linney plays Erin Bruner, in charge of his defense, while Campbell Scott proves why he's one of the most under-appreciated actors today with his venomous role as the district attorney. The priest and Rose's family say she was possessed by a demon, while the prosecution says she was epileptic and the priest, Father Moore, ultimately lead her to her gory demise.This is where the movie turns convention on its head: the story is told almost entirely in flashback. While one would think that this would weaken the story, it does not. As a matter of fact, Father Moore's testimony on the exorcism itself and it's inherent flashback are the most terrifying events seen in cinemas for years. In viewing these sequences, one cannot help but think back to its superior and obvious forbearer: "The Exorcist." Yet, "Emily" is not a renamed remake of it by any means. As a matter of fact, for once you get to see what Emily sees, which is really drawing from more elements of the oft-neglected Tim Robbins' movie "Jacob's Ladder" than anything else. In a rare event, the special effects never ONCE look fake, adding further to the sheer terror of the film. The score is brooding and creates a squeamish and uneasy mood especially during Emily's first "posession" in her dorm , and the script, for once, actually goes through religious symbolism analysis in compelling detail, not once ever dumbing down to the audience. This isn't a non-stop terror thrill ride - it's a smart one that knows when to play it safe, and when to scare your pants off.Given that, it should be noted that "Emily" isn't perfect. The script makes Father Moore say "dark powers" and "dark spirits" way too much, and a few might not like how it ends somewhat low-key though the climax is extraordinary . Yet when you come down to it, you have a phenomenal horror movie. Hopefully it will ascend to the ranks of modern-day classics, and people won't write it off as derivative, because it's not. "Emily" will make you think, sometimes laugh it knows when to place a good joke to break tension , but ultimately scare you - no other film in recent memory has done it better.

from the beginning to the end. But instead of being another courtroom drama, the film brings suspenseful flashbacks of Emily's last weeks and her invisible possessor. The film is one of the most interesting and chilling films I've seen in a while. It is a courtroom horror film. The film is never intended to truly frighten you, just to show what actually happened to her, whether the viewer believes it or not. The special effects are never overdone or over used, the loud background music does get old and some scenes are a tad unbelievable.Even though some parts of the film don't work well, it is overall frightening. Laura Linney does an exceptional job as Erin Bruner. She brings a powerful performance of a person torn between what is sensible and what real. Tom Wilkinson continues to prove that he is among the top actors in the world with stunning performance of the accused priest fighting in the name of God.But above all others, Jennifer Carpenter is the best off all. Her twisted faces, her contorted body movements, and her above all else us of her voice is incredible. She barely has any lines and is the most powerful of all characters. She is able to bring the horrible powers that have literally affected millions of people and brings them into a sense that The Exorcist did not.The film succeeds on every level, from its odd sense of horror to its courtroom drama. The acting is top-notch and the cinematogrpahy is strong. Don't miss this one!The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Starring: Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Jennifer Carpenter, Joshua Close, and Campbell Scott.4 1/2 out of 5 Stars.

and responsibility.Some very interesting scenes that find ways to express things in subtle and creative ways without spelling them out. And an incredible and ballsy performance by Jennifer Carpenter, which takes Linda Blair's possession to a whole new level. Also, notice how a key dramatic monologue is presented, contrary to what we might expect, with no sentimental music in the background. The cinematography is also great. I was reminded of Dario Argento's vivid colors in Suspiria on more than one occasion.Although it's not the focus of the film, the movie also offers a few very cool scare moments, and seeing Emily possessed is terrifying.This is my favorite "underdog" movie of the year so far.

How the Characters React. You see Something Happen; and then feel Fear; and then watch the Face of the Character on hand experience Fear; and then perhaps the order is slightly changed: you see the Face of the Character experience Fear as the Character gazes in terror over the viewer's shoulder. Then you see What the Character is looking at. And experience Fear.I also really liked the legal conflict ... and the way the Story honored both sides. There's no doubt, ever, where our sympathies lie: with the Laura Linney character. Yet, the prosecutor is not at all a "straw man." He is give a great opening, and is effective and believable throughout. This enhanced greatly the Doubt vs Faith conflict that reinforced the Story throughout.And through all this, the Priest's insistence that the Story should be told, is what really drove the action above all. This gave a feeling of authenticity to the Story that both made it appealing, and frightening.A wonderful, wonderful, movie ... !

sympathetic daughter of a poor but deeply religious rural family. Shortly after her long-anticipated start at the university, her body becomes the host of no less than 6 different demons. The priest of the little town where she lives, father Moore, is doing everything he can to purify Emily's body but the demons are too strong and she doesn't survive the exorcism. What makes this film different than the obvious 70's classic "The Exorcist" which also entirely revolves on the possession of an innocent girl is that the story takes place after the actual exorcism and in the courtroom where father Moore is on trial for negligent homicide. His ambitious lawyer Erin Bruner goes straight for the acquittal of her client, but father Moore only cares for telling Emily's story, despite the fact that this can cost him his career as a priest. The screenplay of this film was based on a true story and director Scott Derrickson does a great job in making the extended courtroom sequences interesting and compelling. The flashbacks, showing Emily's horrible decrepit, are very atmospheric and contain multiple shock-moments. The acting is sublime, with a powerful Tom Wilkinson as the devoted priest and an enchanting Jennifer Carpenter as the poor Emily Rose. This is not a full-blooded horror film, but definitely one of the most unsettling, disturbing and thought-provoking dramas of the last few years. Highly recommended!