The Exorcism of Emily Rose
By Brett Lawrence, Blockbuster.co.uk

Possession is 9/10 of the Law…

Anneliese Michel was born in Germany in 1952 and up until 1968, led a peaceful, religious life. One day she was admitted to hospital after suffering with, what was diagnosed at the time as, "Grand Mal" epilepsy. However from then on, Anneliese battled with the belief that she was possessed by several demons including Hitler, Nero and Lucifer himself. Her condition worsened: she ate spiders, committed horrific acts of self mutilation, started seeing demonic apparitions and had attacks so violent that it would take several men to hold her down.

For almost a year, exorcism rites were performed by two trusted clergymen without success. Father Arnold Renz, Pastor Ernst Alt and Anneliese's parents were all subsequently accused of negligent homicide. Anneliese Michel died on 30th June 1976. This is her story.

Screen-writer/director Scott Derrickson changes names (i.e. Anneliese to Emily) and more than a few details, to tell the story of the court case that followed. Agnostic lawyer Erin Bruner ( Laura Linney) defends Father Moore ( Tom Wilkinson) who's charged with the negligent homicide of Emily. As the trial progresses, Bruner finds herself up against more than just the prosecution when a series of seemingly supernatural events test her beliefs and sanity.

Whilst the focus of the movie is very much on the aftermath and not Emily's ordeal itself, Jennifer Carpenter is superb as the troubled Emily and her performance brings an unsettling edge to the movie whenever she's on screen. Linney's talent isn't really put to the test, yet she remains strong enough to make you realise that this movie is not your usual Friday night horror flick.

The flashback sequences will have viewers peeping through their fingers at times, although it's unlikely that heads will be spinning ‘Exorcist’ style. This movie isn't about cheap shocks: there are no stupid teenagers waiting to be hacked into pieces, there's no trip to 'Lake Fear' or 'Camp Death' and no creepy caretakers; it is much too clever for that. In fact it's the unique combination of court-room drama and horror that proves to be this film's biggest plus-point; think JFK meets The Exorcist. Whilst it wouldn't stand out amongst its peers if pitched solely as one or the other, Derrickson has fused together an enjoyable, intelligent movie that is a cut above your usual hack 'n' slash.

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