The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a  true story, the film centers on the 

exorcism of 19 year old Emily Rose (which ultimately leads to her death) 

and the trial that follows.

Religion is always a touchy subject for some folks but I thought the 
filmmakers did a good job of not taking sides of either the believers or the 
nonbelievers.

While there are some holes in the plot and some really bad, cheesy, scary music 
which I thought was completely unnecessary, I thought this was a good film.  

The film stars Laura Linney as the defense attorney Erin Bruner who 
represents the accused priest (Tom Wilkinson).  I always like Linney's work.  I think 
she is never over the top and is a very "real" actress.  She really carries 
this film and is a strong woman but still manages to show a vulnerable side.

Tom Wilkinson is very good as the priest accused of reckless endangerment.  
He doesn't make the mistake of thinking this is a "horror" film and doing a 
caricature of a priest doing an exorcism.

Campbell Scott plays the prosecutor working for the DA's office.  I didn't 
quite get why the production felt the need to put all of the gray color in his 
hair (?) and they really make a great big deal about how his character is a 
really good church boy which I thought was overdone.  However, I thought he did a 
good job with the material and his examination of some of the witnesses was 
quite powerful in tempo and execution.

Jennifer Carpenter plays Emily Rose and I must say I was really impressed 
with this girl.  I am not familiar with her previous work, but boy did she come 
out with a bang here!  It is a very physical role, with not a whole lot of 
dialogue but there are many established actresses who could not have pulled this 
off. She had to contort herself into many unmanageable positions and change her 
voice and switch between the demon girl and the scared church going daughter 
in minutes.  Which she did with ease.  I think it is worth seeing this film 
just for that.

While it certainly isn't a "feel good" film, I think it is a bit thought 
provoking and well done. 

While I still haven't come up with a good rating system - I am trying to 
implement Fred's outstanding Roller Coaster idea but haven't found a way to work 
it out yet! - I will go with rings so

1 ring being the lowest
5 rings the highest

my rating for this film is 3 rings

Suz

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