http://www.theexorcismofemilyrose.com/movies/theexorcismofemilyrose/
Based on a famous true story of demonic possession and negligent homicide, the truth of course is all in the eye of the beholder much like beauty. The reality is that the grave of the real-life Emily Rose has become a shrine to those who believe that the young college student was possessed by a demon. The reality is that her body would contort, she would shake violently, and she even reported seeing demons in her everyday life.
The reality is she was diagnosed with Grand Mal epilepsy and given prescription drugs. But nothing helped her and the family soon called upon Pastor Ernst Alt who attempted an exorcism on the young woman. This attempt was unsuccessful and Father Arnold Renz was assigned assist Father Alt.
The reality is that the girl would eventually undergo two exorcisms per week and actually become even more violent. Refusing to eat, she explained that the demons would not let her. Finally on July 30, 1976, she collapsed and died.
The final reality, the one that is known beyond any doubt is that a young woman named Anneliese Michel died from in 1976. The reality is that her parents and the priests involved in an exorcism were arrested and prosecuted for her death.
Anything past that, it is up to the viewer to decide for themselves.
Jennifer
Carpenter plays Emily with a dedication that comes along seldom in film. She
seems able to contort her body into extremely strange shapes when she is possessed
and that in itself is enough to strike fear into the hearts of some viewers.I am a horror film fan, but I am not real impressed with most courtroom movies. However Emily Rose did provide all the normal scary tricks and loud noises where appropriate and the courtroom sequences worked well.
Campbell Scott plays Ethan Thomas, a 'Christian' prosecutor who tries Father Moore (Wilkinson) the priest who conducted the fatal exorcism on Emily.
Laura
Linney plays Erin Bruner, an agnostic but ambitious lawyer retained by the Archdiocese
to defend the priest. They want her to convince Father Moore to accept the offer
of 12 months in jail with the expectation that he would get off in just 6 months
for good behavior. Father Moore flatly refuses to accept this offer since he simply wants to "tell Emily's story."
The Exorcism of Emily Rose goes after both sides of the argument with flashbacks to Emily's descent into insanity (possession) compared to the scientific explanations offered by the prosecutor during the trial.
The debate is simple: Was Emily an epileptic, with psychotic delusions who was in need of medication? Or did demonic spirits who eventually tortured her soul enough to kill her inhabit her?
The major parts of the movie take place in the courtroom as we listen to various experts testify as to what they think happened to Emily. In the many flashbacks we get a look at things from Emily's point of view that will make you wonder no matter if you believe in demons or not.
All of the performances are excellent, with Laura Linney demonstrating great confidence as Brunner, and Tom Wilkinson again turns in a fine performance as Father Moore.
The movie does have a nice "Christian" twist ending.
The Exorcism Of Emily Rose runs almost two hours and is rated PG-13 based on some disturbing images. It would be all right for teens 14 and up.