Exorcism of Emily Rose (Rated-Widescreen Special Edition) (2005)

"...The Exorcism of Emily Rose...is still a fascinating cultural document in the age of intelligent design.  A.O. Scott, New York Times
"...a thought-provoking, well-acted courtroom drama about the intersection of religious belief and the law.  Lawrence Toppman, Charlotte Observer
"...an unusually intelligent genre item that manages to mix full-bore horror with courtroom drama.  Derek Elley, Variety
"...the thinking person's demon possession movie, which presents a chilling case history that's hard to explain away.  Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle
"...a modern-day inversion of "Inherit the Wind," highlighting an astonishing shift in the American legal system over the last 80 years.  Peter Debruge, Premiere
"...a superior performance vehicle and on that count alone is never less than riveting.  Stephen Hunter, The Washington Post

Editor's Note Based on a true story, this film is both a riveting courtroom drama and a first class chiller. A Catholic Priest (Tom Wilkinson) is on trial for homicidal negligence after performing a failed exorcism on Emily Rose, devout college girl (Jennifer Carpenter) now dead from assorted wounds and malnutrition. Laura Linney plays Erin Bruner, the priest's defense lawyer, and Campbell Scott plays the chief prosecutor, who argues persuasively that Emily was likely suffering from psychotic epilepsy and could have been saved with hospitalization and medicine. The demonic possession unfolds in a series of spine-tingling flashbacks and as it does so, the initially doubtful Erin is visited by evil forces and her own soul seems to be at stake. More than a criminal negligence case, the trial becomes about the importance of recognizing the limits of rationality and the possibility of a world beyond the visible. In portraying the extent to which wildly different belief systems have splintered modern society this film couldn't be more relevant or timely. Linney and Campbell are first rate, as is to be expected, creating great depth for their characters even though the script grants them almost no personal lives; it's a very "stick to the facts" sort of tale. Each character lives a life of apparent near-isolation, which adds to the cumulative effect of unease. The house where Emily grows up is spookily oppressive, the scenes of possession are truly scary and a dark sense of foreboding may follow viewers long after the credits have rolled. Carpenter earns a place as a 21st century scream queen with her hair-raising, fearless performance; Mary Beth Hurt plays the judge.

	Campbell Scott
	Jennifer Carpenter
	Laura Linney
	Tom Wilkinson
	Christopher Young - Original Music By
	Clint Culpepper, et. al. - Executive Producer
	David Brisbin - Production Designer
	Jeff Betancourt - Editor
	Paul Harris Boardman, et. al. - Producer
	Scott Derrickson - Director
	Scott Derrickson, et. al. - Writer
	Tom Stern - Cinematographer

Entertainment Weekly
"The devil is strictly Linda Blair-era old school in THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE, an intelligent inquiry into the limitations of belief and faith as a defense in a court of law..." 09/15/2005 p.61

James Berardinelli's ReelViews 6 of 10
The Exorcism of Emily Rose is being sold as the latest PG-13 horror movie, albeit one that deals with demonic possession instead of ghosts. In reality, however, it's a courtroom drama with a twinge of the supernatural (most of which occurs during flash-backs). Those expecting to be scared by this movie will be disappointed. Aside from the occasional "boo!" moment, the film lacks anything to stand nape hairs on end, and the trail - which occupies a majority of the overlong 113 minute running length - is unremarkable, despite some nice performances. - James Berardinelli

Chicago Sun-Times 8 of 10
"Demons exist whether you believe in them or not," says the priest at the center of "The Exorcism of Emily Rose." Yes, and you could also say that demons do not exist whether you believe in them or not, because belief by definition stands outside of proof. If you can prove it, you don't need to believe it...What is fascinating about "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" is that it asks a secular institution, the court, to decide a question that hinges on matters the court cannot have an opinion on...The movie was directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Paul Harris Boardman and Derrickson. The screenplay is intelligent and open to occasional refreshing wit, as when prosecutor Ethan Thomas makes an objection to one witnesses' speculations about demonology. "On what grounds?" asks the judge (Mary Beth Hurt). "Oh...silliness," he says...Somehow the movie really never takes off into the riveting fascination we expect in the opening scenes. Maybe it cannot; maybe it is too faithful to the issues it raises to exploit them. A movie like "The Exorcist" is a better film because it's a more limited one, which accepts demons and exorcists lock, stock and barrel, as its starting point. Certainly they're good showbiz. A film that keeps an open mind must necessarily lack a slam-dunk conclusion. In the end Emily Rose's story does get told, although no one can agree about what it means. - Roger Ebert

ReelViews 7 of 10
The Exorcism of Emily Rose is being sold as the latest PG-13 horror movie, albeit one that deals with demonic possession instead of ghosts. In reality, however, it's a courtroom drama with a twinge of the supernatural (most of which occurs during flash-backs). Those expecting to be scared by this movie will be disappointed...Whatever flaws The Exorcism of Emily Rose may have, acting isn't among them. Laura Linney is credible as Erin Bruner, a hotshot defense lawyer who is brought in to defend a priest charged with "negligent homicide" in the death of Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter), a 19-year old girl who died following a failed exorcism. Tom Wilkinson, sporting a letter-perfect American accent, brings depth and humanity to the part of Father Moore...Most of the demon possession scenes occur in flashback, and Jennifer Carptenter is required to do her best imitation of Linda Blair (without pea soup projectile vomit or 360-degree head twisting)...The Exorcism of Emily Rose is entertaining to the same degree as any courtroom drama of limited imagination can be. The supernatural elements add some flavor to the mix, but should not be the reason to see the film. For what it is, the film does its job, but it's probably better to wait for the DVD release. This is small-screen material getting a big-screen treatment. Take away the performances, and all that would be left is a cheapish B-grade motion picture. - James Berardinelli