Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Brilliant horror movie, a classic that sets the bar high

Hollywood has often attempted to capture the angst of mothers and parents alike, when recreating plots of devil possession and similar storylines. Down to the drips of water, the chocolate mouse scene, the way the meat is flipped in the pan, this movie is a true classic. I first watched this with my mom, who was a huge horror fanatic. I must say, that although I am not a fan of gory horror, the music, subtlety and visuals of this earlier entry in suspense/supernatural thrillers sets the pace for the industry. Many movies have attempted to replicate its atmopheric power, but this one remains realistic and terrifying-even today. I wish they'd restore it and put it on Blu-Ray with plenty of extras! October 7, 2008

The power of suggestion.

Rosemary's Baby is an understated, chilling tale of horror of an young woman whose mundane world slowly changes into the gothic and bizarre. Rosemary is married to an actor whose career suddenly takes off to unexpected heights. She feels herself being cast aside by his ascent to fame, but it is, indeed, Rosemary who is the central focus of the story.

The writing, acting and direction magically make Rosemary's suspicions and fear our own, It does so slowly and methodically with amazing precision, and there is no release until the very end. At times, the build-up is almost maddening.

If you haven't seen this film in a while, I recommend that you reacquaint yourself with it now. Ruth Gordon's supporting performance as one of the neighbors under suspicion is worth the price of the DVD alone. If you have never seen it before -- don't miss it. Rosemary's Baby is a powerful film that will haunt you forever. September 23, 2008

Classic horror

This is a horror masterpiece. I return to this movie every October. I watch it from my dark, cold, New England bedroom. On repeated viewings it's just as scary as the first time I saw it...over 20 years ago. Read the book as well; it's just as good. September 17, 2008

This film has haunted me my whole life.

I caught glimpses of this on cable as a kid, and those parts interspersed with ominous warnings from adults about this movie, have driven it to legendary status within my brain.

I imagine scenes in my head now that aren't actually in the movie because Polanski is so masterful at suggesting more than is actually on the screen. This movie, along with Chinatown, shows Polanski is at his most suggestive and subtle.

He absolutely reaches the ideal that Hemingway talked about with "90% of the story submerged beneath the surface"--only Polanski does it on film in a way that no one else has done before or since.

Hail Satan!

Err..Hail Polanski!
September 4, 2008

Psychology? Perhaps

This film does for horror what "Gone With The Wind" did for drama. The blocking and filming is perfect. Farrow's acting is perfect and the direction is perfect. I think the true haunting nature of this film is wrapped deep within the celluloid. This is a film that was pre-produced, cast, directed and filmed, like hundreds of others of this genre: Yet this film turned out to be a true horror film. Perhaps this was just happenstance, the world may never know.

The terrorism of the scenes in this film will have you questioning your own sanity. Yet, after the final scene and the end credit, you'll be back to earth. This film does what a good film should: Keep you in it's grip til' the very end, yet let go so you can 'then' enjoy what just happened. August 28, 2008

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