Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Psychological terrorism and supernatural horror have rarely been dramatized as effectively as in this classic 1968 thriller, masterfully adapted and directed by Roman Polanski from the chilling novel by Ira Levin. Rosemary (Mia Farrow) is a young, trusting housewife in New York whose actor husband (John Cassavetes), unbeknownst to her, has literally made a deal with the devil. In the thrall of a witches' coven headquartered in their apartment building, the young husband arranges to have his wife impregnated by Satan in exchange for success in a Broadway play. To Rosemary, the pregnancy seems like a normal and happy one--that is, until she grows increasingly suspicious of her neighbors' evil influence. Polanski establishes this seemingly benevolent situation and then introduces each fiendish little detail with such unsettling subtlety that the film escalates to a palpable level of dread and paranoia. By the time Rosemary discovers that her infant son "has his father's eyes" ... well, let's just say the urge to scream along with her is unbearably intense! One of the few modern horror films that can claim to be genuinely terrifying, Rosemary's Baby is an unforgettable movie experience, guaranteed to send chills up your spine. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com essential video

Overrated!!!

This movie is 2 plus hours of wasted time. Let me tell you the movie in one sentence: Mia Farrows husband in the movie is a struggling actor, who makes a deal with the Devil in order to procure more work. As a result, Mia Farrow's child becomes the son of Satan. That's the whole movie! There is absolutely no suspense, terror, horror...nothing. With the exception of a tense moment right before the 2 hour mark, this movie is boring and bland.
Our DVD case states "Roman Polanski's Award-Winning Film". It's hardly award winning! The only winner was actress Ruth Gordon, who won for Best Supporting Actress. Other than that, I can't say what is so award winning about it. I will say that in my book, it is award winning for being one of the top 10 worst movies I've ever seen. January 4, 2009

The most overrated movie I have ever seen.

Maybe I am just too young to get it, but it was not scary, not clever, and just not good.

I watched the movie anticipating that it had to end well, but the ending made the movie worse.

This is my first review. I just had to speak out against this movie. November 27, 2008

John Cassavetes

All the acting is great in this film but I watch it to watch John Cassavetes performance. His character as expectant dad and Rosemary's husband is one I love to hate and be attracted to at the same time.
Cassavetes is able to show a man filled to the brim with lies and how the lies take over his whole body,the way at almost every moment he is pretending to be motivated by protective impulse while his body movement shows he is not filled with love but everything vile. October 25, 2008

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

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