Tuesday, March 06, 2018
Rosemary's Baby
- Commentary: I originally saw this movie in the theater during its first release, on Guam, after having read the book by Ira Levin. It was the first time I'd seen a movie that so closely followed the book that, I swear, I'd imagined the movie exactly as it appeared before I saw it. Typically, every year, around Halloween, some film service to which I have access features this movie. I always watch it. At least once. However, I often yearn to watch it when it's not being featured on a film service, so I've checked it out innumerable times from the library. Now, I own it.
I can't say much about this movie that hasn't already been said. It has loquacious fans all over the world. I can, however, say something about my interest in Roman Polanski movies. I'm surprised I don't own more than three. One, in particular, I wish I owned is Tess [P.S. 8/16/21: I own this movie, now]. I even wrote a published review of that film. I've seen several of the movies he's directed, including: Chinatown, such a "cool" (in the Marshall McLuhan sense) film; Knife in the Water, an interesting, eerie film, loads of promise; Carnage, a sardonic delight; Macbeth, which, unlike many critics, I thoroughly enjoyed, it is, in fact, my favorite film adaptation of this play; and The Ninth Gate, with which I was disappointed, to say the least. I wish he'd done something more, well, spectacular, with Johnny Depp. Oh well, when you've got a line-up like Roman Polanski's, they can't all be winners, I guess. There are several more I haven't seen but intend to. I would say it's possible that I will end up owning more of his films. There's something about the Polanksi directing touch, which, while unobtrusive, is unique and powerful.
Turns out, much to my surprise, I don't have a "horror" label for my film collection. That will be corrected with this film.
And, by the way, yes, Mom and I watched it together, more than a few times, and, yes, she loved it, too. She especially enjoyed Mia Farrow's characterization of a pregnant woman. Every time she watched the walking-around-in-the-street scene she'd say, "That's exactly how a pregnant woman walks!"
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Mia Farrow Rosemary Woodhouse John Cassavetes Guy Woodhouse Ruth Gordon Minnie Castevet Sidney Blackmer Roman Castevet/Steven Marcato Maurice Evans Hutch Ralph Bellamy Dr. Abraham Sapirstein Charles Grodin Dr. Hill Patsy Kelly Laura-Louise McBirney Angela Dorian Terry Gionoffrio Philip Leeds Dr. Shand Elisha Cook Mr. Nicklas Tony Curtis Donald Baumgart
Just in case, the Wikipedia write-up for this film is here.
Release Date: 1968
Directed by Roman Polanski.
Labels: drama4, erotic, fantasy1, folk-horror, haunting1, roman-polanski, shared-favorite, suspense1
