Rosemary's Baby
ROSEMARY'S BABY (1968) is one of those films that tends to fall more easily into the "Thriller" genre than it does "Horror." But time and culture have defined the film as a horror film, one which does in fact frighten its audience.
The movie is definitely the type to leave an impression on an individual, rather than simply making them jump out of their skin a few times. The psychological effect is not limited to a fear of evil, supernatural forces in the world. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, it creates a paranoia and suspicion about other people. We can never really be sure that the people in our lives aren't lying to us, or betraying us without our knowledge. In Rosemary's case this deception just happens to include demonic rape, in addition to the lies, drugging, mental and physical anguish and endangerment of health.
Anyone unfamiliar with this rather well-known film will find a plot that involves a Satanic cult of witches with plans to bring forth Satan's child in a mortal woman's womb. Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, a young couple moving into a strange Manhattan apartment building, become part of these plans when the cult's original target commits suicide. Guy is seduced by the cult with promises of fame, money and success. He allows his wife to be raped and impregnated by Satan, and lies to her throughout most of the film.
To me, this is one of the most frightening aspects of ROSEMARY'S BABY. Perhaps I speak from a female perspective when I say that the thought of your own husband betraying you in such a manner is absolutely horrifying. It makes you question how much one can really trust another human being. Rosemary becomes stuck, surrounded either by those who have Satanic designs upon her womb, or those who think she is stark raving mad.
I don't know what would be worse, having a loyal and true husband who simply becomes killed or otherwise harmed by the cult, or having one that would sacrifice his wife's body, womb, sanity, trust, etc. for the sake of money and fame. It's sick, and if I were Rosemary I would be asking myself, "What kind of man did I marry? Who could do such a thing to the woman they supposedly loved?" Like many horror movies, ROSEMARY'S BABY makes me question who the real monster is: the demon or the human.
It also makes one think about the message it sends to its viewers. First of all, it encourages distrust. You never really know what kind of person your neighbor-- or even your husband-- is. And like most horror movies, it seems to make a comment about the consequences of its characters' transgressions. ROSEMARY'S BABY in particular focuses mostly on greed and disrespect for religion, particularly Catholicism. Although the movies discussions about religion are brief and almost unassuming, it's made very clear that Guy and Roman, the older male neighbor, are against organized religion-- specifically Catholicism. They disrespect the Pope and question his authority. Rosemary was raised Catholic, but is apathetic about Guy and Roman's discussion and doesn't seem to have a strong opinion about religion.
These two characteristics, among others, make both Guy and Rosemary weak individuals open to the deception and persuasion of a Satanic cult. Rosemary is a bit stronger and smarter, but it's too little too late. She is subjected to some of the most horrific experiences that any woman can go through: demonic rape, fear for her child's life and the inability to trust anyone around her, even her own husband.
The movie is definitely the type to leave an impression on an individual, rather than simply making them jump out of their skin a few times. The psychological effect is not limited to a fear of evil, supernatural forces in the world. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, it creates a paranoia and suspicion about other people. We can never really be sure that the people in our lives aren't lying to us, or betraying us without our knowledge. In Rosemary's case this deception just happens to include demonic rape, in addition to the lies, drugging, mental and physical anguish and endangerment of health.
Anyone unfamiliar with this rather well-known film will find a plot that involves a Satanic cult of witches with plans to bring forth Satan's child in a mortal woman's womb. Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, a young couple moving into a strange Manhattan apartment building, become part of these plans when the cult's original target commits suicide. Guy is seduced by the cult with promises of fame, money and success. He allows his wife to be raped and impregnated by Satan, and lies to her throughout most of the film.
To me, this is one of the most frightening aspects of ROSEMARY'S BABY. Perhaps I speak from a female perspective when I say that the thought of your own husband betraying you in such a manner is absolutely horrifying. It makes you question how much one can really trust another human being. Rosemary becomes stuck, surrounded either by those who have Satanic designs upon her womb, or those who think she is stark raving mad.
I don't know what would be worse, having a loyal and true husband who simply becomes killed or otherwise harmed by the cult, or having one that would sacrifice his wife's body, womb, sanity, trust, etc. for the sake of money and fame. It's sick, and if I were Rosemary I would be asking myself, "What kind of man did I marry? Who could do such a thing to the woman they supposedly loved?" Like many horror movies, ROSEMARY'S BABY makes me question who the real monster is: the demon or the human.
It also makes one think about the message it sends to its viewers. First of all, it encourages distrust. You never really know what kind of person your neighbor-- or even your husband-- is. And like most horror movies, it seems to make a comment about the consequences of its characters' transgressions. ROSEMARY'S BABY in particular focuses mostly on greed and disrespect for religion, particularly Catholicism. Although the movies discussions about religion are brief and almost unassuming, it's made very clear that Guy and Roman, the older male neighbor, are against organized religion-- specifically Catholicism. They disrespect the Pope and question his authority. Rosemary was raised Catholic, but is apathetic about Guy and Roman's discussion and doesn't seem to have a strong opinion about religion.
These two characteristics, among others, make both Guy and Rosemary weak individuals open to the deception and persuasion of a Satanic cult. Rosemary is a bit stronger and smarter, but it's too little too late. She is subjected to some of the most horrific experiences that any woman can go through: demonic rape, fear for her child's life and the inability to trust anyone around her, even her own husband.
posted by Rachel Storm at
12:51 AM
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