The Exorcism of Emily Rose

The Exorcism of Emily Rose is one of my most favorite movies of the year. The number one is reason that this movie is my one of my favorite is because it is so well made. Many contemporary films, especially horror, are so over-done with digital enhancements that it losses its effectiveness dramatically. Of course, modern filmmakers make will always make use of some digital enhancements because it is useful tool in perfecting the film. However, when viewing many of the contemporary movies in the theater I feel that I am being treated to a light and sound show instead of a dramatically compelling story.

This film has some interesting effect, but watching the film I more involve in the story instead of being distracted with cool digital effects. Also many modern films are so over emphasizes with extreme camera moves to the point is can give the audience a headache. It is part of the MTV generation of filmmaking in which filmmakers are compelled to use extreme camera moves and special effects that distracts the audience from the story telling. The strength of this movie is that the drama of the story and the acting is what carry the movie along. A novel concept!

The special edition of the DVD has extra behind-the-scene features that give the viewers insight of the director passion for the art of filmmaking. I personally would like to see the evangelical community get more involve with the art especially film. I am sick of the Christian left and the Christian right’s (fundamentalism) self-righteousness of not seeing a good movie because it offends their moralistic sensibilities.

Many in the Christian community may not know that the director, Scott Derrickson, is Christian man (and may have reformational roots). I know this about him because heard I him talk with Mike Horton on they White Horse Inn. They have been friends for years. All the way back when Mike Horton had six-pack abs! They talked about Christianity and the arts. Many Christians think the only films that Christians should make are propaganda films like the Jesus movie and the Billy Graham movies of the 80’s and 90’s. I think Scott Derrickson it being true in his art by realistically portraying the clashes of worldviews of the liberal Christian, the Catholic, and the agnostic. I am sure if this was a Billy Graham production this whole film would focus on the alter call at the end with everybody singing 20th verse of Just As I Am.

Now don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that I support him just because he is a Christian. I support him because is a very skilled filmmaker. This movie kept me in the story, and the scares laterally scared the skubalon out of me! I never would support a doctor just because he is a Christian. He must be a good doctor first. Same here, Scott has to be good with the skills that God has given to him.

Hollywood needs filmmakers like Scott Derrickson. The reason Hollywood is so anti-Christian in today’s culture climate is because we in the Christian community has abandoned it to the pagans. We are not going to be able to change the Hollywood’s culture by being moralistic, or by protest and boycotts, or through avoidness of attendance and enjoyment of a good movie. Filmmakers like Scott Derrickson will have great influences on the Hollywood culture by being faithful to the vocation that God has gifted him with and to do that vocation with excellence!

In summation, I recommend the movie because it is well made. I know there will be some of you who will wimp out. I do highly recommend you check the commentary track on the DVD as well to hear about his passion for the art of filmmaking. By listening you hear that his thoughts are coming from a Christian worldview. I also amused with his comment that “he was not a Catholic.” With that said, I can’t wait to see what his next project will be. Love to hear anybody’s thoughts on the subject.

Your Brother

Tim