This "Carrie" is all that's needed, thank you.

Rating: 9/10 (6 August 2019)

The story's been oft-told, with a string of remakes and sequels, but this original version stands alone. It's the combination of direction, writing, musical score and powerhouse acting that makes 1976's "Carrie" the only one that was really necessary. A talented filmmaker, Brian DePalma's signature touches are all there, (including his brief gratuitous, softly-focused nudie shots for which I deducted a star....okay, it sounds prudish in 2019, but they're unnecessary and don't add anything, except maybe for horny guys.) Still, the overall result deserves its classic status, largely due to the cast. Even the secondary performances are natural, with standouts by Betty Buckley and Amy Irving. But it's Piper Laurie and, even more so, Sissy Spacek who run away with this movie--though she lost that year's Oscar to Faye Dunaway, Spacek was compensated with other 1976 Best Actress awards, including the prestigious New York Film Critics' prize. The concise screenplay allows for more character development than most similar films.....it isn't bogged down with unnecessary shocks and gore, allowing for character development. Overall, Spacek doesn't play her as a creepy "horror icon"----her Carrie White is sweet, sad and heartbreaking, and you just want to hug her and make everything better for her. In fact, as a 20-year-old back in 1976, I kinda fell for Spacek as she began to bloom at the prom. (Ironically, the cheesy way the film is advertised---with the grisly shot of the blood-soaked Carrie---doesn't do justice to her multilayered character.) Please, Hollywood, no more versions of "Carrie".....this original is all that's needed.