On the lines of a Greek tragedy

Rating: Null/10 (17 June 2002)

Yes, certainly, the characters in this film tend to be portrayed in a single dimension, yet even as an admixture of stock characters, this film works, and works splendidly, primarily because of the acting, yet also upon an intelligent script.
When you watch this film, keep in mind the Aristotilian precepts for a tragic character, and apply them to Carrie White, for this film, and the book as well, has all the dimensions of a classic tragedy.

This is a very human film, and should not be judged by its shortcomings in terms of scariness or shock content, but on the development and downfall of that brief and flowering flame which was Carrie White.

This is one of the best films made of a Stephen King novel, and a wonderful demonstration of De Palma's talents at mining human emotions.