Great movie

Rating: 9/10 (21 March 1999)

"Carrie" is basically a film that shows how destructive human anger can be. A true horror classic, director Brian de Palma made "Carrie" a film that no one else could touch. To some, this film isn`t scary at all. I partially agree, the first sixty minutes of this film can almost pass for a drama. On the other hand, "Carrie" exudes a distinctive eeriness and intensity that is more effective than blatant gore and horror. Sissy Spacek`s performance as Carrie White is nothing less than brilliant. Piper Laurie is equally good, playing Carrie`s religion-frenzied, psychotic mother. High school has always been a hot concept for films, and this film focuses on a real adolescent issue; adolescent cruelty. It can be painful and unpleasant, but for Carrie White,it was pure hell. To top it off, she has to endure her mother`s madness AND understand her new-found psychic powers. De Palma`s stylish but gloomy direction makes this film riveting, from beginning to end. "Carrie" also possesses a quality that a lot of horror films do not, poignancy. You can easily sympathize for Carrie and her sad life. Even when she unleashes her powers, destroying everything in her path at the end. The conclusion of "Carrie" is very disturbing and almost upsetting, because the protagonist`s battle to win some compassion ends terrifyingly and tragically. Carrie`s deadly wrath was unfairly triggered, but she had to pay the ultimate price. Powerful and chilling, "Carrie" is a horror film that should be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished.