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Rating: 8/10 (30 July 2014)

I wish I had of watched it sooner. I wanted to but never felt in the mood to watch an "old, scary movie". Eventually I just put it on. Farrows voice immediately unhinged me with the strange "la la la la laa" tune. This tune was even more haunting when played during the final credits. What I was expecting to see was not what I saw. I thought I had it all sussed out and thought I was in for a few jumps and creepy noises and ultimately a victory in the end. Eh, no. The music had me on edge throughout, I felt wary of any music at all throughout the film. My initial thoughts were banished as the movie progressed, however, my one critique would be that I wanted it to confuse me. I wanted to be unaware as to who was right and who was imagining the strange goings on. I knew from the start that Rosemary was right so I didn't find this film to be a psychological thriller. It was thrilling but I sort of knew what was coming after a few deaths and a smelly charm.
What got me up in arms was the ending, eh what?! No. Fix it. Fix it now. Make a sequel and make it all go away.... Is this where The Omen came from? Why won't these evil children go away in films. . .
Farrow is the face of innocence as she tries her best to keep on the right side of everyone. She tiptoes into a dark and evil downfall before she is all but lost. Her shocking deterioration in appearance is almost sickening as you desperately want to get her far away from the strange world she has stumbled upon (and get her some cake). Her desperation becomes heart wrenching as the realisation hits home that she is trapped. Completely and utterly trapped.
Cassavetes is completely believable as the desperate, in need of a big break actor. He has the anger and charm perfected in equal measure! When he is charming you almost believe that he is nothing more than a stressed, over-protective husband, unsure of what to do during his wife's first time expecting. Ruth Gorden is superb. She is that real old lady who lives nearby and can't help her interfering nature. Yes you want to tell her to leave but you can't, she just wants the company, you tell yourself. Her rash voice and busy body mannerisms are perfect for her nosy neighbour and devil's aid persona. Blackmer is intriguing. He could be that friendly old grandfather with the gentle demeanour who lives with his overly talkative and irritating wife in the apartment next door, or he could be the son of a witch and has the mischievous twinkle in his eye when he smiles..
I wanted slightly more of a psychological maze but I got more than I bargained for so a 8.2 would be fitting for Polinski's great adaption.