Riveting modern day horror chiller from Polanski

Rating: Null/10 (30 July 2005)

"Rosemary's Baby", adapted by director Roman Polanski from Ira Levin's ("The Stepford Wives") novel, tells the tale of awe-inducing, mind-numbing witchcraft in late 60s Manhattan. Guy and Rosemary Woodhouse (John Cassavetes and Mia Farrow) move into the grand Dakota, and are immediately seen as the All-American couple: He's an aspiring actor, and she is a dutiful young woman hoping to conceive a labor of love. They are immediately befriended by the Castevet's, Roman (a terrifically menacing Sidney Blackmer) and Minnie (Best Supporting Actress scene-stealer Ruth Gordon), who lead the pregnant young woman through dis-invigorating hell. A terrific script, score (by Krzysztof Komeda), and minor supporting roles from Patsy Kelly as childish Laura-Louise, Charles Grodin as Dr. Hill, Rosemary's seemingly good-natured obstetrician, and Dr. Sapirstein (a stern, Ralph Bellamy) round out this incredible ensemble. Only complaint: Where was Mia Farrow's Oscar nomination? Or Best Picture? ****of****