Well done!

Rating: Null/10 (17 September 1999)

Rosemary's Baby stands as possibly the best suspense/horror films of all time and is frequently referred to as such for good reason. Director Roman Polanski clearly knows his audience and how to keep us entertained as he artfully transforms Ira Levin's novel without missing a beat. The scenes are brief and to-the-point which keeps the pace enjoyably taught. Mia Farrow was ideal for the role of the young and gentle Rosemary Woodhouse; in fact, I can't imagine anyone else playing the role. John Cassavettes is also phenomenal as Guy Woodhouse, the impetuous struggling actor who becomes willing to undertake desperate measures in order to save his waning career. Of course, Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer turn in stellar performances as the nosy neighbors who are actually more imposing than Rosemary initially suspects.
Set in Manhattan, the movie has a very realistic base that fares well with the enigmatic witchcraft elements that gradually creep out of the woodwork. Polanski invites us into a believable situation involving a likeable young couple. We can all identify with the process of choosing a new apartment, putting up with annoying neighbors, coping with career related stress, and the prospect of bringing a child into the world. Rosemary is not the typical helpless idiot prevalent in many of today's horror films, but is, instead, headstrong and determined not to succumb to her surroundings, even as they become overwhelming. We can see ourselves in her situation and feel for her as she is made to feel isolated. The supporting cast is also highly talented.