A 'must see' for cultural enrichment

Rating: 7/10 (18 May 2011)

Rosemary's baby is definitely a movie that fits in my list of 'good movies'. Even though horror and mystery are not my favorite genres. And I don't like open or semi-open endings.
The actors did well. Most of the time, I don't like the acting in old movies. Because it just looks fake to me. But in this movie I could follow the acting very well. The lead role was portrayed by Mia Farrow. I have to say that I don't like this type of women in real life. This is my personal opinion, of course. Her way of communicating with others is so childlike. But I guess that was the role she played. She was a fragile woman. She almost never left her apartment, and when she did, she looked very vulnerable.
The old neighbors were played by some good actors. Their behavior was very stereotype. But I can appreciate it. It was fun to compare them to my own grandparents. The little quarrels they had and the habit of giving a lot of food to people and visitors.
The plot was well thought of! It was always a bit mysterious and there was that certain tension that you get when watching horror movies. You can feel that Polanski, who made the film, has a dark kind of humor. There is a lot of cynicism in the movie and also paranoia is a very important aspect. Not that it would be wrong to be paranoid in Rosemary's situation.
The movie gives a good view of the lessening popularity of the church during the sixties. Not much people really believed in the church. Rosemary was one of the few people who kept loyal to the church and to God. This makes a big contrast with her husband and the neighbors, who make jokes about the pope.
At first I thought the movie was non-fiction. I thought that the neighbors were just part of a sect that believed in Satan. I was really surprised that it was fiction after all. Especially at the very end. But even then, in a certain way you can still look at it as non-fiction.
The scenes in the movie were chosen very well. There was variation in locations, different kinds of light, and movie techniques This makes everything a lot more interesting. Also the music suited the movie, which is very important, especially for horror and mystery. Music or the absence of it makes a big difference in the atmosphere.
I can conclude that this movie is worth to be seen. Even if this genre is not your style. It is definitely a 'must see' for cultural enrichment.