Horror film without all the special effects

Rating: 9/10 (12 May 2015)

Certainly one of the best horror/suspense films ever made. It is a chilling psycho-drama, a social commentary, and a good old-fashioned horror yarn all at once. It's difficult to break it all down, because there is so much that contributes to the sheer fear this movie gives off. The story takes a little while to get going, but once we're into Rosemary's pregnancy the stakes begin to rise and suspense is unrelenting. This movie is an example of the horror genre done right; there are spine-chilling moments, satanic images and horror themes that will stay with you forever. The editing in these parts is very impressive as well, creating visual illusions without special effects. The important thing to pay attention to is how Rosemary's freaked-out state of mind, combined with the creepy influence of the brownstone, plays an important part in the goings-on around her. Especially when people start dying, from the nice girl from across the hall she meets who "commits suicide", to the sudden illness and demise of family friend, Hutch. Oh, and to top it all off is one of the most chilling sequences in horror, when she does get pregnant...but there's a really good chance that Guy's not the father. The performances are excellent. Polanski did not go for cheap scares. In this case you could enjoy the movie much more than you could enjoy the cheap bloody scary movies.