The Terror of Subtlety

Rating: 9/10 (20 October 2019)

"Rosemary's Baby" is a 1968 horror drama directed by Roman Polanski starring Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes. Since I was young my Dad taught me that Polanski's movies have a specific individuality to them and that he has always been way ahead of his time. I always agreed and I personally don't care about the controversies about him as a person, I've always admired him as an artist and excellent director. Besides all tragedies and scandals he never failed to make outstanding motion pictures and, as expected, this drama is no exception. First of all, this film is a text book example of a slow burner. It takes all the time it needs to build up an eclectic mystery. Unlike other horror films from this era, this one doesn't rely on jump scares and effects, in fact the main theme of the whole film is subtlety. Just as the score magnificently underlines, the horror takes place in the hidden details and, most importantly, in your own head. It obviously messes around with the viewer's own judgement and, thanks to an outstanding adapted screenplay by Polanski, manages to fool you multiple times and leads you astray in a way you can't even imagine. I sat there and couldn't decide what to believe in, as it offers clues for every possible theory. The film gets more sinister from minute to minute and this effect is also supported by the superb performance of Mia Farrow. Also mentionable is the unique camera work that splendidly captures the subliminal threat. The whole suspense builds up to the final scene where it is unleashed with an indescribably severe vehemence that hits you right in the face. The shock in Rosemary's face is the peak of it. While the shock was more or less absent throughout the course of the run time this scene brilliantly compensates for it. All in all, this film scores with the sheer brilliance of Roman Polanski's directorial style, magnificent performances and near perfect storytelling pace. It's not the average horror film and that's what makes it so legendary and that's why it will always be an iconic entry to the genre.