overrated and takes too long to get going

Rating: 5/10 (19 December 2004)

SPOILERS In 1968, Roman Polanski directed horror film "Rosemary's Baby". Often described as horrifying in it's plot and eventual ending, the film has sadly not aged well. Taking far too long to get going, it feels tacky and weak and fails to hit any sort of note.
Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse (Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes) are a happily married couple. Moving into a new home, the two decide to have a baby. As Rosemary progresses through her pregnancy however, incidents occur which begin to cause her to question the motives behind the helpful neighbours Roman and Minnie Castevet (Sidney Blackmer and Ruth Gordon). Perhaps there is a sinister motive behind their actions.
The problem with "Rosemary's Baby" is that it just is no longer scary. With Roman Polanski directing and writing the screenplay, it's not hard to see why in 1968 this freaked out so many people. The notion of things happening without us seeing them has always been the basis behind so many good horror films. The human imagination is often more scary than films themselves. Sadly though, with this film, the horror only arrives in the final 30 minutes and it ultimately feels like a bit of a let down.
Mia Farrow as Rosemary is admittedly superb in a tough role, but she is overshadowed by the unnerving Ruth Gordon. Both women in their respective roles suit the plot perfectly, but that's where the compliments end.
All in all, if you ask one of the older generations about the time they went to see this film at the cinema, they will probably tell you that it was unnerving. This is the same generation who found "The Exorcist" (1973) shocking and whilst individuals have grown up and cinema has progressed, these older works have turned stagnant. The plot has remained slow and irritating, but now the camera quality and costume have become outdated and annoying too.
Sadly "Rosemary's Baby" will have been a good film in the 1960s. In the 21st century however, it has dated badly and is not at the top of most people's list. Mediocre and not the best way to spend the evening.