The Exorcism Of Emily Rose Based On A True Story
The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a 2005 American supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Laura Linney and Tom Wilkinson. The movie is based on the true story of Anneliese Michel, a German woman who underwent Catholic exorcism rites during the year before her death, and the court case that followed.
The True Story of Anneliese Michel
Anneliese Michel was born in Germany in 1952. She was a devout Catholic and began experiencing epileptic seizures at the age of 16. Her condition worsened, and she was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy. However, she also began to exhibit other symptoms, such as depression, self-abuse, and claiming to hear voices. Michel's family and the local church believed that she was possessed by demons and sought the help of Catholic priests.
Between 1975 and 1976, Michel underwent 67 exorcism sessions. During these sessions, she exhibited extreme behavior, including drinking her own urine and eating insects. She died on July 1, 1976, at the age of 23. The official cause of death was malnutrition and dehydration, but her parents and the priests involved in the exorcisms were charged with negligent homicide.
The Film Adaptation
The Exorcism of Emily Rose is loosely based on the events surrounding Anneliese Michel's death. The film follows the trial of a priest, Father Richard Moore, who performed an exorcism on a young woman named Emily Rose, who died shortly after the ritual. The film depicts the trial as a battle between science and religion, as the prosecution argues that Emily's death was caused by medical negligence, while the defense argues that she was possessed by demons and needed an exorcism.
The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success, grossing over $140 million worldwide. The film's portrayal of the court case has been criticized for being inaccurate, with legal experts pointing out that the trial depicted in the film would not be possible under American law.
The Cultural Impact
The Exorcism of Emily Rose has become a cultural touchstone and has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film has inspired numerous parodies and references in other movies, TV shows, and music videos. The character of Emily Rose has also become a symbol of the intersection between religion and horror.
However, the film has also been criticized for perpetuating negative stereotypes about mental illness and portraying the Catholic Church's exorcism rituals in a positive light. Some critics have argued that the film's popularity has contributed to an increase in demand for exorcisms and a general belief in demonic possession.
Conclusion
The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a controversial film that is based on a true story. While the movie has been successful in terms of box office revenue, it has also been criticized for its portrayal of mental illness and the Catholic Church's exorcism rituals. The film's impact on popular culture is undeniable, but it is important to remember that the events depicted in the movie are not entirely accurate and that the real-life story of Anneliese Michel is a tragic one.