Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Wat Is Er Toch aan de Hand met Rosemary's Baby?
Raiting: 
8,1 /10
Genre: Horror
Director: Roman Polanski
Stars: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes and Ruth Gordon
Country: United States
Release date: 12 June 1968
Length: 137 minutes
"Rosemary's Baby", a 1968 psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski, is based on the novel of the same name by Ira Levin. The film unfolds the chilling story of a young couple, Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, who move into an old New York City apartment building with a sinister history. The couple is eager to start a family and are delighted when Rosemary becomes pregnant, but their joy is soon overshadowed by strange occurrences and a growing sense of unease.
Rosemary's husband, Guy, is an ambitious actor who becomes increasingly distant and preoccupied, especially after befriending their eccentric and intrusive neighbors, Roman and Minnie Castevet. As Rosemary's pregnancy progresses, she becomes isolated and plagued by severe abdominal pains and peculiar cravings. Her concerns are dismissed by her husband and her obstetrician, Dr. Sapirstein, who seems unusually close to the Castevets.
With her health deteriorating and feeling trapped in a web of deceit, Rosemary begins to suspect that her husband and neighbors have malevolent intentions for her unborn child. Her paranoia grows as she uncovers the building's dark past, which includes witchcraft and the occult. She becomes convinced that the Castevets are part of a satanic coven that has sinister plans for her baby, and that Guy has made a Faustian bargain with them to further his acting career.
In a desperate attempt to save her baby, Rosemary reaches out for help, but she finds herself increasingly isolated as it becomes clear that the conspiracy is wider and more powerful than she ever imagined. The film builds to a harrowing climax, with Rosemary's fears and maternal instincts pitted against the overwhelming forces arrayed against her.
The film's conclusion is both iconic and disturbing, leaving viewers with a haunting ambiguity about the true nature of Rosemary's baby. "Rosemary's Baby" is a masterpiece of the horror genre, with Polanski's direction creating an atmosphere of claustrophobic terror that lingers long after the film has ended. The film's exploration of themes such as paranoia, betrayal, and the loss of control over one's own body resonates with audiences, making it a timeless classic in cinematic horror.
Top cast - Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Trailer - Rosemary's Baby (1968)
"Rosemary's Baby", directed by Roman Polanski and released in 1968, is a chilling masterpiece that revolutionized the horror genre. The film, based on Ira Levin's novel, explores the psychological terror of a young woman named Rosemary who suspects a satanic cult wants her baby. With its nuanced performances, atmospheric cinematography, and a haunting score, "Rosemary's Baby" is an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Mia Farrow delivers a career-defining performance as Rosemary, a naive and trusting woman whose life takes a horrifying turn when she becomes pregnant. Farrow's portrayal of Rosemary's descent into paranoia and fear is both compelling and heart-wrenching, making the viewer deeply invested in her plight. John Cassavetes as Guy Woodhouse, Rosemary's ambitious and self-centered husband, is equally impressive, providing a chilling portrayal of a man willing to sacrifice his morals for success.
Polanski's direction is masterful, creating a sense of dread and unease that permeates every scene. The film's horror is not derived from explicit violence or jump scares, but rather from the psychological terror of Rosemary's predicament. Polanski's use of tight, claustrophobic shots and the eerie lullaby-like score enhances the film's unsettling atmosphere. The film's pacing is deliberate and suspenseful, with the tension gradually building to a horrifying climax.
The film's exploration of themes such as paranoia, betrayal, and the loss of control over one's body gives it a depth that goes beyond traditional horror. "Rosemary's Baby" is not just about supernatural terror, but also about the terror of being gaslighted and isolated. It's a commentary on the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society, making it a film that resonates with audiences even today.
In conclusion, "Rosemary's Baby" is a landmark film in the horror genre. Its emphasis on psychological terror over explicit violence, combined with stellar performances and a haunting score, makes it a truly unsettling and unforgettable viewing experience. Polanski's film is a testament to the power of cinema to evoke fear and dread, making "Rosemary's Baby" a must-watch for any fan of the genre.