Sunday, 19 January 2014

Film Review - Carrie




Telekinetic Energy
Film: Carrie
Cast: Chloe Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore
Directed by: Kimberly Peirce
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Rating: * *

Based on the novel by Stephen King (his first to be published), Carrie was made into a film in 1976 by Brian De Palma and quite admirably. Since this is virtually is a scene to scene remake of the original, it raises the question, what was the need for this film?  

While Kings novel had elements of horror, it was also meant to be a reflection on the society. There is an attempt to revive that factor but it is not entirely successful.

Carrie White (Chloe Grace Moretz of Kick Ass and Hugo fame) is a teenage girl who lives under the shadow of her religiously fanatic mother. As a result she is shy and an introvert in school with hardly any friends. When she gets home, all her mother is interested is in praying and cleansing. 

Carrie is mocked by the girls in school when she starts menstruating; the video of her humiliation is also posted online. Soon, she discovers that she has telekinetic powers, of controlling, moving and throwing objects.

The climax occurs during the most import aspect of American schools. No, it has nothing to do with studies or exams. It is the prom night. Carrie goes berserk unleashing her fury on everyone.

The adaptation doesn’t add any more value to Palma’s effort. It of course has a bigger budget and slick but beyond the gloss, there is nothing much. The stand the film takes is also not clear, while for most you are sympathetic with Carrie because she is always bullied, the ending fritters it all.

Chloe Grace Moretz excels in the lead role which was played by Sissy Spacek in the original. The best part of Carrie still remains the telekinesis prank they played as a promotion of this film (you’ll find it online).

 If you haven’t seen Palma film, you can sit through this one but just about. 

(Published in The Navhind Times on  19th Jan 2014)

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