Rosemary's Baby is directed by Roman Polanski.  Polanski has directed numerous films including the much acclaimed Chinatown, and the Harrison Ford thriller, Frantic.  Rosemary's baby stars:

• Mia Farrow
• Supergirl
• Hannah and her sisters
• Husbands & Wives
• John Cassavetes

Film Reviewed:
April 26th, 1999

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I've wanted to watch Rosemary's Baby for the last couple of years, but for one reason or another I never got around to it.  A friend from Florida who is really into old school movies told me to check it out, but while endorsing it he also gave away the film's main premise.  So I figured watching the film wouldn't be that fun because I already knew the film's big secret.  I decide to check it out based on the fact that Roman Polanski directed the film.  This legendary filmmaker is mostly famous for helming Jack Nicholson in Chinatown, but Frantic with Harrison Ford was a big hit too.

Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse are a happily married couple that move into an apartment complex with a mysteriously, bizarre past.  The couple become friends with their elderly neighbors, a nosy and unorthodox couple, that seem to force their way into the Woodhouse's lives.  Rosemary's dream to finally have a child is realized when she gets pregnant, but this occasion of joy is turned into suspicion after Rosemary begins to suspect her neighbors of foul play.  She's convinced that they want to steal her child for their own demented purpose, but at the same time we're not sure if she's losing her mind.

This film is excellent in every technical aspect, and it still entertains 30 years after it was released.  The acting is top notch, especially the beautiful Mia Farrow, who brings across a sense of paranoia and mistrust perfectly.  The film is also crammed full of metaphors, suspense and visual imagery that you rarely see in a film, even today.  The ending doesn't disappoint either, and instead provides enough answers to keep you satisfied.  One scene I especially liked was when the young mother realizes what has happened to her child, but still manages to show that special relationship between a mother and her child, like only a mother can.

Bottom Line:  Remember, their isn't much action in this film, but if you're looking for a heavy dose of horror and suspense along the lines of the Exorcist, check it out.

Ifty's grade: A-