Rosemary's Baby DVD Review

Newly weds Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and her struggling actor husband Guy (John Cassavetes), move into an apartment in New York City. Their elderly neighbours, the Castevets, played superbly by Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer, take a keen interest in them and soon they become friends. Guy in particular gets very close to his neighbours and his acting career mysteriously takes off. To celebrate the good fortune, Guy suggests that they try for the baby that they have talked about for some time. That night, after eating some of Mrs. Castavet's mousse, Rosemary has wild dreams about being raped by a demonic presence and shortly after discovers she's pregnant. Rosemary's health starts to deteriorate, despite the constant attention and health drinks offered by Mrs. Castevet, and becomes increasingly convinced that something is seriously wrong...

Rosemary's baby is a wonderfully crafted film. Polansky carefully manipulates the viewer by creating suspense and tension. Mia Farrow is superb in her portrayal of Rosemary, becoming increasingly fragile and paranoid, as we watch the story unfold through her eyes. The very real, human fears that the mother has about the life developing inside her are deftly woven with supernatural elements with disturbing results. Polanski skillfully leaves questions unanswered, making the audience use imagination to fill in the gaps, adding to the overall tensity. The film was produced by veteran low-budget horror film maker William Castle, best known forHouse on Haunted Hill (1958) and The Tingler (1959). A true classic. S.J.T.

Rosemary’s Baby. 1968

Directed by Roman Polanski