c a r r i e
1976 ****1/2 98 mins.
1976 ****1/2 98 mins.
Brian de Palma's film based upon the Stephen King novel of the same title is almost perfect. Sissy Spacek is absolutely astounding as the misfit girl of the title, who is enslaved by her religious-fanatic-of-a-mother (Piper Laurie in one of the best performances of all time). This film delivers many sure shocks and suspenseful moments and is at least as good as the novel, if not a little bit better. King's novel still stands on its own, though, as a work of genius. De Palma's style is what truly makes this film outstanding, though. He makes the story look and feel almost like an off-beat fairy tale (of the extreme Grimm variety) with his cloudy, majestic imagery and the claustrophobic little house. True feelings of terror abound as well as feelings of sorrow, regret, and compassion.
The reason that I say it's almost perfect is that at times, it feels like a scene or two were left out, while other lines of dialogue that reference them are still in the film. I had a perfect example while watching the film, but I can't remember it right now. Sorry. Also, it seems like some of the story is misplaced. For example: the same day Tommy asks Carrie to the prom, Chris begins her plot for the "prank". How did she know Tommy was going to ask Carrie? Besides, Carrie hadn't even said yes, yet. Of course, it could be argued that we never hear what Chris says after "I hate Carrie White." She could have just said that she wanted to get back at her some way. Either way, it just seems like these characters know more than we see them find out. That all, I guess, goes back to the whole idea that it seems like a couple of important scenes are missing.
Those little nit-picky things aside, though, Carrie is a masterpiece of horror that will surely deliver the goods in every way that a great film should.
Rated R for language, violence, nudity, and sexual content.
Based on the Novel by
Stephen King
Screenplay by
Lawrence D. Cohen
Directed by
Brian de Palma