The advertisements for the “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” were quite successful in capturing the attention of moviegoers who were mesmerized by the eerie visions that a young woman was reported experiencing before undergoing an exorcism that led to the trial of more than one priest. In this article, you will learn trivia and facts concerning both the movie and the woman that the film was based upon.
The Plot
A Catholic college girl with dreams of attending school was only 19 years old when she dies a couple of days following an exorcism. The act was carried out by her parish priest (Father Moore). Not only did the priest believe that the girl was possessed by demons, but Emily Rose herself was convinced that she was possessed. The exorcism was granted permission by her parents, but in the end , Father Moore is placed on trial for negligent homicide because he requested that Emily disrupt her epilepsy medications for the purpose of the exorcism. The movie then details the battle that takes place in the court, which involves science versus religion.
While Jennifer Carpenter played the title character Emily Rose, other notable actors and actresses associated with the production included Laura Linney (who played the skeptical and torn Erin Bruner); Tom Wilkinson (who played Father Moore , the man responsible for the exorcism); and Campbell Scott (opposing counsel , Ethan Thomas).
“Exorcism of Emily Rose” Trivia
The movie was based on the true story of Anneliese Michel , a 19-year-old German woman who underwent the same occurrences and fate as the fictional character of Emily Rose. Anneliese’s story takes place during the 1970s.
Inspiration for the movie initially came from a book titled “The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel” , written by Dr. Felicitas Goodman , the anthropologist who served as an expert on possession. Like all Hollywood adaptations , the original contents were scarcely present in the cinematic transition.
Before Jennifer Carpenter took on the role of Emily Rose , Madeline Zima , who is best known for playing Gracie Sheffield on “The Nanny” was also considered for the part.
The real Emily Rose (Anneliese) was unofficially diagnosed as being possessed by an older woman who accompanied the young girl on a pilgrimage. She reported that Anneliese would not walk past a certain image of Jesus and refused to drink water that came from a holy spring. It was an exorcist residing in a town close by that examined Anneliese and concluded that she was possessed by demons. The Bishop finally allowed a rite of exorcism after two failed requests were placed.
In order to complete the scene in which Emily starts to bend over backwards in the church , Jennifer Carpenter had to wear a harness to create a more awkward effect.
Two dolls were used in the filming of the movie to depict Emily Rose in awkward positions. The first appears when the girl would lock her limbs, while the second was used in the dorm scene when we see her twisted body on the floor.
According to her autopsy , Anneliese Michel died as a result of severe dehydration and malnourishment. At the time of her death, pneumonia and a high fever took over her body. After passing, the family buried Anneliese next to her illegitimate sister (Martha), situated at the outskirts of the cemetery , a section of the graveyard set aside for illegitimate children and those who have committed suicide.
It is said that the last known words of Anneliese Michel was “Beg for Absolution”- spoken to her exorcists and “Mother, I’m afraid” to her mother, Anna.
The real Emily Rose (Anneliese) had three sisters , all of whom grew up in a strict Catholic household. Three of her aunts were nuns and her father (Josef) almost entered training as a priest.
The film took home three awards: Saturn Award for Best Horror Film (from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films); Golden Trailer Award for Best Horror; and an MTV Movie Award for Best Frightened Performance (Jennifer Carpenter).