31 Days of Horror: Carrie (1976)

Only the second day in and I'm already having trouble choosing which movies to review.

Carrie (Sissy Spacek) is a social outcast. The poor, neglected girl suffers at the hands of society. She is neither beautiful or smart enough at school. Tormented by her mother (Piper Laurie), Carrie suffers in silence, but boils with rage inside. A series of events culminate at prom night. Carrie, when pushed to the breaking point--God save you, because Carrie unleashes hell.

Carrie is an outstanding adaptation of Steven King's novel. True to form, the movie doesn't stray much save for a few artistic difference towards the end--for the better, I think.

Contributing to Carrie's success is director Brian De Palma. He slowly builds sympathy for Carrie in his audience. This poor mousy {don't think there is a better descriptor} girl is the brunt of such cruelty that you can't help but wish for revenge for her. But when all hell literally breaks loose, you're frightened and ashamed that you 'loved' and pitied the same girl mere moments ago. His techniques blend seamlessly with dynamic storytelling and a spine-tingling score. Each scene is brilliantly executed.

Sissy Spacek gives a solid, humanizing performance. She realistically embodies the agony of a teenage girl. Not to be overlooked is Laurie Piper as a religious nutjob-doesn't-even-begin-to-cover-it of a mother. The movie is simultaneously mesmerizing and appalling.

Carrie might be old school horror now, but it never fails to frighten. Compared to today's horror films, I think the film moves slower; but you can't beat the character development here.