Part of the 1970s horror cycle caused by the enormous success of The_Exorcist, Audrey Rose is a more intelligent, nuanced example of the genre, which is both its blessing and its curse. Robert_Wise has directed in a relatively understated manner, yet still provides a fair share of chilling moments. Working from a script that is far too wordy -- and, to its credit, tries to rationally discuss the concept of reincarnation while maintaining a horror framework -- Wise shrewdly makes the wordiness an advantage. He keeps the focus on the dialogue -- or, often, monologue -- while subtly overemphasizing ordinary movements onscreen to create tension or suspense. Wise also gives the film a visual style, and the snowman scene at the school is particularly well done. He is helped by Anthony_Hopkins' intense, sorrowful performance, as well as Susan_Swift's impressive turn in the title role. Ultimately, the script's pretensions and its stuffiness keep it from being the first-class thriller it could have been, but it's still a decent alternative to better-known thrillers. Craig Butler, Rovi

Great Film Moments:

• In Theaters
• This Week
• Coming Soon
• New on DVD

Browse More Movies:
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z