Shy and socially awkward Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) is a teenager who finds herself regularly bullied by her classmates at school, while also tackling an extremely strict and religious mother at home. However, the teenager possesses a mysterious ability that she gradually begins to understand and control, leading to increasingly strange events surrounding her. A supernatural horror picture that has certainly left its mark on the genre since its release fifty years ago, but one that may divide opinion in recent times.
Director: Brian De Palma
Writers: Stephen King, Lawrence D. Cohen
Starring: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Betty Buckley, Amy Irving, William Katt, John Travolta
Directed by Brian De Palma, Carrie was released in November 1976 and was based on Stephen King’s debut horror novel of the same name, which had been published just two years earlier. The film marked the first major cinematic adaptation of one of Stephen King’s works and proved to be a significant commercial success. Despite its age, Carrie remains a well-known title that continues to receive plenty of attention from horror fans, especially during the October Halloween season.
One of the more noticeable aspects of Carrie would have to be its rather strong demonic and satanic overtones, which are balanced by a suitably fitting soundtrack throughout the ninety-three minute runtime. The religious themes are particularly prominent, creating an uncomfortable and possibly dividing atmosphere at times. While these elements certainly help give the film its own identity, some of the themes may be rather off-putting for more religious-leaning viewers. Away from these, the flick relies quite heavily on intrigue, rather than outright action, horror or suspense, with much of the enjoyment stemming from simply wondering what direction the filmmakers will steer the film in.
As noted, intrigue is key throughout, with the various characters and situations gradually pushing the story towards its inevitable climax. However, this final portion of the picture can feel somewhat rushed in nature, with the overall execution also showing the film’s age in some areas. It could even be argued that Carrie struggles to hold up as well as some other horror releases from the same era, or indeed many more modern productions, particularly when it comes to its story and overall execution.
In terms of the cast, Sissy Spacek delivers arguably the strongest aspect of the picture with her performance as Carrie, the quiet teenager who gradually grows in confidence, while commanding a large chunk of the screentime in the process. Elsewhere, support reigns in from the likes of Piper Laurie, Betty Buckley, Amy Irving, William Katt and even John Travolta, starring as Margaret White, Miss Collins, Sue Snell, Tommy Ross and Billy Nolan, respectively.
All in all, Carrie is an interesting, albeit polarising supernatural horror picture that clearly had an influence on the genre and is well-liked to this day. The strong religious themes, fitting soundtrack and steady build-up provide some unique aspects, while the overall sense of intrigue is arguably enough justification to watch it alone. For sure, worth a watch for those wanting to catch some key films associated with October’s Halloween season.
“Look what Tommy gave me, Mama. Aren’t they beautiful?”
Carrie – Carrie
