Cutting Edges: Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Figure 1- Film poster

Rosemary's Baby (1968) was directed by Roman Polanski and the movie is based on Ira Levin's novel about modern-day witches and demons. The film genre is horror. The film starts with Rosemary  (Mia Farrow) and her husband Guy (John Cassavetes) moving into a new apartment building in New York City.

"The use of lighting in the film and the director Polanski's  use of the warm lighting with dark undertone is seen to contribute to the uneasy theme throughout the film. Although there is  warm yellow lighting, the audience is still made to feel cautious due to the deeper tones, adding a sinister element." ( Reid 2015). (Figure 2) For example the scene in which Rosemary wake up in a bed only to find she is covered in mysterious scratches.



 Figure 2- Still image

figure 3- Still image

In the film the camera shows a close-up is used when the necklace is first seen in the film and later when it is given to Rosemary.(Figure 3) "This draws the viewer attention to the object and implies that it will play a significant role in the film." ( Reid 2015)

Figure 4 - Still image

It has been noted that the character of Rosemary is dressed throughout the film in blue and white. (As the end scene figure 4). This has been done to connect Rosemary with the virgin Mary to contrast her  with the demon baby. Basically it is good versus evil.

This film received critical acclaim and rotten tomatoes give it a score of 99%

 

Bibliography:

Greco, J. (2010) Rosemary’s baby (1968) Roman Polanski. Available at: https://twentyfourframes.wordpress.com/2010/07/24/rosemarys-baby-1968-roman-polanski/ (Accessed: 10 April 2016).

Rosemary Baby http://www.rottentomatoes.com/ (accessed on 21 April 2016)

Reid .J(2015) Rosemary’s baby analysis. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaxgGfW0su4 (Accessed: 17 April 2016).

Illustration List

Figure 1- Film poster

http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/movie/movie_poster/rosemarys-baby-1968/large_zVjvNrKs5EYXrvHPpuRovjnLIml.jpg ( Accessed on 26 march 2016)

Figure 2 -Still image
http://static.cotecine.fr/tb/Photos/663x369/crop/ROSEMARY%20S%20BABY%20PHOTO2.JPG
( Accessed on 21 April 2016)

Figure 3 - Still image http://static.nme.com/images/article/2013RosemarysBaby_Press_Paramount_111213.jpg
( Accessed on 21 April 2016)

Figure 4- Still image
http://frocktalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/final-knife.jpg (Accessed on 10 April 2016)