Audrey Rose is a 1977 American psychological horror film directed by Robert Wise (The Haunting, 1963) for United Artists. It stars Marsha Mason, Anthony Hopkins (Magic; The Silence of the Lambs) and Susan Swift. It was based on the novel of the same title by co-producer Frank De Felitta (The Entity).
Plot teaser:
An affluent New York couple (Marsha Mason and John Beck) is at a loss to explain the transformation of their heretofore happy little girl (Susan Swift) into a nightmare-ridden visionary, haunted by intimations of violent death. Until, that is, a stranger (Anthony Hopkins) appears, insisting that little Ivy is, in fact, the reincarnated-and tortured-soul of his own daughter, Audrey Rose, who died in a tragic accident just as Ivy was being born…
Buy Audrey Rose on Blu-ray from Amazon.com
Reviews:
“Audrey Rose isn’t your typical horror film but it is a well-made and occasionally very creepy thriller that features some very impressive performances and a smart, thought provoking script. It may very well be a product of its time, but for many of us that’s a positive and those who like their suspense accompanied by some interesting food for thought should appreciate what Wise and company accomplished with this unique picture.” Rock! Shock! Pop!
“However, the tin lid on the film’s artistic failure is the ending. It’s hard to explain how horrible sentimental and manipulative this is without giving it away. It left me with a profound hatred of the film, much more virulent than I normally feel. The last five minutes are unforgivable, lachrymose bullshit and not worthy of the talents of the director and the actors. ” The Digital Fix
“The direction is slick and the production values good. It is compelling enough to be entertaining, but the ending is very unsatisfying and as a thriller it is transparent and unmemorable.” Scopophilia
WH
