Carrie: The Films and Conclusion

Today I spent a few hours watching both the 1976 theatrical and 2002 TV movie versions of Carrie. I only really have a few comments to make on both version:

As for the original movie, I have always loved this film adaptation. Even though I may be slammed for saying this, I am a big fan of Brian De Palma's films. I recognize that he spends most of his time ripping off other directors (primarily Hitchcock), but I can honestly say that in all his "hackishness" he has developed his own easily recognizable style (i.e never ending tracking shots, extreme deep focus shots, and the always fun split screen images). In his adaptation of Carrie, there are a lot of scenes and images that will always be remembered, and have already made their way into film history. The performances of Piper Laurie and Sissy Spacek were deliciously disturbing, and well deserving of the Oscar nominations that they both received. I also feel that Amy Irving gave a heartfelt performance as Sue Snell. My biggest criticism of the film is that the destruction that Carrie White causes stays too small. She burns down the prom, and then just goes home to take care of her mother. No one else in the town is effected. Even in the final scene, Mrs. Snell is on the phone while Sue is sleeping, and she says to someone, "We're all a bit shaken up..." In the novel, no one could claim that they were only "a bit shaken". But that's a quite minor complaint. I have always loved the movie, and still think that it leaves a lasting impression.

When it comes to the 2002 TV movie, there are things that I enjoy, and some things that I could do without. First of all, I understand that that the confines of a TV movie are much more restrictive than a theatrical release. There is obviously not as much that you can get away with due to censorship. That being said, this version still does an excellent job keeping the feel of the story alive. I also appreciate how this movie attempts to keep a bit truer to the novel, including scenes such as the rocks falling on the White's house, and the destruction that Carrie causes in the town of Chamberlain. The prom scene is equally well executed, and disturbing. The biggest downfall in my opinion is the ending of the movie. (SPOILER ALERT) Carrie lives?!? Really? I think it diminishes the power of the story by having Carrie survive, only to run away from town (with the help of Sue Snell) to live another day. I did find out that this TV movie was going to be the pilot for a TV series (which never got made), and that is why she gets to live. I guess that makes it a little more palatable, but not by much.

Well, that's all for Carrie. Moving right along to 'Salem's Lot...