FAQ

The Exorcism of Emily Rose is based on a screenplay written by American screenwriters Paul Harris Boardman and Scott Derrickson (who also directed the movie). The screenplay is loosely based on the real-life case of Anneliese Michel (1952-1976), a German woman who was diagnosed by doctors as an epileptic but subsequently underwent 67 exorcisms on the advise of a friend who believed that she was possessed by demons. Anneliese died of malnutrition and dehydration at the age of 23. She weighed 68 pounds at the time.

Yes.Anthropologist Felicitas Goodman [1914-2005] wrote The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel, published in 1981. This book provided the insights for The Exorcism of Emily Rose as well as for a German movie, Requiem (2006) (2006), in which Anneliese Michel is known as Michaela Klingler.

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, from Philippians 2:12.

Father Moore (Tom Wilkinson) is found guilty of negligent homicide in the death of Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter), and Judge Brewster (Mary Beth Hurt) sets sentencing for April 3rd. However, Moore's attorney, Erin Bruner (Laura Linney), reminds the court that Moore has asked for immediate sentencing. The jury recommends that Moore be sentenced to time served, and the judge agrees. Moore is allowed to leave the courtroom a free man. Erin is offered a full partnership in the law firm, but she turns it down. Later, Erin and Fr Moore visit Emily's grave. Erin asks Moore whether he will return to his parish, but Moore says no. "Once you've looked into the darkness," he explains, "I think you carry it with you for the rest of your life." In the final scene, Erin returns home and tries to sleep. The bedside clock reads 11:14. Closing captions read: As Emily predicted, her story has affected many people: Emily's gravesite has become an unofficial holy shrine which continues to draw visitors from all over the world. A second caption reads: After the trial, Father Moore went into seclusion, refusing to appeal his guilty conviction, and stating, "This is a matter for God; Worldly courts cannot pass any judgment on it." A third caption reads: Erin Bruner shared her case files with an expert in medical research and anthropology whose further research and published work about the life and death of Emily Rose inspired this film.

A closer look reveals that the theatrical version is indeed considerably censored. A lot of shots have been shortened and the difference neutralized by alternative shots of the same length. It seems that the studio planned to get the more profitable PG-13 rating for the movie and had to censor it according to the guidelines of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).