Being a humongous fan of Chinatown, one of my all-time favorites, I had contrived myself with massive expectations for Rosemary's Baby-which I have been anticipating for many many months-and I'm completely appalled that this film somehow, effortlessly exceeded them. The biggest compliment I can give this movie is that the characters provided in the story don't feel like actors/actresses portraying a part, they feel like real people attending their everyday lives. I felt like I was baselessly peeping into the lives of real people experiencing real traumatic events, and that's saying a lot since some seriously berserk stuff goes down in this film. Rosemary's Baby is doubtlessly one of the most persuasive, and unsettling dramatic thrillers I have ever gutted. It's parallels to difficult and more burdensome themes that other films wouldn't dare explore, are boldly risky yet decidedly respectable. Rosemary's Baby is the upholding standard (or literal definition) of flawless "psychological horror." Despite my considerably negative feelings towards Polanski as a person, as a filmmaker, I can give him top-credit for his masterful direction and perfect writing that can simply not be compared with against any other household name during the era in which Rosemary's Baby was released (AKA, the 60s). (Verdict: A+)

Hollywood would have None of that "Devil" Worship or "Heil Satan" Stuff in the Hays-Code Era. It was a Taboo. But by 1968 Attrition had set in and the Zeitgeist of the "New" Hollywood was Slowly Eroding the Previously "Forbidden" Restrictions of the "Watchdogs of Morality" Censorship Board and All "Hell" was Breaking Loose.Roman Polanski's First American Movie can be Credited for Starting the Wave of Occult Films that would become Full Blown with "The Exorcist" (1973) and "The Omen" (1976) and its Ilk.It was a Huge Hit with the Public and Critics. More of a Psychological Thriller with a Supernatural Theme than a Pure "Horror" Movie, the Tension and Creepy Atmosphere of the Characters and the Surroundings Unleashed a Relentlessly Suspenseful Picture Anchored by Mia Farrow's Endearing and Sympathetic Performance.The rest of the Cast, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon and others all made this a Believable Unbelievable Story of Modern Witchcraft in New York City. Its Captivating Milieu of a Woman Caught Between Liberation and Tradition both Socially and Spiritually.The Script, by Polanski, from a Best Seller by Ira Levin Teases with Taut Complications and Black Humor. There are Shades of Hitchcock and Val Lewton with Scenes of Hidden Meanings and Messages Lurking Everywhere.Overall, Moderns seem to have Trouble Considering this More than just a Bore, but its Slow Burn Sears the Senses and Captivates with its Considerable Suffering of Rosemary and the Forces of Evil around Her.In the End She is Stronger than She Seems and Motherly Love Notwithstanding stands Alone in Her Convictions and the Strength and Wherewithal it took to Survive the Ordeal was Considerable. Her Liberation has Crossed the Previous Boundaries of a World that may have the Answer to the Question..."Is God Dead".

Try this, compare Rosemary's Baby to all the horror movies that came out in 1968 and does anything hold a candle to this film's production, cinematography, flawless editing and high level acting? Speaking only to Roman Polanski's film-making, it's really a shame that there isn't many risk takers to produce a good written horror film like him. Mia Farrow does a terrific job in portraying a normal outgoing city-dweller who turns into a paranoid, helpless mess. It's in the details of Farrow's reactions and elegant line delivery that really make some scenes chilling. Rosemary's Baby however, does fall short in really memorable moments and an impactful ending. There's no doubting it's a superbly made film, but there is blandness as the film draws out longer, longer. A little over-hyped possibly, but still a must see film.

A devilishly good film, full of wonderful acting, cinematography (the Gothic feel of New York and the Dakota building perfect moreover), and the subtle horror whereof us hardly become mindless after watching. This a film for best watching at night, and maybe with a cup of coffee or tea: a very trippy film indeed. Just imagine, a woman that without consenting becomes pregnant with the son of Satan. Superb!