Laura Linney rocks in courtroom dramas, as Primal Fear fans would remember. In the horror/drama The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005), Linney once again possesses her viewers in several courtroom scenes.
The movie, which is based on a real-life exorcism case in Germany in 1976, shows the trial of a priest, Father Richard Moore (Tom Wilkinson), who has been accused of negligent homicide for performing ritual exorcism on a girl he and the girl’s family believe to be possessed by demons. Erin Bruner (Linney) experiences some strange, alarming things as she defends Father Moore in the court. But the main conflict of science versus supernatural, believable and doubtful provides the major element of interest. Was Emily possessed or psychotic? Did father Moore help Emily or cause her death?
This clip is from the concluding statement of Erin Bruner before the jury. Laura Linney’s tone perfectly expresses her character’s emotion and an epitome of reason and compassion. She offers a balanced and reasonable position on an otherwise tightly guarded territory under the general rubric of medical science. The perfect voice for the most important question.
It’s a wonderful moment not to be missed – for it’s Laura Linney once again at her best!
