Detailed Summary
Moving into the Bramford
Young couple Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and Guy Woodhouse (John Cassavetes) move into the Bramford, an old Gothic apartment building in New York City. They are warned about the building’s dark history, but they dismiss it. Their neighbors, the eccentric and intrusive Castevets (Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer), soon befriend them.
Strange Dreams and Mysterious Events
Rosemary has a series of strange and vivid dreams, including one where she is assaulted by a demonic presence. She wakes up with mysterious scratches on her body. Guy becomes increasingly involved with the Castevets and begins to distance himself from Rosemary.
Pregnancy and Paranoia
Rosemary becomes pregnant but suffers from severe pain and loses weight, looking increasingly ill. Her doctor, recommended by the Castevets, dismisses her concerns. Rosemary starts to suspect that something is wrong with her pregnancy and that the Castevets have sinister intentions.
Discovering the Truth
Rosemary’s friend Hutch (Maurice Evans) becomes suspicious and tries to warn her but falls into a coma. Before dying, he leaves her a book on witchcraft, which leads Rosemary to suspect that the Castevets are witches and that they want her baby for a ritual.
The Birth of the Baby
Terrified, Rosemary tries to escape but they ultimately sedate her and take her back to the Bramford. She gives birth but they tell her the baby died. However, she hears a baby crying through the walls and becomes determined to find out the truth.
Confronting the Cult
Rosemary discovers a secret room where the Castevets and their coven are gathered around her baby. They reveal that her child is the son of Satan, conceived during the demonic assault she experienced. The film ends with Rosemary reluctantly accepting her role as the mother of the Antichrist.
Movie Ending
The film concludes with Rosemary joining the coven to care for her baby, despite the horrific truth of his parentage. The final scene shows her rocking the baby in a black bassinet adorned with an inverted cross, accepting her fate and her child.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Rosemary’s Baby” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a psychological horror thriller, known for its slow-burn tension, exploration of paranoia, and themes of motherhood and trust.
Cast
- Mia Farrow as Rosemary Woodhouse
- John Cassavetes as Guy Woodhouse
- Ruth Gordon as Minnie Castevet
- Sidney Blackmer as Roman Castevet
- Maurice Evans as Hutch
- Ralph Bellamy as Dr. Sapirstein
Film Music and Composer
Krzysztof Komeda composed the score, enhancing the film’s unsettling atmosphere with his haunting lullabies and eerie melodies.
Filming Locations
- The Dakota Building, New York City: The filmmakers used the Dakota Building in New York City for the exteriors of the Bramford, enhancing the film’s gothic and ominous tone.
- Los Angeles, California: They filmed interior scenes on sound stages in Los Angeles, California.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Ruth Gordon won Best Supporting Actress.
- Golden Globe Awards: Mia Farrow was nominated for Best Actress in a Drama.
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Actress (Mia Farrow) and Best Screenplay (Roman Polanski).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Mia Farrow ate raw liver for a scene despite being a vegetarian.
- Farrow was served divorce papers by Frank Sinatra on set, adding to her emotional performance.
- Roman Polanski’s meticulous direction included multiple takes to capture the perfect shot.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is based on Ira Levin’s 1967 novel of the same name.
- Historical Events: References to real-life satanic cults and witchcraft, inspired by the 1960s counterculture and occult fascination.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no known alternate endings. Polanski’s vision was faithfully translated from Levin’s novel, with minimal changes.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Faithful Adaptation: The film closely follows the novel’s plot and character arcs.
- Tone and Detail: The novel delves deeper into Rosemary’s internal struggles and paranoia.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Demonic Conception: The dream sequence where Rosemary is assaulted by a demonic figure.
- Pregnancy Revelation: Rosemary’s discovery of the true nature of her baby.
- Final Confrontation: The climactic scene where Rosemary confronts the coven.
Iconic Quotes
- “This is no dream, this is really happening!” – Rosemary
- “He has his father’s eyes.” – Minnie Castevet
- “What have you done to him? What have you done to his eyes, you maniacs!” – Rosemary
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The use of the Dakota Building, later known for its association with John Lennon’s murder, adds an eerie layer to the film.
- Subtle references to witchcraft and Satanism are scattered throughout the film, from the use of tannis root to the occult symbols.
Trivia
- Roman Polanski originally wanted Robert Redford for the role of Guy.
- Mia Farrow’s pixie haircut became iconic and was a symbol of the 1960s.
- The film’s release was delayed due to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
Why Watch?
“Rosemary’s Baby” is a masterpiece of psychological horror that combines stellar performances, a gripping narrative, and a chilling atmosphere. It’s a must-watch for fans of classic horror and suspense.
Director’s Other Movies
- Repulsion (1965)
- Chinatown (1974)
- The Pianist (2002)
- The Ghost Writer (2010)
- Carnage (2011)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Omen (1976)
- The Exorcist (1973)
- Hereditary (2018)
- The Witch (2015)
- Suspiria (1977)
