Director Scott Derrickson revealed that The Exorcism of Emily Rose just barely escaped receiving an R-rating from the MPAA due to how scarily it portrayed possession.Derrickson shared how the film secured a PG-13 rating on Twitter with a still of the character Emily Rose, writing, "There was a scene in The Exorcism of Emily Rose where Jennifer Carpenter contorted her own face so disturbingly, the MPAA gave the film an R rating."
The horror director continued, "I appealed in writing and they refused to back down, so I cut it because I wanted a PG-13."
Released in 2005, The Exorcism of Emily Rose told the story of Rev. Moore (Tom Wilkinson), who is prosecuted for the wrongful death of a girl thought to be demonically possessed.
The film was loosely based on the experiences of a German teenager named Anneliese Michel, who reportedly began shaking uncontrollably and seeing demons at age 16. While doctors diagnosed her with grand mal epilepsy and psychosis, her devoutly Catholic family believed demons had possessed her and had a priest perform exorcisms on her repeatedly. Michel died of malnutrition in July 1976. Ultimately, her parents and priest were convicted of negligent homicide.
Regulated by the Motion Picture Association, the MPAA film rating system was created as a way to help parents decide what films are appropriate for their children. The rating system rates films as G (General Audience), PG (Parental Guidance Suggested), PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned), R (Restricted) and NC-17 (Adults Only).
Derrickson is currently attached to a direct The Black Phone, an adaptation of Joe Hill's short story from his short story collection 20th Century Ghosts. Hill will serve as an executive producer on the upcoming film. The official synopsis for The Black Phone reads,
The story concerns a kidnapped kid who finds himself in a soundproof basement surrounded by the remains of other victims. When night falls, the antique — and disconnected — telephone in the room begins to ring with the calls from the dead.
Directed by Scott Derrickson, The Exorcism of Emily Rose stars Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Campbell Scott and Jennifer Carpenter. The film is available now on platforms including Hulu, Sling TV and STARZ.
Source: Twitter