Carrie (1976) is a Riveting Classic

If I concentrate really hard I can move things!

Based on Stephen King’s first novel, Carrie is a 1976 film about a shy and introverted high school student who has telekinesis powers. After being invited to the prom, Carrie stands up to her over-religious domineering mother and attempts to show everyone who she really is.

Carrie is what started it all for Stephen King, my favorite horror author. I could not put the book down when I first read it. Released in 1976, Carrie is a chilling horror film attributed with powerful performances, innovative use of cinematic techniques, and a message on the consequences of bullying.

Sissy Spacek was so committed to playing Carrie that she avoided the cast during filming and even remained in the pig’s blood (AKA karo syrup) for three days to avoid continuity errors. Carrie has been tormented her whole life. Spacek does an outstanding job with Carrie, grasping her broken mind and a startling performance in the prom scene.

The late Piper Laurie dove into the corny, frightening, and zany character of Margaret White. Although she felt that the character was too over the top, Laurie's haunting portrayal adds a layer of psychological complexity to the narrative. Spacek and Laurie were tremendous in all their scenes, figuring out this complex relationship.

Out of all the Carrie films, this film did not focus on Margaret and Carrie’s relationship. Margaret is terrified for her daughter going to the prom. But who is she actually terrified for? My favorite moment was when she ran up the stairs to see if Carrie was okay after hearing glass breaking. Other than that scene, it is hard to tell if she really cares for Carrie.

Carrie has a notable ensemble cast. It marked the debuts of Betty Buckley, Amy Irving, and John Travolta! More credits include Nancy Allen, William Katt, P.J. Soles, Priscilla Pointer, and an ensemble of teachers or high school students who were for Carrie or against her.

Nancy Allen’s vicious portrayal is Chris Hargenson is unforgettable. She was having so much fun that she actually believed herself and Travolta (Billy) to be the comedy relief of the film.

Interactions play an enormous part in this film, like between Miss Collins (Buckley) and Carrie. Miss Collins is so supportive of Carrie, giving her the pep talk she always needed. I wish that Carrie and Sue (Irving) interacted to get a better sense of how Sue felt about the situation. Sue is somewhat of an enigma.

Brian De Palma directed a cinematically stunning film. In some scenes, the screen is tinted with a haze giving it a ghostly feeling. His aesthetic is unique, developing a daydream sense to the film. He heightened the tension using various visual techniques, including split-screen imagery, slow-motion sequences, and dynamic camera angles emphasizing the psychological turmoil experienced by the characters.

The prom scene is the film’s most iconic scene. It took over two weeks to film its entirety. He edited it as a split-screen. Because there is so much going on, De Palma intercuts between different perspectives through the split-screen technique effectively building anticipation.

The bullying may be a trigger to some audiences. Carrie is treated horribly by her peers, mainly at the very beginning. Thankfully, Carrie serves as a cautionary tale, delving into the psychological trauma of bullying.

Not just one adaptation of Carrie exists, but three! In my opinion, the 1976 film is the best of the adaptations. If the prom scene is not memorable way until you see the ending. Take a look at Carrie this Halloween season.