
Rosemary’s Baby; the book cover (left) and film poster (right).
Sometimes it can feel like a book and its film adaptation are singing from different hymn sheets (which isn’t always necessarily a bad thing), but with Rosemary’s Baby, writer-director Roman Polanski clearly respected and shared Ira Levin’s original vision. Indeed, it is perhaps one of the most faithful page to screen conversions I’ve yet seen, in terms of both plot and tone.
As with the novel, I found Rosemary entirely endearing as a heroine, and loved her narrative arc; descending from a charming everywoman of the 60s to a determined mother, desperate to save her child – and her own sanity. She carries the entire thing, made possible by Mia Farrow’s strong performance and enigmatic screen presence, which mean we are with her every step of the way. Amidst the rest of the cast, Ruth Gordon also stood out as a highlight, putting in a great turn as the unnervingly eccentric Minnie Castevet.

The film’s principal cast, left to right: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon & Sidney Blackmer
I was thrilled they kept the horror very much on the psychological side of things, never resorting to jump scares or cheap gore, and focussing instead on a feeling of claustrophobia closing in on Rosemary. It’s testament to how well tension can be built, and how quietly affecting a story can be, when the focus is put firmly on the mental wellbeing of our protagonist; when the true horror is left to the power of our imagination.
It’s understandable why the film has become a classic of its genre, and why it pleases both committed cinemagoers and avid fans of the book alike.
OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS MOVIE & THE BOOK WAS SO CHILLING. ❤ *screaming through the internet over*
They’re both great, I was so glad the film lived up to the book! 😊
Lol xD
Callum, this was an amazing review and I enjoyed reading it all! Keep it up! It was short but with great insights! I got this book recommended! And I am so thrilled now to read it and watch the movie! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!!
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy both the book and the movie! 😊
Awesome review! I really want to read the book some day, as I’ve seen the movie multiple times, so I’m glad it’s faithful to the novel. 😊
Very much so! I read the book last year and loved it, so was relieved they hadn’t messed with a winning formula. I hope you enjoy the book if and when you get to it! 😊
Thanks Callum! 😊 I want to read the Stepford Wives too, I loved the movie but it’s very different from Rosemary’s Baby, so I guess that’s where the movie is very different from a book, or Ira Levin was just a good and diverse writer. 🙂
I’ve got that one on my bookshelf too! I’m excited to give it a go 😊
If you like Polanski’s work, I highly recommend you check out the film Repulsion. It’s a slow burn, scary, odd, dark. It’s an old black-and-white film that leaves you utter unsettled.
Ooh, sounds intriguing! I’ll keep an eye out – thanks!
I haven’t seen or read this in ages! I really should refresh my memory! 👍🍻
I can definitely see myself going back to it too!
I haven’t seen it, though I’ve heard good things. Given this recommendation, I’ll add it to my list! 🙂
I hope you enjoy it! 😊
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I saved this post in my Inbox for my return from Charleston, because I just had to comment on it. I’ve always been an Ira Levin fan, and think I’ve read all of his books. I read them as they came out, btw, so many years ago. I also saw Rosemary’s Baby at the theater, upon release. It immediately joined the ranks of books-to-movies that made me happy, a group of maybe only 4 or 5 that I can think of. I haven’t watched it in years, but I remember some scenes very, very clearly! *shiver* I also remember that I was thoroughly impressed by how well it followed the book, and how perfectly it captured the slowly building horror that became Rosemary’s life. To this day, I think it was one of the most frightening stories, ever, be it book or film version. Your review captures it perfectly, Callum, and we are in agreement on every aspect. (And somehow, I never quite forgave John Cassavetes, either. I could never look at him again without seeing him in this role. Eeep.)
Nice job! Now I’ll be interested in seeing if you read more of Ira Levin, and if so, what your thoughts are. I do think this is probably his best, but his other books are pretty darn good, too. 🙂
Thank you so much, Marcia! 😊 It’s certainly a faithful adaptation, and I’m glad you enjoyed it too. I’m definitely keen to pick up more of Levin’s work! I read (and loved) A Kiss Before Dying earlier this year, and have The Stepford Wives sitting on my shelves for the next time I’m in the mood for something creepy!
What are your thoughts on A Kiss Before Dying? I have to admit that as I read the book the twists there were leaving me so amazed I could not believe what I was reading. Levin had a talent.
I loved it! The twists were handled perfectly. I’ve read three books by Levin now and he’s fast on his way to being amongst my favourite authors.