The Rite (2011 film)

The Rite is a 2011 supernatural horror film directed by Mikael Håfström and written by Michael Petroni.[3] It is loosely based on Matt Baglio's book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist,[4] which itself is based on supposedly real events as witnessed and recounted by American then-exorcist-in-training Father Gary Thomas and his experiences of being sent to Rome to be trained and work daily with veteran clergy of the practice.[5]

The Rite
Teaser poster
Directed byMikael Håfström
Produced by
Written byMichael Petroni
Based onThe Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist
by Matt Baglio
Starring
Music byAlex Heffes
CinematographyBen Davis
Edited byPeter Boyle
Production
company
Distributed by
Release date
  • January 26, 2011 (2011-01-26) (Hollywood premiere)
  • January 28, 2011 (2011-01-28)[1]
Running time
113 minutes[2]
Country
  • United States
  • Hungary
  • Italy
  • United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Budget$37 million
Box office$96.6 million

The film stars Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue, Alice Braga, Ciarán Hinds, and Rutger Hauer.[6] Shot in Rome, Budapest,[7] and Blue Island, it was released on January 28, 2011 and grossed $32 million domestically.

Plot

Michael Kovak (Colin O'Donoghue) is the son of a successful funeral home owner and businessman, Istvan (Rutger Hauer). Disillusioned with his job as a mortician, Michael decides to enter a seminary and renounce his vows upon completion, thereby getting a free college degree. Four years later, Michael is being ordained to the rank of deacon at the seminary, after which he writes a letter of resignation to his superior, Father Matthew, citing a lack of faith. Father Matthew (Toby Jones), apparently wanting to talk to Michael, attempts to catch up to him on the street. He trips over a curb, causing a cyclist Sandra (Marija Karan), to swerve into the path of an oncoming van, and get critically injured. Seeing Michael's clerical garb, she asks him for absolution before her last breath. The hesitant Michael is unable to refuse; he comforts her and performs a blessing ritual to absolve her of her sins. Seeing how calmly Michael handled the situation, Father Matthew tells Michael that he is called to be a priest despite his unwillingness. He also tells Michael that with the rise in demonic possessions every year, the Church needs more exorcists and says that he has the potential to become one. Father Matthew advises him to go to the Vatican in Rome to attend an exorcism course taught by his friend Father Xavier (Ciarán Hinds). Michael agrees after Father Matthew tells him that the Church might convert his scholarship into a student loan that would cost him $100,000 if his resignation is accepted before he takes his vows. If Michael attends the exorcism classes and still wants to leave, then it can be discussed (hinting that he may be free to leave).

In Italy, Michael meets Angelina (Alice Braga), also taking the course. He soon learns that she is a reporter who has been asked to cover the course for a newspaper article in the Dominican. Father Xavier notes Michael's skepticism and very tentative faith and asks him to meet a renowned friend, a Welsh Jesuit exorcist named Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins). Michael meets Father Lucas at his home, where he also meets one of the priest's patients: a pregnant sixteen-year-old girl named Rosaria (Marta Gastini), who is possessed and Lucas is trying to exorcise. It is later revealed that she had been raped and abandoned by her father, which led to her possession. However, Michael remains skeptical, even after witnessing several preternatural events, such as the girl coughing up three long nails and speaking English fluently. She even pointedly reminds Michael of the last patient he anointed and of his loathing for his own father. Angelina requests Michael to relay any information he gets from Father Lucas to her, as the latter has always refused to be interviewed by her, which Michael declines. Rosaria tries to drown herself and is hospitalized. In the hospital, Father Lucas performs another exorcism. Rosaria miscarries; the baby dies from cardiac arrest, and the mother from major hemorrhaging. Disheartened, Father Lucas feels he has failed her. After this Michael decides to confide with Angelina.

After Rosaria's death, Father Lucas begins behaving strangely. Michael and Angelina find him sitting outside his house in the rain. Father Lucas takes them into his house and, knowing himself to be possessed, requests that Michael bring Father Xavier to perform the exorcism. Angelina and Michael try desperately to contact and find Father Xavier, but the latter has gone to Civitavecchia for three days. Michael decides to perform the exorcism himself with Angelina. After constant rebuking by the demon and a long, drawn-out fight, Michael regains his lost faith and is able to force the demon to reveal its name, Baal. He completes the exorcism, saying that he believes the demon exists, and he believes in an all powerful God as well. The demon leaves Father Lucas. Michael bids goodbye to Father Lucas, returning to the United States.

The film ends with Father Michael Kovak, receiving a letter that Angelina has published an article on exorcism, and entering a confessional to hear a girl's confession in the church

Cast

Production

Mikael Håfström began working on the exorcism thriller in February 2010.[13] Håfström began casting in March for the lead roles of Father Lucas and Michael Kovak, deciding on Anthony Hopkins and Colin O'Donoghue.[14] The film was produced by Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) under their Contrafilm Studios company.[13][15]

Background
Actress Torrey DeVitto portrayed Nina in the film

The film is based on the book The Making of a Modern Exorcist by Rome-based Matt Baglio, which was published in 2009. To research the book, Baglio participated in a seminar[16] on exorcism by the Vatican-sponsored Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum[17][18] where he met Father Gary Thomas, a parish priest from Sacred Heart Church in Saratoga, California, who was tasked by the local bishop in San Jose, California to become an exorcist for the diocese.[19] Initially skeptical and reluctant, Father Gary becomes an "apprentice" to a Rome-based exorcist and his skepticism is soon replaced by the cold reality of evil and the ways it sometimes takes the form of demonic possession.[20][21] The book traces Father Gary's life prior to and subsequent to their acquaintance in 2005 which involved Baglio observing over twenty exorcisms performed by Father Gary. Baglio indicates that the experience in writing the book "was just a very spiritual process and in a lot of ways, it helped me reconnect to the Church and understand the value of faith. This isn't something that is silly and prayer, it's very important."[22]

While Baglio was still researching his book, producers Tripp Vinson and Beau Flynn (who had already produced The Exorcism of Emily Rose) learned about Baglio's book proposal and decided to purchase the movie rights. The producers contacted Michael Petroni (who was one of the writers for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) to write the screenplay. Petroni, a practicing Catholic, coordinated the development of his screenplay with Baglio, who was now writing the book at about the same time.[23]

Director Håfström was invited to direct the film "intrigued by the fact that he would be working from facts, not just someone's imagination." While the film is focused on demonic possession and exorcism, Håfström also believes that "this story is about a young man finding himself and finding his way." In preparation for the film, Håfström attended some exorcisms in Rome although never being present in the actual room, he could hear what was taking place.[23][24] Father Gary Thomas served as a consultant on the set of "The Rite"[25][26] and indicated that the exorcisms in the film were "very accurate" with some "expected licenses" taken.[27]

Further information: Exorcism in Christianity

Release

Warner Bros. released the film on January 28, 2011.[1]

Reception

The film was generally well received within the Catholic community although questioning its classification as "horror".[28][29][30][31][32] The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops noted: "Though shaky on a few details, director Mikael Håfström's conversion tale resoundingly affirms faith and the value of priestly ministry. Yet the effort to showcase the main character's spiritual journey as an old-fashioned chillfest weakens its ultimate impact."[33]

It received negative reviews from mainstream critics, where it has a 21% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 158 reviews stating that while "Anthony Hopkins is as excellent as ever, but he is no match for The Rite's dawdling pace and lack of chills, as well as Colin O'Donoghue's tentative performance in the leading role."

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 3 out of 4 stars and said, "I admire The Rite because while it delivers what I suppose should be called horror, it is atmospheric, its cinematography is eerie and evocative, and the actors enrich it."[34]

See also

References
  1. Miska, Brad (May 14, 2010). "Warner Bros. Release Shifts: 'The Factory,' 'The Rite' and 'White Male'".
  2. "THE RITE (15)". British Board of Film Classification. January 26, 2011. Retrieved September 29, 2015.
  3. "Anthony Hopkins Has The Rite to Exorcise Demons".
  4. "Matt Baglio". Matt Baglio. January 31, 2006. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  5. King, Susan (January 27, 2011). "'The Rite' is based on a real priest trained in exorcism, yet it is the WORST film ever". Los Angeles Times.
  6. Miska, Brad (March 25, 2010). "Colin O'Donoghue Becomes Hopkins' Student in 'The Rite'".
  7. "filminhungary | shot in hungary | The Rite". Magyar.film.hu. March 10, 2011. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  8. Miska, Brad (May 1, 2010). "Three More Heads Spin for Exorcist Drama 'The Rite'".
  9. "Behind-the-Scenes Images: The Rite".
  10. "The Rite Cast Expands by Three".
  11. "Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones and Alice Braga Join The Rite".
  12. "Horror". SYFY.
  13. Miska, Brad (February 25, 2010). "Hollywood Has Exorcism Fever! New Line Begins Casting 'The Rite'".
  14. "Colin O'Donoghue To Help Hopkins Face Off Against Demons in The Rite".
  15. "Movie Casting: Anthony Hopkins Is 'The Rite' Choice". Celebrifi.com. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  16. "VII Course on Exorcism and Prayers of Liberation". July 28, 2011. Archived from the original on July 28, 2011.CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  17. "Warner Brothers Adjusts Horror Schedule".
  18. Cruz, Gilbert (March 16, 2009). "The Story of a Modern-Day Exorcist". Time.com. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  19. Ciarcia, Paul (October 30, 2009). "The Healing Power of Exorcism". Headline Bistro. Retrieved February 13, 2011.
  20. "Catholic Spotlight interview with Matt Baglio, the Author of The Rite". Catholicspotlight.com. December 14, 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  21. "Interview: Father Gary Thomas, Vatican-certified exorcist – Busted Halo". Bustedhalo.com. January 17, 2011. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  22. "Catholic Spotlight interview with Matt Baglio, the Author of The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist". Catholicspotlight.com. December 14, 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  23. Catholic Online. "Catholic Online "'The Rite' is Riveting! It Opens a Window to a Seldom Seen World"". Saints.catholic.org. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  24. "Exclusive Interview: The Rite Director Mikael Hafstrom". Cinema Blend. January 27, 2011. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  25. "Book focusing on U.S. priest's training as exorcist being made into movie". Catholic Review. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  26. "Catholic Net: Interview with Father Gary Thomas, Official Exorcist of San Jose California". Catholic.net. August 27, 2010. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
  27. "The Rite Interviews – Anthony Hopkins and Father Gary Thomas". Video.about.com. January 29, 2011. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  28. "Exorcist praises new movie 'The Rite' for showing power of faith". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  29. John Mulderig (January 27, 2011). "Review of The Rite". The Catholic Spirit. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  30. "The Rite". American Catholic. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  31. "Catholic news Service: 'The Rite' is honorable drama disguised as conventional horror flick". Catholicnews.com. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  32. "The Rite Stuff". Catholic Exchange. January 28, 2011. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  33. "United States Conference of Catholic Bishops review of The Rite". Usccb.org. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
  34. "Roger Ebert: The Rite". Rogerebert.suntimes.com. January 26, 2011. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
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