Carrie (HBO)

About Carrie (HBO)

Carrie is a American supernatural horror film directed by Brian De Palma from a screenplay written by Lawrence D. Cohen, adapted from Stephen King's 1974 novel of the same name. The movie first aired in 1976 on HBO. It revolves around Carrie White, an outcast high school girl with telekinetic powers who seeks vengeance after being humiliated by her classmates at her high school prom.

Making / Production

The production of Carrie was a large task for HBO. The director, Brian De Palma, was well-known for his visually distinctive style that is evident through the movie's innovative split-screen technique. Cinematographer Mario Tosi captured the chilling scenes, creating a balance between the horror and drama that plays out onscreen.

Actors

• Sissy Spacek plays the titular character, Carrie. She beautifully portrayed the transition from a tormented introvert to a vengeful entity.
• Piper Laurie as Carrie's mother, Margaret White, gave an unforgettable performance, aptly capturing her character's religious fanaticism.
• William Katt as Tommy Ross, performs the role of a sensitive high school athlete who tries to help Carrie.
• Nancy Allen as Chris Hargensen personified the popular, mean girl of the school, becoming the primary antagonist for Carrie.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was shot on a budget of $1.8 million and went onto gross over $33.8 million at the box office.
• Both Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie were nominated for Oscars for their performances, a rarity for a horror film.
• Sissy Spacek actually attended the film's prom scene in character, and was nominated and won queen at the faux-prom.

Awards

The movie was a critical success, garnering Academy Award nominations for both Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie in the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories respectively.

Quotes

• "They're all gonna laugh at you!" - Margaret White
• "I can see your dirty pillows. Everyone will." - Margaret White
• "I'm going, Mama. You can't stop me." - Carrie White

Music and Soundtrack

• The movie's chilling and haunting score was provided by Pino Donaggio.
• The song "Don't Dream It" by Sue Snell, plays during the climatic prom scene.