There is no doubt cinematic auteur Darren Aronofsky finds influence in the films of the past. Ever a student as well as a creative force, Aronofsky’s highly anticipated “mother!” has created buzz as a very different kind of modern horror film, as well as one of the directors’ best thus far (read our review from Venice). It is no wonder, then, that as the film is said to be loosely-inspired by Roman Polanski‘s lauded horror “Rosemary’s Baby,” that comparisons should reach beyond the posters and apparent tonality of the film, to direct homages to the source of Aronofsky’s inspiration.
Polanski’s 1968 film, “Rosemary’s Baby” delivers striking similarities to what audiences can expect with Aronofsky’s latest film. Thematically as well as visually, both stories seem to align in a way that offers both inspired filmmaking from Aronofsky, and validation on the influence of Polanski’s film. The films bear such a similarity that a repurposed trailer for “Rosemary’s Baby” was created in the style of “mother!” by Zach Prewitt. The trailer throws us into the seemingly idyllic life of a married couple, just as in Aronofsky’s film. With the introduction of unfamiliar and uneasy neighbors and changes in mentality, we watch as Rosemary (Mia Farrow) falls into madness with the obsession of her child and those around her.
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It’s a perfect fit — the editing and compilation of footage from “Rosemary’s Baby” fit seamlessly with the spontaneity of the music featured in the trailer for “mother!” Captivating as it ever was, recent viewers of Aronofsky’s film may revisit the 1968 horror movie by which he was inspired to draw their own conclusions and perceptions of the inspired source material. If you are still curious about what Aronofsky has in store, there is no doubt that “Rosemary’s Baby” is an indication of what to expect. “mother!” opens in theaters on Friday.