There are probably two characters in various films who have truly freaked me to my core. One was Linda Blair in The Exorcist (“The sow is mine!”) and the other is the character of Sybil’s mother. Sybil, back in the ’70s, was played brilliantly by Sally Field. In fact it may be her best performance. Of course Field won the Emmy for her portrayal. But there are things about it I simply can’t forget; I was ten years old when it first aired. Now I have a ten year-old daughter and I cannot imagine her watching that; no wonder it freaked me to my core. Those images of the kid being hung up in the barn or whatever it was. It’s just. so. awful. And the fact that it was based on a true story, ugh. Hell is other people.
Now, Sybil is back but this time it’s Tammy Blanchard and Jessica Lange taking on the iconic roles and I’m nauseous just thinking about it. But I will watch it just for you, Oscar watchers. I’ll force myself to watch just like Sybil had to force herself to hold her water.
Thanks once again to ONTD for the link on Bostonherald.com.
