Carrie (1976) Carrie
Brian De Palma's adaptation of Stephen King's first published novel, with a screenplay by Lawrence D. Cohen. Sissy Spacek plays Carrie White, a shy, bullied teenager with emerging telekinetic powers and a religiously fanatical mother who believes her daughter's body is a vessel for sin. The film is structured as a convergence: Sue Snell's guilt-driven kindness and Chris Hargensen's cruelty-driven revenge arrive at the same moment — the prom — and Carrie, who has spent her life absorbing punishment, finally returns it.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Director | Brian De Palma |
| Writer | Lawrence D. Cohen (based on the novel by Stephen King) |
| Stars | Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, William Katt, Nancy Allen, John Travolta |
| Composer | Pino Donaggio |
| Cinematographer | Mario Tosi |
| Editor | Paul Hirsch |
| Production Company | Red Bank Films |
| Distributor | United Artists |
| Budget | ~$1.8 million |
| Box Office | ~$33.8 million (worldwide) |
| Release Date | November 3, 1976 |
| Running Time | 98 minutes |
| MPAA Rating | R |
| Based On | Carrie by Stephen King (1974) |
Key Pages
Film & Story
Production & Craft
Cast & Performances
- Sissy Spacek (Carrie)
- Piper Laurie (Carrie)
- Amy Irving (Carrie)
- John Travolta (Carrie)
- Betty Buckley (Carrie)
- Nancy Allen (Carrie)
Analysis & Context
- Themes and Analysis (Carrie)
- Stephen King and the First Adaptation
- The Prom Sequence
- The Shower and the Prayer Closet
- The Hand from the Grave