Diary of Ellen Rimbauer

The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer is a 2003 supernatural horror film directed by Craig R. Baxley and starring Lisa Brenner, Steven Brand, and Kate Burton. The movie, which is based on the novel by Stephen King, follows a young woman named Ellen Rimbauer, the wife of an affluent Seattle oil magnate.

The story is presented as a series of diary entries written by Ellen Rimbauer as she recounts her life at the haunted Rose Red mansion in Seattle. The diary entries are interspersed with dramatic re-enactments of the events she describes, providing a sense of eerie atmosphere and foreshadowing the supernatural events to come.

At the outset of the film, Ellen is newly married to John Rimbauer and moves into Rose Red, the sprawling estate that John inherited from his grandfather, Jebediah Rimbauer. The house is renowned for its strange occurrences and ominous history, and Ellen soon discovers that it is haunted by the spirits of its past inhabitants.

Ellen's diary entries reveal her growing fascination with the house and its supernatural occurrences. She becomes increasingly involved in the strange events unfolding around her, including visions of Jebediah Rimbauer himself, who appears to be in a constant state of torment.

As Ellen delves deeper into the history of Rose Red, she uncovers a web of secrets and deceit that have been kept hidden within the walls of the mansion for decades. She begins to suspect that John may be hiding something from her, and a series of bizarre incidents convince her that he is not who he appears to be.

Throughout the movie, the audience is treated to glimpses of the supernatural presence that haunts Rose Red. Strange noises in the night, ghostly apparitions, and unsettling visions all contribute to a feeling of unease and suspense. The film does not rely on gore or jump scares to thrill its audience, but rather builds a sense of tension and dread through implication and subtext.

The acting in the film is strong across the board, with Lisa Brenner delivering a standout performance as Ellen. She captures the character's curiosity, vulnerability, and growing paranoia with great skill, making her an engaging and sympathetic protagonist. The supporting cast, including Steven Brand as John Rimbauer and Kate Burton as Ellen's confidant, lend solid support and believable performances.

The visual style of the movie is impressive, with moody lighting and atmospheric cinematography creating a sense of foreboding and dread. The mansion itself is an impressive set piece, with its winding halls, hidden rooms, and dark corners all contributing to the overall sense of unease.

One weakness of the movie is that the plot can sometimes feel convoluted and confusing, with too many characters and subplots vying for attention. It can be difficult to keep track of the various motivations and agendas of the different characters, and the story can feel bogged down as a result.

Overall, The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer is a stylish and atmospheric horror movie that relies on tension and atmosphere rather than cheap thrills. It has a strong performance from Lisa Brenner and impressive production values, and is sure to satisfy fans of the supernatural horror genre.