Mutual Friends with Minnie & Roman

Eric Charmelo is the friend I’ve never met. He lives in Los Angeles and works as a TV writer and producer interested in horror and the supernatural. We became Facebook pals at least 15 years ago through our mutual friends Minnie and Roman Castevet.

Wait, what?

You probably recognize those two as the intrusive, devil-worshipping older neighbors in Rosemary’s Baby. They were played indelibly by Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer in the 1968 film adaptation of Ira Levin’s novel. The two have a Facebook presence here and here.

This spooky season, I contacted Eric and asked if he would be open to a Q&A about the film we connected over many years ago. 

Peter

Rosemary’s Baby is my favorite movie, along with All About Eve. I watch the Roman Polanski film at least once yearly, and it still does a number on me. When was the last time you watched, and what’s it like for you to revisit this classic?

Eric Charmelo

Eric
The last time I watched the film was about three months ago. I watch whenever it’s on cable (and it’s a lot). I honestly believe it’s the perfect movie. From the screenplay to the cast to the set design and brilliant directing—all A+!

Not to mention, it’s truly terrifying. And ironic. And funny (it toes the line of camp— without ever crossing it). And a scathing social commentary about religion and bodily autonomy.

In my opinion, it’s high art. And (sadly) even more resonant today.

Peter


The final scene, where Rosemary goes through the closet into the Castevets' apartment, is the scariest for me. I still have to watch it with my eyes averted. What’s the scariest part for you?

Eric
I always found the abduction of Rosemary sequence the most frightening. The way Polanski shot it—a surreal, woozy acid trip that literally descends into Hell—always stuck with me. It might even explain why, to this day, I’ve never tried hallucinogenics. I’m too scared I might end up in the basement of the Bramford!

Peter

What happened after the film ended? Ira Levin wrote a 1997 sequel, but it disappointed most readers. I’m wondering what you think happened immediately after Rosemary started rocking the cradle.

Eric
This is a great question. And what I love so much about the movie. Even after all the treachery and deceit Rosemary endured, her maternal instincts still took over. That image of her rocking the cradle, draped in black, with the upside-down cross, is so unsettlingly sweet. It really is a testament to Mia Farrow’s performance and how much humanity she brought to the role.

But I do believe that Rosemary, although hesitant at first, decided to fulfill her maternal obligation and be a mother to Adrian.

Our mutual friends

Peter

What would Roman and Minnie make of Trump?

Eric
At first blush, one might think Roman and Minnie would be raging Trumpers. But I don’t buy it. If there’s one thing the Devil doesn’t like— it’s stupid! 

I also believe the Devil has a wicked sense of humor. And there’s nothing more ironic than having a racist, misogynist pig get his ass handed to him by a black woman. Roman and Minnie are “not going back,” honey!
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If you need any more reasons to (re)watch Rosemary’s Baby or want another spooky yarn to celebrate the season, check out this post from two years ago. It’s one of my faves.