Brian De Palma's "Carrie" is arguably more of an important, relevant horror film today than it was during its original release in 1976. The character arc of Carrie White is one of the most shocking and severe transformations in cinema, and it remains just as powerful today. Carrie represents the bullied outcasts and the quiet masses who never feel any level of acceptance whatsoever. In a decade of legendary performances, Sissy Spacek's portrayal of Carrie remains one of the most memorable acting accomplishments of the seventies. It's tragically poignant at times, and then, eerily triumphant when she enacts her psychic revenge during the bloody, fireball finale. 

In early roles, John Travolta, Amy Irving, Nancy Allen and William Katt play high school bullies who have no idea what's in store for them. Those interactions with the other actors surely put Spacek in the right headspace to play the victim. But...