The Omen (1976)

Reviewed by Carl
Posted on January 2, 2007
Filed Under Classics, Creepy stuff, Movies, Series, The Occult

One of the strangest things I’ve ever found on the Internet was a PowerPoint version of the Book of Revelation. Quite how or why I stumbled across it I’ve no idea, but at the time I remember wondering precisely why anyone would ever want to render the such a extraordinary tale in that sterile form. Could it really be that when the Seventh Seal was opened and the angels sounded their trumpets of destruction the plagues, firestones and blood would be preceded by a PowerPoint presentation on what it was all about, with additional reading at the end? Hardly the most dramatic way to herald in the downfall of humanity. Given its ultimate consequences I’ve personally always consoled myself to the inevitable with the thought that at least it would look dramatic and exciting for a bit.

Thankfully I think my interpretation is more likely to be borne out, especially if Richard Donner has anything to do with it. His excellent portrayal of Satan’s final attempt to assert his dominion is as classy and entertaining now as it was 30 years ago. If we do have to go I can think of no finer way than having Patrick Troughton bellowing Revelation from the top of his voice as he staggers around in a morphine-induced stupor telling children to drink the blood of Christ.

I imagine it’s difficult for filmmakers to judge devil films correctly. The inherent wow-factor of their subject matter is such that it’s easy to slip into unintentional parody. This is especially the case when the old good-against-evil routine is played out in contemporary times. Donner gets The Omen just right though. There have to be moments which show the power of Satan on Earth and there are, and plenty of them. Troughton’s ultimate fate is but one fine example of this. However, by framing his tale in the context of a single and very likable family he manages to keep the viewer’s expectations on a tight leash and never lets the hocus-pocus come to dominate the plot. At times-especially towards the end-the film has the feel of a conventional psychological thriller with the inherent evil of it’s the main protagonist subsumed by Robert Thorn’s quest for the truth.

On balance I think this works very well as it both increases the tension of the underlying premise and also renders it that tad more plausible. It also means that the stylishly composed death sequences have lost none of their power even though special effects have moved on 30 years. Look out for Holly the Nanny’s abrupt departure and you’ll see what I mean. What makes Damien’s powers even more creepy is that at first he doesn’t even know that he possesses them. Since we never truly find out whether he is the actual incarnation of the Devil or merely possessed by him; Donner muddies the waters and our ethics by creating a situation where it is possible to pity both the boy and his victims.

The overall downplaying of Damien’s powers also assists in this and there is a nice emphasis on how the Thorns struggle to come to terms with ‘their’ child’s increasing detachment even before his eerie provenance is know. It is especially difficult to watch Ambassador Thorn’s heartache at being the only one who knows that there is no real biological bond between him and his son. Gregory Peck plays the part beautifully in a role that deservedly acted as his comeback performance. When he finally snaps at the end you really can’t help but pity his dilemma and his plight at knowing what he has caused. Damien’s final realisation of his power and destiny provide one last embittered taunt to the viewer in one of the finest smirks in film history. For those who haven’t seen The Omen II or III (such as me) there is a terrifying prospect that the Seals are about to be opened… A rather fantastical plot is a natural consequence of a film about Satan but if you can overlook that The Omen remains one of the best films of its kind and a highlight of 1970s output.