Review of Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist (2005) by Chris O — 21 Jun 2007

Being a fan of Paul Shrader, I was very curious about this one. I was very surprised when I actually saw it, because while the Renny Harlin cut was a nonstop bombardment of violence and quick cuts, I actually preffered some of the plot elements in that one to this one. Still, this is clearly the superior film.

The reason the studio panicked when they saw Shrader's cut, and hired Harlin (of all people) to reshoot 75% of it is because this isn't much of a horror film. At heart it is a commentary on the nature of good, evil and the effects of colonialism. Only about 30 minutes in the film are spent on the "horror", the rest is quite cerebral.

Not all of the film works, however. Much of it may have to do with the fact I had seen many of the scenes already, out of context, in Harlin's version, but it didn't seem particularly fresh. As this is by far a more realistic film, it lacks the "epic" feel Renny's cut was going for (the whole upside down church...this is the spot where lucifer fell type of deal). It could very well be the lack of budget, but it is also not very visually inspired.

Stellan Skarsgard is quite good as the younger Merrin. His weariness is ever present, and he has such a great face. The supporting cast, alas, including the usually dependable Gabriel Mann, are not quite up to the task.

Kudos to Shrader for crafting a film that owes very little to The Exorcist. Rather than using this opportunity to craft a 2nd rate retread, he tried to create something original and personal. It may not always work, but the results are certainly worth watching.