Review of The Keep (1983) by Bill R — 06 Jul 2011

Yeah, movie has some issues and deviates from the book but, the symbolism is top notch!

The last minute faith exuded by a particularly nasty villain, SS Officer Eric Kaempffer, who places faith into what he perceives as a cross, and its effect on the ultimate nasty antagonist, Radu Molasar, is priceless...

SPOILER AHEAD: Kaempffer, an evil man, has no spiritual belief that we, the viewer can see, nor does Molasar show any sign of spiritual evil beyond simply being a creature who thinks solely of himself â" just like Kaempffer.

Molasar is held within a prison, bound to that place by an artifact whose power does not appear to be derived from spiritual means or devices. The device, called the Talisman, can mechanically change its form, most importantly to one which resembles a crucifix.

Other similar devices are embedded within the walls of the prison, which too share a resemblance to both the crucifix and the Talisman, but pale in comparison to the power that can be unleashed from within the Talisman.

Kaempffer assumes Molasar is some sort of demon pulled straight from the pages of religious verse. When Kaempffer is confronted by Molasar, Kaempffer, thinking it a symbol of godly power, grabs for a (lesser) Talisman and in fear, puts forth the symbol before himself, to stop the advance of Molasar. Kaempffer marvels in triumph the effect on Molasar and embolded by the power the 'crucifix' appears to have, proceeds to slip back into his nasty self and defiantly demands of Molasar an explanation of his being. Molasar meanwhile, realizing the Talisman is of the 'lesser' variety, crushes it before the bewildered Kaempffer, and then proceeds to destroy Kaempffer.

All in all, a top notch presentation of Good vs. Evil where good is not so much a holy concept but instead more a representation of ones selflessness, while evil is instead about putting yourself first, without reservation the costs to others.