Review of The Omen (1976) by Megan R — 08 May 2009

"The child is dead. Dead. The child is dead".

Let me start by saying that 'The Omen' is one of the best horror/thrillers I've ever seen. The horror factor is pretty limited but this movie will surely thrill you!

'The Omen' basically started Richard Donner's career. He had made several productions on the TV markets but in 1976 he hit the jackpot. After this film he went to direct such films as 'Superman', 'The Goonies' and the 'Lethal Weapon' series but he never reached the same level of cinematic success as with this film. I do love the before mentioned films but if you really stop and think about it, 'The Omen' is nearly flawless. Of course, this is only my opinion...

Richard Donner, with the help of composer Jerry Goldsmith, builds the tension in the key scenes with exceptional expertise. This film doesn't focus on the, now familiar, loud noise effects. Goldsmith's score, that gave him an Academy award, starts slowly, gives time to the string instruments and when the choir starts to sing... Creepy. 'Ave Satani' is a song that pretty much everyone have heard at some point. A true soundtrack masterpiece.

There are at least two scenes that will remain in the highlights of the history of cinema. The first one is the scene where the nanny jumps of the roof and hangs herself, saying these words:

"Look at me, Damien! It's all for you.".

And this came without any bigger warnings. Of course the tension was pretty high before that but... Wow. The second scene is where Father Brennan gets impaled at the church. How this was made is also a perfect example on how to create a functional scene.

The cast is very stellar. Gregory Peck, one of the greatest screen legends, is charismatic as always. But there is one person that have to be mentioned when talking about 'The Omen' and that is Billie Whitelaw as Mrs Baylock, the apostate from Hell. Can you really find a creepier character as this one?

"Have no fear, little one... I am here to protect thee.".

Of course Harvey Stephens, as the Anti-Christ kid Damien, deserves a honorary mention. This was his only significant role of his career. He didn't start a career in the movies, just did this part and years later did a cameo in the useless 2006 remake.

'The Omen' is also famous for its "curse". While making the movie, the production was hit by several strange and sometimes tragic events. Almost like someone would not want them to finish the movie.... This was of course good publicity for the movie, and when 'The Omen' arrived to the theatres, it was a success.

'The Omen' was of course followed by two totally insignificant sequels that, like every other horror sequel, almost destroyed the legacy of the first one. 'The Omen' and 'The Exorcist' still remain, after 30+ years, as the best horror movies ever made.