Review of The Omen (1976) by Matthew D — 07 Sep 2018

An adolescent nightmare.

Director Richard Donner crafted the absolutely chilling classic The Omen (1976). Filled with shocking twists, sudden murder, and disturbing imagery, The Omen is not like any other horror film. This movie will scare you at some point. You will certainly be entertained by the occult mythology, Satanic imagery, and brutal kills. Watch in the dark.

I have to hand it to Richard Donner. He directed this dark story with Gothic settings, realistic costumes, long panning shots, gorgeous cinematography, and memorable framing. Each scene is like a painting centered at the perfect place for you to view it. I love Donner as a director for his helming of Superman (1978) and The Goonies (1985), but The Omen (1976) is perhaps even greater an accomplishment. Donner takes a bleak world and sends his lead on a desperate mission to stop atrocity. The Omen is not only frightening, but also well made.

Gregory Peck is the real highlight here. Peck is so passionate in his performance as Robert Thorn. He personifies fatherhood and its potential downfalls. He weighs the options of the terrible decisions he must make with a realistic hesitance. The Omen honestly contains one of Peck's finest moments as an actor. He takes it seriously and sternly throughout the film. I found Peck to be quite compelling as the leading man in The Omen.

There are other supporting roles that I would like to mention. Namely, Lee Remick as the sweet wife and doting mother that just is out of her depth. I liked David Warner as the reporter Keith Jennings much very as he adds an outside view and a lot of exposition to explain the backstory in a helpful way.

Then, there is certainly the most haunting performance from Billie Whitelaw as the nanny Mrs. Baylock. She is absolutely crazy and monstrous. Next, Patrick Troughton is excellent as Father Brennan. I found his presence inescapable and his demeanor fascinating. He gives such a visible concern for humanity on his face, while he runs from The Devil. I think he killed it as Father Brennan.

Lastly, little creepy Harvey Stephens is perfectly cast as Damien. He exudes a quiet malice. Stephens is the personification of Satan with his apparent childish charms and his selfish annoyances. Donner could not have cast a better Damien.

In conclusion, The Omen remains a horror classic. It's mystery is still compelling and keeps you guessing to the bitter end. Donner is a genius director and finds new scares every scene. The terror will overtake some, but The Omen is a fearsome horror film to this day.