Review of The Omen (1976) by Will E — 11 Apr 2011

Tense and evocative, The Omen is a neat religious horror in the same line as Rosemary's Baby. Unfortunately, like most movies about Satan, one has to believe in his existence and power to truly be frightened by the Omen, although it does have some scary scenes.

The story is well known, and the character of Damien is infamous as the epitome of the evil child, considering he is the Antichrist. However, the film does not take advantage of its more dramatic moments, instead choosing to overlay what is a very emotional story with horror and foreshadowing. The deaths come off as somewhat unbelievable and even over-the-top, although the paparazzi's role in predicting their violent fates was a well-conceived and highly effective device, and the carefully guided cinematography and symbolism helped to build the tension.

The finale (and I won't give it away) of the Omen is, however, somewhat underwhelming, with the most disturbing moment happening in the ancient cemetery, with the plot twist which I am happy to say I did not predict. The twist ending, conversely, was not unnerving or even shocking, seemingly presenting an uncertain future, but leaving me with no sense of horror.

I commend the efforts of Gregory Peck, although I prefer Lee Remick's role as the child's mother, as her progression into what seems to be madness is believable and frightening, whilst Peck's sudden decision to murder his own son in the final moments of the film come off as unlikely. Of course, the role of the nanny, played without fault by Billie Whitelaw, is pure but subdued maleficence. Even in her moments as subordinate to Damien's parents, she exerts a sense of power and control, further exemplified by her unknown nature, something that is never expanded upon within the film.

The Omen is scary enough, but it lacks true drama, mostly attempting to bring itself as a horror film, powered, supposedly, by the Antichrist. However, the movie to the most part fails to truly terrify or shock, instead presenting an interesting story with an unsatisfying ending. Brilliant performances by the main actors don't manage to lift the story out of the realms of easy speculative religious manipulation, and in the end this horror film will probably only really scare the true believers. (Not that that's a bad thing).

My rating: 60%.

Standardised: 40%.