A classic religious horror film about the Antichrist, enlivened by fine performances from a distinguished cast, inventive and outrageous special effects, superior Oscar-winning music from Jerry Goldsmith, and excellent production values. This and THE EXORCIST remain the best religious-themed horror films of the 1970s. For once, we get an original tale for this film. As an added bonus, it was filmed in Britain, which adds authenticity for me as a viewer. Gregory Peck is perfectly cast as the father who is forced to realise that his son is evil. The film manages to be genuinely chilling, helped somewhat by the classic music which many films have used since. The best example of this is the build up to Troughton's death, where a storm blows hundreds of leaves around and the music plays loudly, alerting us to the fact that another impending death is due.
Speaking of deaths, this film has lots of them, and they're all fantastic: hanging, impaling, falling, stabbing, shooting, and finally decapitation, which is the most spectacular of them all, and much remembered by those who have seen the film. They're meaningful and exciting, for a change, unlike those in most slasher flicks I can think of. Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, Patrick Troughton and especially David Warner are all good actors and actresses and it shows. Warner in particular plays a sympathetic but doomed character. The film was hugely successful and has spawned three sequels so far, two of which continue the same formula with Damien, but the last one decided that the evil one was a girl and is best forgotten. Inventive, chilling, and totally convincing, THE OMEN is a must for every movie fan. A classic, what more can I say?
Speaking of deaths, this film has lots of them, and they're all fantastic: hanging, impaling, falling, stabbing, shooting, and finally decapitation, which is the most spectacular of them all, and much remembered by those who have seen the film. They're meaningful and exciting, for a change, unlike those in most slasher flicks I can think of. Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, Patrick Troughton and especially David Warner are all good actors and actresses and it shows. Warner in particular plays a sympathetic but doomed character. The film was hugely successful and has spawned three sequels so far, two of which continue the same formula with Damien, but the last one decided that the evil one was a girl and is best forgotten. Inventive, chilling, and totally convincing, THE OMEN is a must for every movie fan. A classic, what more can I say?