Review rated by 14 Ciao members on average: very helpful
‘The Omen’ is based on religion and uses psychology to provide the scary parts. Unlike current horror films which rely on special effects, ‘The Omen’ makes your imagination run riot and create imagery far scarier than any effects. It was made in the 70s so at times it can seem a bit dated, however the scary factor is still at boiling point.
Here’s the basic plot: Robert Thorn's (successful American Diplomat) wife gives birth to a stillborn child. They are given the choice to switch babies with a woman who died during child birth. Of course they agree and things seem fine for the moment. Later on strange things happen.
First the kid's nanny commits suicide and shortly afterwards a priest appears at the door claiming that their son must be killed as he’s the AntiChrist. They don’t take him seriously and hear later on that he was killed in a freak accident. From hereon the film carries on and it gets more and more interesting. I don't want to spoil the plot for people who haven't seen it yet (go and watch it now!).
Gregory Peck and Lee Remick are excellent in the film and it is because of them that the film works so well. However Harvey Stephens (Damien) is the perfect boy to play the role. He forever embedds Damien into our minds as the cute sweetfaced monster. Billie Whitelaw gives her best performance ever in 'The Omen' as the demonic helper (Damiens nanny) and her last scenes are brilliant. She convincingly gives a feeling of menace under her deceptive cool and calm exterior.
Like ‘The Exorcist’ this film has an excellent soundtrack. It deservedly won an Academy Award for Best Score. The screeching wailing chants really help build up the tension in the film.
The way the tension is built up in this film is indescribable. My friend still can’t bear to watch it all. The sequels fail to match the terror of the original, but that is quite predictable. It must have shocked people in the 70s although ‘The Exorcist’ is still scarier. Definitely watchable even now (check out the decapitation scene!).
Sorry I could only manage a 'Helpful', but this is my favourite horror ever, and want to read much more about it! By the by, I can't believe we're the only two people to review this...I guess it's a sign of the times that people think 'Devil's Advocate' is the dog's bollocks of diabolical horror! Regards, Plissken
by (29%):
28.03.2006 17:30
My ex recorded this for me a while back. I started to watch it but I got bored. He fell asleep so I told him I watched it all hehe
19.12.2001 19:41
Sorry I could only manage a 'Helpful', but this is my favourite horror ever, and want to read much more about it! By the by, I can't believe we're the only two people to review this...I guess it's a sign of the times that people think 'Devil's Advocate' is the dog's bollocks of diabolical horror! Regards, Plissken