The Omen (1976)
Stars: Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, Harvey Stephens
Runtime: 111 minutes
Synopsis: A high profile politician suspects that his son is the Antichrist.
- Performances: 9/10
Why? "The Omen" not only features Gregory Peck in a deeply personal role for him (he felt partly responsible for his son's suicide), but also has one of the best child performances of all time in the person of Harvey Stephens. The at the time 6-year-old was absolutely chilling in the role of Damien but had also an innocence that makes the audience feel bad for the kid. The person most people will remember as the main antagonist and most unlikable character will certainly be Billie Whitelaw's Mrs. Baylock, Damien's nanny and protector. She also gave the performance of her career, even though her role wasn't as emotional as Peck's or Remick's.
- Screenplay: 8/10
Why? It's simple. Without "The Omen", modern horror classics such as "The Shining" wouldn't have been the same. The film may not be as talked about as say "The Exorcist" or "Rosemary's Baby", but certainly belongs in the same category as them when it comes to pure influence. What separates it from the two mentioned classics, however, is the lack of supernatural elements in it (well, at least on the visible level). "The Omen" feels much more grounded and real, with characters you root for and a villain that is always far from the action and to some extent, unaware of it. It's a must for every horror fan out there, filled with lots of scenes that will stay with you long after the movie's over.
- Costumes/Makeup: 8/10
Why? Exceptionally captures the 1970s. Damien's design is also excellent, as it tricks the audience into believing that he's just an ordinary child. Finally, I have to give props to the makeup artist who's responsible for the scene's most memorable scene.
- Editing: 7/10
Why? Not bad at all. In fact, I was never bored and didn't feel that the movie was dragging in the slightest. My only issue with it is that it feels at times dated.
- Cinematography: 8/10
Why? "The Omen" may not be the most beautiful movie out there, but it's one of the most well-shot ones in the genre. The camera movement is incredible and lets the audience experience the movie rather than just watch it.
- Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Why? Even though I think that Jerry Goldsmith "Ave Satani" is one of the most iconic horror soundtracks of all time, I have to admit that I didn't feel the same way about the score of the movie. Despite the fact that it won the composer an Oscar in 1977, I don't believe that it aged as well as some other elements in the movie and even sometimes felt that it overstayed its welcome.
FINAL GRADE: 8/10
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