"Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six."
In 1976, Richard Donner directed The Omen, from a script and tie-in novel by David Seltzer, about the Anti-Christ's birth here on Earth. In the film, American diplomat Robert Thorn (Gregory Peck) unwittingly adopts the son of the Devil (Damien) after his wife (Lee Remick) loses their own child in labour.
At the time of its release, The Omen was undoubtedly surfing a resurgence in horror, particularly thanks to 1973's The Exorcist. It was also responsible for bringing various apocalyptic theories and end times theories to the masses. Today, you simply can't mention the 666 ("the Number Of The Beast") without evoking memories of The Omen's demonic child Damien (Harvey Stephens).
Donner's film has definitely carved itself into the public consciousness and is today held in high esteem by horror fans. Film historians even credit Damien's tricycle as the inspiration behind Stanley Kubrick's use of the same toy in The Shining four years later.
There's a sense of plausibility behind The Omen's contentious use of religious text, while the film itself avoids being a pulpy shocker by casting Hollywood legend Gregory Peck in a leading role. Jerry Goldsmith's exceptional score, which went on to win an Academy Award is also a very important ingredient in The Omen's recipe to scare. Familiar faces to British viewers, such as Patrick Troughton (Doctor Who), David Warner and Leo McKern, also give it a vague Hammer Horror charm.
Child actor Harvey Stephens must also be credited as providing The Omen with such an iconic performance. As Damien, he's one of the creepiest kids ever seen in a film, with his infamous closing glare... deep into the camera... and into you... sending shivers up your spine.
Also making the film part of "horror movie legend" is its supposed curse. During production of the film, writer David Seltzer's plane was struck by lightning, as was Gregory Peck's... director Richard Donner was bombed by the Provisional IRA... Peck narrowly avoided a fatal plane journey by canceling... a warden at a zoo was killed by a lion the day after the film crew left... Rottweilers on hire for the film attacked their trainers... and the principal cast were all involved in a car crash on the first day of shooting!
Fundamentally though, The Omen is just a damned good spooky tale, given a touch of believability because it used extracts from The Bible to such frightening effect. The film also spawned two direct sequels ('78/'81), a "fourth" TV-movie ('91), five novels, and a remake that was released on 06/06/06. But none of these came close to touching the original's power to unnerve and chill.
Oh yes, and it has a superb decapitation scene for all you gore-lovers!
LinksThe Omen Fan Club
The Omen Chronicles
