Pwaters' Month of Terror Day 16: The Omen

Hello ladies, gentlemen, and creatures lurking in the shadows!  This month, October, is a favorite among horror fans, such as myself.  My goal for the next 31 days is to share with you the scariest and best of the genre.  The films will range from old school classics to modern day gorefests (they won't be in any particular order).  So scout these movies out, grab a bag of popcorn (or a blood bag) and enjoy!

The Omen (1976)
Dir. Richard Donner

The Omen was Richard Donner's breakout film (known otherwise as the guy who directed Superman I and II and the Lethal Weapon movies) about an evil little boy named Damien.  Just as Zombie did to Dawn of the Dead, the film reaped the benefits of a picture released soon before, the mega-successful The Exorcist.  Because everyone seemed to have the devil on their minds, many movie studios jumped on both the religious-horror and "scary kid" sub-genre bandwagons.  The Omen stars the dashing Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as a couple whose first child dies during birth, unbeknownst to Remick's character.  Peck's character decides to hide the truth and take a kid whose mother happened to die at the same time as their would-be son; but little did they know that they are adopting the beast, the creature, the anti-christ himself!  Our world will soon be his! Whoops!

Although they are similar in themes and tone, the biggest difference between The Omen and The Exorcist was that in The Exorcist, the girl was a victim - someone who you wanted to see turn back into an innocent, carefree kid.  In The Omen the boy is the villain, not the victim, adding a totally new dynamic into the mix that is downright scary.  Peck has to make a serious decision whether or not to kill his own "son," which is a tough task even if your kid happens to be the harbinger of death.  Adults are not supposed to fear children - they are supposed to be innocent, not yet corrupted by the world - but here, despite being a little boy, the child has a pure intent to kill.  And boy, does he!  The unexpected, supernaturally occurring death sequences in this film are quite shocking.  I can say with certainty that at my fifth birthday, none of my "presents" included my nanny hanging herself in front of everybody (and nevertheless with a smile on her face exclaiming, "It's all for you!").  Also included with your ticket price is a graphic metal pole impalement and one decapitation scene that has to be seen to be believed.

The Omen was (heavily) inspired by the films of its time, but managed to stand out on its own and is now regarded as a classic in and of itself.  And I have to mention the score by the great Jerry Goldsmith. The theme, Ave Satani (or 'hail Satan' in Latin), is truly haunting and should only be listened to while wearing a diaper because you will more than likely wizz yourself in fear.  And don't watch this film if you plan on adopting a child - for they may have the mark of the devil on them!