The Omen

The skillfully written plot, in which the basic concepts of Satanism are explained in a very effective way, has lost none of its captivating qualities even after all these years. The tension builds up with almost "step-like" precision and leads to the end, where the final fifteen minutes should be taught as a lesson - there were moments when I even forgot to breathe. An interesting setting with cold, grand buildings, including the ambassador's house and numerous churches, adds to the uncertain investigation of Gregory Peck, who is a joy to watch. Together with him, the film creates an almost unhealthy emotional tension, to which Jerry Goldsmith's music significantly contributes. In my opinion, The Omen is the best film of its subgenre. Nonetheless, I give it "only" four stars because horror movies with Satanic themes never really grew on me. (29/09/2005)

In my opinion, The Omen does not have the same power and impact as the very similarly themed The Exorcist. There aren’t as many intense moments, nor any scene of exorcism, which is not necessarily a problem, but occasionally the film can be a bit boring. (22/09/2005)

Am I the only one, or do you also have the feeling that currently every other brat standing next to you waiting for the bus might be the Antichrist, just unaccompanied by Goldsmith’s soundtrack of genius? Well, even if you don’t, believe me that The Omen is one of those rare horror movies from a period when this genre relied heavily on atmosphere and actors. It could easily be put on the shelf in between The Exorcist and The Medusa Touch (not only because of its release year), although Damien and his pooch are slightly overshadowed by them. Not much, but a bit, you must admit. Satan’s little boy’s reputation is saved primarily by the glorious ending, although the endings of the other two are still better. (26/03/2008)

Yes, there is only one The Exorcist, and as much as the ending gives me chills, I probably won't get chills from the ending of any other movie, except... except that The Omen is just extra-class, too. And Goldsmith's music in particular. I only knew it from listening to it on my own, but only here was it so demonic that I understood why even deaf academics were finally willing to give Goldsmith the Oscar (although he should have had at least three for Planet of the Apes, Patton and Papillon). (22/06/2016)

Unprecedentedly intensified atmosphere, nerve-wracking scenes in the cemetery, and of course the climax in the villa. Although it is not a purebred horror, one of the factors why I liked Donner's work so much is that apart from one of the final moments, he does not use traditionally scary moments, which greatly contributes to the claustrophobic mood. However, I would not praise it so much if it weren't for the traditionally amazing Peck in the main role, whose increasing nervousness, determination, and despair I watched in awe. This atmosphere can crawl into nightmares. (17/11/2006)