The Omen

The Omen

1976

Directed by Richard Donner

My posts seem to be getting shorter and shorter. I need to quit that. It has been a bit stressful at work this past week, and hopefully that will be over with soon.

Anyway, back to the post!

This post is about the original starring Gregory Peck and Lee Remick. The standout performance in this film for me is the role of Mrs. Baylock played by Billie Whitelaw. Her portrayal of Damien's nanny is both very forceful and unsettling. Her fervid devotion to Damien is at the root of some of the more horrible events that happen in the film. She takes control of the house and eventually takes the role of Damien's mother.

There are many things that could be said about the religious content of the film, but I think that a closer look at the way family is portrayed would also be worthwhile. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thorn feel as though Damien is alienated from them. Mrs. Thorn is especially affected.  The scenes between her and Damien in the film are the more interesting to me because although Damien never seems to intentionally harm his mother, outside events drive her from caring for her son. The most notable event would probably be the drive though safari park where the car is attacked by baboons with Mrs. Thorn and Damien inside. Mrs. Thorn has no true reason as yet to fear her son and her paranoia adds to the feeling of conspiracy that permeates the narrative of the film.

Rustin Allison