Alright Ben! I’ve finally watched it.
Before my brother watched and subsequently started talking about Prince of Darkness, I’d not heard of it.
Turns out it’s the second part of John Carpenter’s “Apocalypse Trilogy”, which also includes The Thing and In the Mouth of Madness. I always think of Halloween when I think of Carpenter. I do not think of films which blur the line between science and religion.
Prince of Darkness is a thematically rich story that isn’t interested in giving us all the answers, yet leaves an impression.
The film’s ambiguity is a strength, bolstering it’s unsettling nature. I can’t say it’s a scary film. But it does have some gross moments, and it’s definitely unsettling. As usual Carpenter provides a strong score, and he really knows how to frame a shot to keep you guessing. Long, steady shots of hallways that bring out a clear “nope fuck that” from me. Being careful of spoilers, there are a couple of shots which I think will really stay with me.
Seeing Donald Pleasance outside of his Loomis role is cool. I think I could watch him read a phonebook to be honest. Nothing here is him screaming in a young girls’ face and using her as bait for a serial killer, but there’s a palpable desperation to him.
I’m trying to figure out why this isn’t talked about more. Maybe it’s slower nature? I’m not sure. It’s an interesting film that leaves me with questions. My generally positive nature leaves me hoping it’s ending is a positive one. Yet I fear it’s quite the opposite. That I’m still mulling it over two weeks later should tell you all you need to know. An underappreciated entry in Carpenter’s filmography for sure.
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