Reviews Prince of Darkness

Prince of Darkness

Growing-up, Prince of Darkness was one of my favorite horror movies because it was one of the very few that actually scared me. Another John Carpenter classic, it never received the accolades I believe it deserves and part of that may have to do with the fact that it's so understated and has such a slow build-up. Now that this style has come into fashion, I highly recommend picking-up a copy of Prince of Darkness, turning out the lights, and settling-in for a treat.

It's almost impossible to review Prince of Darkness without a bunch of spoilers, but it's one of the Carpenter's most well-filmed movies. It's also one of his most literate. I think he decided after this one to dispense with all of the esoteric exposition and just go for the jugular, but it's really worth noting the play on Schroedinger's theory, quantum physics, and his attempt to rectify at least 1000 varied themes and concepts - from ancient astronauts to Christianity to the coming of an Antichrist to the advancement of science and more. Just keep in mind that, while we may roll our eyes at some of the concepts mentioned today, this was made back in 1987, when most of this stuff was little more than shots in the collective dark - pretty heady stuff for its time.

But don't doubt that it does move slowly. Even once the action begins, Carpenter chooses to draw it back and what should become an exercise in tension devolves into a waiting game during which we receive even more exposition and explanation. However, there are some truly horrifying scenes and more than a few scares along the way to keep you interested. It's a story movie, but a damned good one.

Prince of Darkness is an understated masterpiece from one of horror cinema's true auteurs in his prime that is not to be missed.

© C Harris Lynn, 2011