Prince of Darkness (1987)

This atmospheric movie is one of the least appreciated John Carpenter movies and I think it is a damn shame. Donald Pleasence portrays a priest who discovers a mysterious cylinder in the basement of an old church in California.  He enlists an old friend and scientist Prof. Howard Birack, who has some interesting ideas about the nature of the universe.  Birack brings in a scientific team to study the cylinder and while working on it they accidentally release the evil within.  The rest of the movie revolves around this ancient evil (Satan) trying to break it’s way into our existence.  Along the way the scientists are possessed or picked off one at a time until only a couple are left alive.  Can they stop the ancient evil and what is up with the strange dream they all have when near it?

I can understand why a lot of fans don’t dig on this movie as much as the Carpenter’s other stuff.  It is a bit slower and more methodical than his other movies and doesn’t have the action of the Thing or the snappy dialogue of a Big Trouble in Little China.  But for me Prince of Darkness does a wonderful job of building an atmosphere and sense of foreboding that works really well.  From the homeless who surround the church to the insect attacks and the physical transformation of the host this movie is very creepy.  I also love the story/debate about the origins of evil and the alternate theories about where good and evil come from.  Hell this movie all but asserts that Satan is an alien trying to break back into our dimension to end us all!  Now I can see why that might not be some horror fan’s cup of tea, but every once in a while I like to get away from the mindless slasher hacking his way thru a sorority and watch something that makes me think.  Don’t get me wrong I do dig those other movies; I’m just in the mood for something a bit more cerebral sometimes.  Prince of Darkness fits that bill perfectly. 

The cast is filled with Carpenter regulars like Victor Wong (Big Trouble in Little China), Dennis Dun (also Big Trouble in Little China), and the great Donald Pleasence (if I have to tell you…) all of whom do a great job again and are perfectly cast in their roles.  Also the beautiful Lisa Blount (Dead and Buried) and T.V. star Jameson Parker give great performances as graduate students who are falling in love as this nightmare unfolds.  I’m not sure if Carpenter wrote with these actors in mind, or just really knows how to cast a movie, but all the pieces fit with the story and the actors have good chemistry together.  Especially Wong and Pleasence who have some really interesting exchanges on screen.  Also keep an eye out for rock-n-roll legend Alice Cooper as one of the creepier homeless people that lay siege to the church. 

This isn’t an effects heavy movie.  That said there are a couple of gruesome injuries and killings, including a broken neck and some self-mutilation (throat slashing) that is rather sticky looking.  The biggest effect is the transformation of the woman that is supposed to pull the evil entity into our dimension, who apparently needs to look like a pizza before she can do it!  I also would be remiss if I didn’t mention the killer soundtrack that really adds to the atmosphere of the movie and also lets you know that you are watching a John Carpenter directed project (he is again responsible for much of the music).  

Now I love this movie.  It isn’t Carpenter’s best film, but it has all the hallmarks of his better efforts.  There is great atmosphere, music, characters, and a story that makes you think a bit.  But I can also admit that it is slow at spots and never reaches the fever pitch or excitement of a movie like the Thing.  Still it is worth checking out and in my opinion owning.

3 out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer

© Copyright 2010 John Shatzer