Prophecy (1979) ***
John Frankenheimer is well known for having made a number of excellent dramatic (often political) action thrillers, including The Manchurian Candidate (1962), Seconds (1966), French Connection II (1975) and Ronin (1998). Prophecy (1979) was his first foray into the horror genre (he touched upon science fiction previously with Seconds), which he only returned to once more (again with mixed results) in 1996 when he replaced Richard Stanley as the director of The Island Of Dr. Moreau.
Prophecy is unmistakably a B horror movie but it one of those B horror movies that actually has something to say, rather than serving only to spill blood (which I'm OK with too). Make no mistake—blood is spilled, innocent people are killed (often in unintentionally? humorous ways) and the mutant bear f/x are goofy (though really fun). But there is a solid environmental concern theme, the performances are all quite good, and one scene in particular exercises great suspense (though another one that attempts a similar tension fails miserably). Plus the deep focus shots, the camerawork, and the score are all very solid. And that theatrical poster!
I've seen Prophecy three times now (the last time just shy of ten years ago). It's imperfect, but thoroughly enjoyable if you can look past the white savior aspect, the unsatisfying ending, and you can embrace the good points.
Prophecy is unmistakably a B horror movie but it one of those B horror movies that actually has something to say, rather than serving only to spill blood (which I'm OK with too). Make no mistake—blood is spilled, innocent people are killed (often in unintentionally? humorous ways) and the mutant bear f/x are goofy (though really fun). But there is a solid environmental concern theme, the performances are all quite good, and one scene in particular exercises great suspense (though another one that attempts a similar tension fails miserably). Plus the deep focus shots, the camerawork, and the score are all very solid. And that theatrical poster!
I've seen Prophecy three times now (the last time just shy of ten years ago). It's imperfect, but thoroughly enjoyable if you can look past the white savior aspect, the unsatisfying ending, and you can embrace the good points.
Comments
Post a Comment