Prince Of Darkness

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TONIGHT’S FEATURE
Released in 1987, “Prince Of Darkness” is an American supernatural horror film that blends elements of science fiction and the occult. Written and directed by John Carpenter, the film is a part of Carpenter’s “Apocalypse Trilogy”, which also includes his other films “The Thing” (1982) and “In The Mouth Of Madness” (1994). Known for his atmospheric direction and skillful blend of horror and sci-fi elements, Carpenter brings his distinct style to “Prince Of Darkness”, which explores the conflicting themes of faith and science. The film stars Donald Pleasence, Victor Wong, and Jameson Parker, with a supporting cast that includes Lisa Blount, Dennis Dun, and shock rock icon Alice Cooper in a memorable cameo. Carpenter worked alongside frequent collaborator Alan Howarth to compose the eerie, synthesizer-heavy score.

The film revolves around a group of university students and their professor (Wong) who are invited by a Catholic priest (Pleasence) to investigate a mysterious green liquid discovered in the basement of a Los Angeles church. As they delve deeper into their research, they uncover evidence suggesting that the liquid may be the physical manifestation of Satan, with the potential to release the ultimate evil upon the world. The plot thickens as the liquid begins to exert a malevolent influence over those inside the church, turning them into its possessed minions. As the team faces an escalating series of paranormal events and horrific visions, they struggle to comprehend the true nature of the forces they are up against. The film boldly navigates such casual topics as quantum physics and alternate dimensions as the heroes battle to prevent the apocalypse while evading the unholy entity that now stalks the claustrophobic confines of the church.

Upon its release, “Prince Of Darkness” received poor reviews from critics, who were left underwhelmed by the film’s ambitious blend of science and supernatural horror. While some critics praised Carpenter’s atmospheric direction and effective musical score, the film was almost universally derided for its slow pacing and a convoluted plot that is often explained through lecture hall dialog that makes some scenes feel akin to homework. Despite these initial criticisms, the film was a box office success and has since gained a strong cult following, particularly among fans of Carpenter’s work and enthusiasts of 1980’s horror. The performances of Donald Pleasence and Victor Wong are top notch, bringing gravitas and eccentric charm to their respective roles. The movie remains a unique entry in Carpenter’s filmography and its influence can be seen in numerous other horror films that dare to explore the haunted intersection of science and supernatural.