OMEN IV

US, 1991, 97 minutes, Colour.
Faye Grant, Michael Woods, Michael Lerner.
Directed by Jorge Montesi, Dominique Othenin- Gerard.

Omen IV is a belated and unexpected sequel to the three Omen films (coming 10 to 11 years later). It was designed for American television and so there is a restraint in its presentation of violence.

The film is a variation on the original Omen stories - and includes some of the popular frightening moments from the earlier films. However, the incarnation of the Devil this time is in a diabolical little girl - rivalling the Damien stories. The interconnection is made with Damien. The film lacks finesse, does not have a prominent cast - nevertheless, with its restraint for television, enables the audience to see the strengths and the weaknesses of the original plot.

1. Interesting sequel? Continuation of the story?

2. The small budget, the changing of directors during production, the unknown cast? Geared for television?

3. The reworking of the original plot - and the recapitulation of key scenes?

4. The religious framework: the sisters, the orphanage, the young baby, Sister Francesca's death, Sister Yvonne and her leaving the convent, her life of prostitution, becoming converted, the fundamentalist preacher, Sister Felicity? The baptism sequence, the reaction of the baby? The priest's death?

5. The political situation: Gene and Karen York, up and coming, business, the scandal with the politician, Gene and his entry into politics? Their delight with their little girl?

6. Delia, at home, the sinister little girl? Her control, relationship with her parents? The accident and Ryder, the dog, saving her? Her behaviour at school, fighting with the bully, the father's complaint, the decapitation? The accident on the horse? Her going to the doctor - and her sexual development?

7. Jo as the new nurse, her concern, taking Delia to the fair, to her friend, seeing the black aura around her head? Jo and her connections - and her being killed?

8. Karen, her pregnancy, relationship with her husband? Going to visit the priest and discussing religion, the diabolical experience? His advice? Her fear of Delia?

9. Her hiring Earl Knight and his private detection? Phoning Sister Felicity, the preachers, her performance, the congregation? The snakes, her fear and her death? His making his own report? His being killed by the demolition ball?

10. The new nanny and her control? Karen finding out the information, knowing who Delia was, her relationship with Damien? Delia's pregnancy, the twin brother? Implantation in Karen? The struggle with Dr Hastings and his death? Karen's dilemma, wanting to kill Delia, her child - her suicide?

11. Popular themes of the presence of evil in the world, the diabolical? The pessimistic tone? The credibility and plausibility of such stories? The reason for their continued appeal?