THE UNHOLY
US, 1987, 102 minutes, Colour.
Ben Cross, Ned Beatty, William Russ, Hal Holbrook, Trevor Howard, Peter Frechette.
Directed by Camillo Vilo.
The Unholy is a film of 1987. However, in theme and treatment it seems a film of the '70s - in the aftermath of The Exorcist and such `gate of Hell' films as The Sentinel. It is also reminiscent of the Italian versions of The Exorcist: highly melodramatic, special effects, no-holds-barred treatment of various religious and satanic themes.
The film is set in New Orleans with its atmosphere of Catholicism, Satanism and voodoo. Ben Cross (Chariots of Fire) is Father John Michael (Michael the Archangel) who seems to be destined to confront the Devil and become the sentinel at the gate of Hell. The film has a very strong cast including Hal Holbrook as the archbishop, Trevor Howard (looking wizened in one of his last roles) as the blind sentinel, Ned Beatty as a policeman.
The film is rather over the top in its belief in its plot and in its style - especially in playing with priests, relationship with the Devil, celibacy and temptations. It finally has a literal diabolical monster and a confrontation in church.
The film was made in Miami studios - and a credit is given to the archdiocese of Miami for advice. On the whole, the archdiocese gave very sound and detailed advice in matters Catholic, not usual in a film of this kind.
It is a film for those who enjoy these confrontations between good and evil, between the Devil and the powers of good - although many might be put off by some of the treatment of the theme as well as the diabolical monster and its behaviour at the end.
1. The popularity of this kind of confrontation between good and evil? Satanism? Post-Exorcist? movie-making?
2. New Orleans settings? The church? The city? The atmosphere of New Orleans? Traditions of French religion? Satanism? Voodoo? The musical score?
3. The title and its reference to the Devil? The texts read about Lucifer? His taking the form of the beautiful women? Of the would-be suicide? The graffiti on the wall with "Suicides have sex with the Devil"? The final materialisation of the monster and its diabolical behaviour? Descending into Hell?
4. The focus on Father John Michael and the significance of his name? The initial introduction to him, at the site of the accident? Establishing him as a priest? Modern style priest - and his scepticism about the Devil and the powers of evil? His being called to the suicide, talking to him, being thrown out the window and not being injured? In hospital, the concern of the archbishop? His being appointed to St Agnes? The story of Father Dennis at St Agnes - and the audience having seen Father Dennis praying, tempted by the diabolical woman and being murdered on his sanctuary? The closing of the church? Father Michael opening it up? Friendship with Teresa? Millie and her presence, the clue to Father Dennis's death? His going to the nightclub, the Threshold and its satanic acts? Luke and his show business? The conflict between Luke and Father Michael, his visits and discussions? Millie and her rebelling, change of heart, leaving? The archbishop and Father Silva and their concern about Father Michael and his confrontation with the Devil? Millie and her fears, reading the book, the attempted seduction? Good Friday ceremonies, Holy Saturday - the archbishop and the information about the vigil? The death of Luke and his being put on the cross? The appearance of the diabolical woman, the temptation, taking Millie's form? Father Michael being crucified to the altar, the diabolical minions? The materialisation of the Devil, the fight, Millie coming into the church? His vanquishing and faith? The Devil going down into Hell? His becoming blind - and becoming the custodian of the archdiocese?
5. The archbishop, his administration, with Father Silva, the visit to the hospital? Talking with Father Michael? Faith? The parish, explanation of his mission?
6. Father Silva, his blindness, knowledge of demonology, explaining the situation? Father Michael as his successor?
7. Luke and the Threshold? The satanic performances? Making money? Relationship with Millie? His fears, asking Father Michael to keep vigil, the destruction of his room? His appearance in the church, his death?
8. Millie, running away from home, entangled with the Threshold, with Luke, with Father Dennis? Spurning Father Michael, changing her mind and coming to the rectory? The attempted seduction and her fears? Leading him away at the end?
9. The detective, his presence at the would-be suicide, the investigations, the clues? Calling in at the presbytery? Discussions with the archbishop?
10. Teresa, custodian of the church?
11. Luke and his visit to the old woman, her diabolical powers? Her fears?
12. Claude and his attempted suicide, the Devil embodied in him and his attempt to kill Father Michael? His reappearance in the church, his diabolical death?
13. How realistic this kind of film? How seriously treated? How much tongue-in-cheek? Knowledge of religious traditions? Catholic practices? Demonology and its lore? The influence of The Exorcist for special diabolical effects? Monster films? How well did all these ingredients combine?
