The Omen by David Seltzer (2021) Snapshot

When the United States Ambassador and his wife finally get the child they had wanted for so long; they had no idea they were about to play critical roles in the most terrifying prophecy ever made.

It seems like Seltzer wrote both the book and screenplay at the same time. Although I enjoyed the movie more than the book, the book has some things to offer that the film couldn’t. Mainly characters motivations and inner thoughts. Some supporting characters had bigger roles in the book, which added to my overall enjoyment of The Omen.

In my opinion, the novelization cost the atmosphere and pacing, though. The movie is one of my favourite horrors of all time. Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, David Warner, and Harvey Stephens brought such personalities and lives to the characters; I kept thinking of them when reading the book. The story, however, is very visual. The tension is on the expressions, silence, paranoia, sense of foreboding, and lack of evidence. After reading the book, I also realized how much of the tension also came from the soundtrack and effects. I wonder if I feel this way because I watched the movie first, and Donner’s direction was superb!

These are minor things, and I still recommend the book!

My total rating: 4.41

Review for this book is mentioned in this video: TBD

Until next book, be the hummingbird!