A classic of the genre and by some, considered to be the greatest horror film of all time. But it’s as much a thriller as a horror film. What really sets it apart is a third act that is positively alarming. With heavy religious overtones and questioning of global belief systems, the film works on multiple levels.
Sure the music is horribly dated in places and as was typical of many early 1970’s films, the use of songs with contemporary vocals gets in the way sometimes. But the Keltic-sounding compositions add an eerie calm and spin an almost hypnotic web. The animal masks and cheery dispositions of the townspeople (in contrast to the sometimes dreary events) is also haunting and effective.
Starring Edward Woodward (known best from TV’s The Equalizer) as a devoutly Christian policeman, there’s a high degree a realism (when the music is not getting in the way). Christopher Lee plays one of his most iconic roles. Lee felt this was one of his best performances and I agree. A powerful film that poses compelling questions and that ending, still shocking over 40 years later.