One of two different interpretations (the other being Renny Harlins' "Exorcist: The Beginning") of the Father Merrin back story, "Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist" tells a decent but ultimately familiar story that just doesn't have the impact of the original 1973 classic. Merrin (Stellan Skarsgard, a worthy successor / predecessor to Max von Sydow) lost his faith after a horrible, untenable situation during WWII. A few years later, he is supervising an archaeological dig in Africa, as workers unearth an ancient church, and must confront pure Evil once again.
For a substantial portion of the run time, the capable director Paul Schrader and writers William Wisher and Caleb Carr actually parcel out cinematic varieties of horror intermittently. This is more a straight drama about real-life horrors, of mans' consistent inhumanity to man, and what it does to Merrins' psyche as he has to keep witnessing it. In the films' second half, it does become more formulaic as yes, another possession occurs, and Merrin must rediscover his faith to save the life & soul of an innocent child (Billy Crawford as Cheche).
The always wonderful Skarsgard is an excellent anchor for this tale, and he receives good support from actors such as Gabriel Mann (as Father Francis), Clara Bellar (as the doctor Rachel Lesno), Ralph Brown (as the sergeant-major), Andrew French (as Chuma), Julian Wadham (as Major Granville), Eddie Osei (as Emekwi), and Ilario Bisi-Pedro (as Sebituana). Crawford is appealing as the child, who before the events of the film was always treated like a pariah.
The film is exceptionally well shot by the great Vittorio Storaro, well designed, and reasonably atmospheric, even if it's never really scary (Crawford in demon makeup is nowhere near as memorable as Linda Blair). It is interesting for the way it portrays the tension between the soldiers in British East Africa and the locals, who regard Christianity as evil. Things come to a head and unfortunate casualties take place - and overwhelming guilt results. While Merrin goes to confront the demon Pazuzu who will later be his nemesis in "The Exorcist", the soldiers & locals prepare to battle each other.
It's been too long since this viewer last saw the Harlin movie, so he can't really compare the two versions of this tale. At least it was good that Morgan Creek did rescue this one from movie limbo, and viewers can compare & contrast two visions.
Those CGI hyenas and cows are pretty dire, though.
Seven out of 10.
For a substantial portion of the run time, the capable director Paul Schrader and writers William Wisher and Caleb Carr actually parcel out cinematic varieties of horror intermittently. This is more a straight drama about real-life horrors, of mans' consistent inhumanity to man, and what it does to Merrins' psyche as he has to keep witnessing it. In the films' second half, it does become more formulaic as yes, another possession occurs, and Merrin must rediscover his faith to save the life & soul of an innocent child (Billy Crawford as Cheche).
The always wonderful Skarsgard is an excellent anchor for this tale, and he receives good support from actors such as Gabriel Mann (as Father Francis), Clara Bellar (as the doctor Rachel Lesno), Ralph Brown (as the sergeant-major), Andrew French (as Chuma), Julian Wadham (as Major Granville), Eddie Osei (as Emekwi), and Ilario Bisi-Pedro (as Sebituana). Crawford is appealing as the child, who before the events of the film was always treated like a pariah.
The film is exceptionally well shot by the great Vittorio Storaro, well designed, and reasonably atmospheric, even if it's never really scary (Crawford in demon makeup is nowhere near as memorable as Linda Blair). It is interesting for the way it portrays the tension between the soldiers in British East Africa and the locals, who regard Christianity as evil. Things come to a head and unfortunate casualties take place - and overwhelming guilt results. While Merrin goes to confront the demon Pazuzu who will later be his nemesis in "The Exorcist", the soldiers & locals prepare to battle each other.
It's been too long since this viewer last saw the Harlin movie, so he can't really compare the two versions of this tale. At least it was good that Morgan Creek did rescue this one from movie limbo, and viewers can compare & contrast two visions.
Those CGI hyenas and cows are pretty dire, though.
Seven out of 10.