‘Prophecy’ Puts Sense Of Humor Into Gloom And Doom
Gabriel has had about 2,000 years to get really cheesed off. That’s how long this evil angel has been feuding with Lucifer and, in the creepy, wickedly funny “The Prophecy,” they have one hell of a fight.
Christopher Walken’s giddy, threateningly seductive performance as Gabriel sets the tone. With his chalky skin and inky hair, it looks like he’d have to warm up to freeze to death. He’s undead and he’s omnipotent, but he has style and a devilish sense of humor. Browsing through the intensive-care unit of a hospital for a soul to steal, he spots Amanda Plummer lying near death and cracks, “Critical. My favorite!” Whenever one of his intended victims begins to bawl, he snaps irritably, “Don’t start with me. I hate that.”
“The Prophecy” also stars a coroner who tells an investigator, “Hey, slow down. Everybody’s dead here,” and there are witty bits like Gabriel teaching a kid to play the trumpet.
Like the underrated “Needful Things,” it’s laced through with wicked humor, but it also has an atmosphere of eerie dread. For the most part, “The Prophecy” isn’t gory, but its story - which combines a little girl who has been given an evil secret with American Indian mythology and biblical prophecies about “a second war between the angels, who are jealous of man” - is a potent, frightening stew.
The fact that most of us have been hearing about these biblical nasties since Sunday school gives the movie extra zip. Same for the cast, which is surprisingly strong for a horror movie.
In addition to Walken’s playful work, there is Eric Stoltz as a rival angel, Virginia Madsen as a schoolmarm looking after the little girl (the effective Moriah Snyder) and Viggo Mortenson, stunning in the juicy role of the Prince of Darkness himself.
Apparently, they were all attracted by first-time director Gregory Widen’s weird script. At one point, Walken starts sniffing like a pretentious oenophile sampling a Beaujolais and says, “Ahhh, I can always smell a graveyard.” Based on his decision to work with newcomer Widen, he can also smell talent.
xxxx “The Prophecy” Locations: East Sprague, North Division and Coeur d’Alene cinemas. Credits: Directed by Gregory Widen and starring Christopher Walken, Eric Stoltz, Virginia Madsen, Elias Koteas and Amanda Plummer. Running time: 1:32 Rating: R