DARK FORCES

Seeking to capitalize on the growing interest in the supernatural that such big budget horror classics as Rosemary's Baby and The Omen ushered in, Dark Forces eschews the direct approach for a more subtle (and overly lingering) mysticism. Promising to "take you to the brink of reality," Simon Wincer's direction and Everette De Roche's screenplay is unbalanced and takes far too long to develop. Still, enough tension is maintained through atmospheric flourishes and a sly interplay between political intrigue and occult suggestion to be of interest. Filmed in Australia, this is just one of a group of cult favorites from down under newly repackaged by the eclectic Synapse Films. While by no means essential storytelling, this slow study of corruption is just intriguing enough in its eccentricities to warrant a viewing.

A modern parable of the power of belief and corruption, Dark Forces emphasizes the dangers of blind devotion and desperation, focusing on the downbeat illness of a child and his mother's desperation to believe in the healing powers of a mystic. A modern homage to the historical Rasputin, whose forceful, manic personality controlled an entire country, director Wincer sets this believably acted game of destinies and misplaced faith square in the modern political arena. Senator Rast (David Hemmings) is a politician whose status increases under the patronage of unscrupulous (and perhaps murderous?) governmental powers. Groomed for an important position after the mysterious disappearance of deputy governor Eli Steele, his life is interrupted by the appearance of a mystical healer who infiltrates Rast's family by healing his dying son. As it becomes more difficult to ignore the mystic's claim to supernatural powers, and still harder to disregard the magician's growing influence on his wife and son, Rast is threatened with the loss of all he holds dear. Gregory Wolfe is a remarkably suave warlock, politely sinister and dripping as much charm as Satan himself. His goals remain largely ambiguous, bringing suspense -- but not enough -- to a meandering plot. As Mrs. Raft and their son become increasingly enthralled by Wolf's charm, the Senator struggles to fathom if his powers are parlour tricks or truly occult. Only one thing is sure -- the enigmatic Mr. Wolf hides something less than wholesome beneath his smile. Will he unleash demonic powers to topple the senator's world?

The script for Dark Forces is frustrating precisely because the ideas displayed hold so much dramatic potential. Mirroring such universal themes as political corruption, family degeneracy, and emotional dependence against a believably depicted foundation of supernaturalism, De Roche could have crafted a plot both titillating and tragic in its implications. Instead the story suffers from overly slow pacing, several lapses in logic (something needed if we are to take the fantasy elements at face value), and awkward structuring. Yet somehow the dark heart of the story shines through in places, suggesting the truly sinister modern fable of decadence and belief that the film 'could' have been. As it is, the none too subtle denouncement of political treachery is satisfyingly depicted, as are the memorable moments of magic. Story telling flaws aside, the filmmaker's mature approach to the occult is commendable, suggesting another world of mystery and unseen powers overlapping our own dimension, suggesting that the author did his research, as Wolfe's beliefs and practices reflect the supposed beliefs and practices of many historical and modern mystics. Of course the most engaging element of the film is the very controversial idea of faith healers claiming to be able to heal through occult arts, and the subsequent question of their motives. This film may lack in structure (and in many ways isn't truly terrifying) but succeeds as a character study of charlatans and that small percentage of folks who may be . . . . more. Also of interest is the dramatic dynamic between Mrs. Rast and Wolfe, as she surrenders her body and soul to the magician. Perception is key here, in story and setting. Unfortunately many of the effects are as unconvincing as the script inconsistencies, leaving the thoughtful viewer lamenting what could have been.

Synapse Films presents Dark Forces in an anamorphic widescreen of 2.35:1. Picture quality is generally clean, suffering from only brief print damage. Images are strong, as are the vibrant colors. Sound is featured in your choice of English, Spanish and French Dolby Digital Mono. No deficiencies are apparent.

Extras feature Trailers for other Australian Synapse titles currently being sold, including Dark Forces, Syngenor, Strange Behavior, Patrick and Thirst. Other supplements include an isolated audio score, Behind the Scenes Photos, and Filmographies. The major extra is an Audio Commentary with director Simon Wincer and producer Antony I. Ginnane. Substantial in its bare bones information, both gentleman give generous accounts of the filming experience.

Review by William Simmons