20 Perfect Scenes In God-Awful Horror Movies
5. The Elevator - Damien: The Omen II
Though The Omen is a remarkable achievement in horror, the follow-up feels like a sloppily assembled retread, but with far less intrigue.
With that said, the elevator sequence is a major highlight. After Dr. Kayne discovers Damien's wicked nature, he enters the hospital elevator, preparing to report his findings.
Despite pressing a button for a lower level, the lift begins to rise. Once it reaches the top floor, the elevator suddenly plummets to the bottom of the building. Kayne repeatedly presses the emergency stop button, but to no avail.
When the elevator abruptly stops, the force knocks Kayne off his feet. Despite being shaken up, Kayne has seemingly escaped Damien's wrath.
Suddenly, the wire cables above disconnect, shooting down the elevator shaft at breakneck speed. Although Kayne can't see what's about to happen, the audience knows his fate is sealed. Sure enough, the wire cuts through the elevator, slicing the poor doctor in half.
What makes this scene work well is the fact it's set up so it looks like Kayne narrowly cheated death, only for him to perish moments later.
Having no music was a nice touch, since it makes every sound effect more impactful.