What does it mean when the release of a film is timed exactly at 6.06 pm on June 6, 2006? Simply that the marketing department (world inc.) has found one more occasion to celebrate. The day that arrives once in 100 years allegedly marks the ‘arrival’ of the Antichrist has been widely reported on, especially in terms of the devilish number of ‘celebrations’ and ‘activities’ that have been organised to observe its passing. What better day and time than this, then, to bring to the world the sequel to The Omen?
The number 666 may have a fairly simple history to it, in being the Devil’s number as defined in the Book of Revelation (pick up any newspaper anywhere in the world to get the details). Historians figured out that the number was derived from adding the Devil’s number using ancient numerology called gematria, which is used to associate numbers with words. Mathematicians, in later years, notched up an impressive range of numerical explanations to fit the number 666.
But its popularity as the number of the ‘beast’ topped the popularity charts when playing on fear became the most marvellous tool of entertainment. It spells the apocalypse, which people try to valiantly rationalise (and laugh off) while eons of religious conditioning tugs in quite the opposite direction. So, it’s June 7 now. Are we still there? If yes, then a quick Net surf is called for that is bound to be quite a revelation on human frailty, as it were.