Halloween (1978)

In 1963, Michael Myers stabbed his 15-year-old sister to death. He was institutionalized and, according to his doctor, Sam Loomis, is the personification of evil. On the day before Halloween, 15 years later, Myers manages to escape and heads for his home town. On Halloween night, he goes on a rampage while Loomis and the local sheriff search Myers' neighbourhood for him. Meanwhile, Laurie Strode, a student who rarely goes out on dates, is babysitting a neighbour's child, but little does she know the danger she is in. Halloween has to be one of the most important slasher movies in pop culture history. Not only is it one of the best, but it practically launched a series of movies of the subgenre, especially during the 1980s. John Carpenter proved himself to be one of the masters of horror and Halloween definitely displays his genius. Whilst many other of his productions have been more gruesome and horrifying, this one presents a very real threat that brings it down to earth. Michael Myers has made a long-lasting impression in the world of horror and it's easy to see why. Naturally, his appearance has become very iconic with the pale-faced mask that covers his whole face creating an even more unnerving appeal. Funnily enough, however, the mask turns out to be none other than a painted white mould of Captain Kirk's face from Star Trek (TV Series 1966-1969) that, upon knowing, makes it hard not to notice. Another important characteristic of his is the deathly silence. Not saying a word for the entire movie made his presence all the more creepy and was extremely effective, especially when the camera lingers on his deep breathing. Carpenter's directing aids in making Myers all the more frightening. He uses him effectively by building the tension throughout the movie mainly by keeping him in the distance, always lurking, watching his soon-to-be victims. He stalks his prey from behind bushes, walking on the opposite side of the road to driving slowly by and always disappears moments before being noticed or discovered. This aspect of the film is what I would consider the most frightening as it holds some realism and a real-life threat in the form of stalkers. Feeling that chill on the back of your neck as if you are being watched, but you and no one else can see anything or believe you is quite intimidating and this film takes full advantage of this, taking it to its fullest. Accompanied by the memorable music composed by director, John Carpenter, every scene carries its own weight of suspense and sets viewers on edge. Despite its simplistic sound, played over repeatedly, the music fills you with dread waiting for it to end yet it drags on, as Carpenter knows it will unnerve you. I felt this style of choice for the entirety of the production. The way the camera lingers much longer than you would expect or like works in its favour. Settling on Myer's shoulder as his breathing floods the audio or a prolonged strangeling sequence that keeps you there for far longer than you would like, witnessing an unpleasant act, is why it is so effectively horrifying. I feel this is focused on the most instead of giving cheap scares with some gory full-on massacre. That's not to say this isn't without some gruesome kills varying from the choking of the poor dog, strangulation to people being impaled at a height and left hanging. Myers shows a lot of interest in 17-year-old Laurie, played by the scream queen herself, Jamie Lee Curtis, who must rise to the occasion once all her friends are mercilessly killed as she protects the children she is babysitting. She is able to fend off Myers, however, to no avail, as he seems to keep going in a strange plot point of being invincible and never dying. Doctor Loomis, who was onto him from the get-go, tracks him down and saves Laurie in a climactic finale that sees Myers shot repeatedly only to disappear... Overall, Halloween is honestly the definition of a perfect slasher flick that has stood the test of time despite its low budget. It has only sprouted multiple sequels over the years but this one will always be remembered highly as the original. It's a classic that should be checked out every October 31st and, if you want more see Halloween II (1981). 

Runtime: 1h 31m

Director: John Carpenter

Genre: Horror / Thriller

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