Logan Sork Film Reviews
Halloween
In October of 1978, director John Carpenter took the film industry by storm when he released his low-budget slasher film Halloween. The film was extremely successful upon release, winning both critical praise and commercial success. More importantly, this film laid the groundwork the slasher genre which resulted in the birth of several other iconic franchises such as the Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street franchises. Because of the film’s popularity it spawned a massive franchise of its own, with entries being produced to this very day. What makes this film resonate with audiences to this day is the sheer level of quality that this film exudes. With great direction, chilling atmosphere and groundbreaking concept, there’s a reason that the original Halloween is considered one of the best horror movies of all time.
Halloween is written, scored and directed by John Carpenter and stars Donald Pleasance and Jamie Lee Curtis. The film opens with six-year-old Michael Myers brutally killing his sister on Halloween night, after which he is institutionalized. 15 years later, he escapes the asylum and travels to his hometown of Haddonfield Illinois. Upon arrival, he begins to stalk Laurie Strode (Curtis) and her babysitter friends after school. During the night Myers wreaks terror on Haddonfield as he stalks and kills the people surrounding Laurie. Meanwhile Michael’s psychologist Dr. Sam Loomis (Pleasance) works to hunt down Michael and put a stop to his terror before any more people are harmed.
What makes Halloween so effective is the focus on tension and atmosphere. Many films of this genre tend to focus on the blood and gore (something this film has little of). This is all good for a cheap scare, but it fails to leave the same chilling sensation that creepy atmosphere can bring. Carpenter’s use of the camera creates a suspenseful feeling that very few films achieve. The use of POV shots creates a strange otherworldly feeling, almost as if we are inhabiting the characters in the film and witnessing events from their perspective. This is made even more unsettling when we experience certain acts of violence, almost as if we are committing the crimes themselves. The use of tracking shots also gives the film a heightened sense of panic, as we follow Laurie as she races through the night, with the killer hot on her tail.
The film’s dark atmosphere also lends itself to the creation of the film’s tension. Carpenter’s use of light in the film is something to behold. Myers’ mask strikes out of many dark passage ways with its glowing white features reflected by the pale moonlight, creating a sense of dread as we witness what the characters do not. There are also some extremely subtle moments in which Carpenter places Michael in the frame but doesn’t focus on him- almost like a where’s waldo situation. This helps generate a sense that wherever our characters may go, Michael is never far behind.
The simplicity of the film also helps it standout as well. We are all used to the tired clichés that many slasher films employ, but this was the one that started it and it honestly benefits from it. The simple story helps create even more mystery as we don’t spend a long time learning about the killer or trying to find out who he is or why he’s doing it. The only hints we get come from Dr. Loomis, and even he doesn’t know the full story, only helping to add to the mystery of Myers’ persona. Add in Loomis’ preference for using the word “it” rather than “him” to describe Michael and it almost presents Michael as a supernatural force rather than a person, a true embodiment of evil.
The use of sound and music is also to be praised. Carpenter’s score is perhaps one of the most iconic in film history. It almost has the same recognition as the theme from Jaws as when the ominous piano begins to play, we don’t need an explanation of what is about to happen. There are also several moments in which no noise accompanies Michael Myers’ appearances, further adding to the tension the imagery has already presented. It’s also off putting, as it gives a moment to realize that he is on-screen and its usually just before he attacks, further adding to the suspense of the film.
As for problems, for me the performances could have been better. It’s not that they’re terrible, its just that everyone in the film comes off as one noted most of the time. This is likely due to most of the cast being made up of new comers, still it is noticeable. Also, there is a point in the film where Dr. Loomis disappears and doesn’t do anything for a while. This was disappointing as his hunt for Michael is one of the more interesting aspects of the film.
Despite these small flaws, Halloween is well crafted and tense thriller. Buoyed by Excellent direction, an unsettling atmosphere and panic inducing tension, Halloween is sure to scare and delight many viewers for years to come.
8/10