Halloween (1978)

I'm back! At least for this movie...

Going through the archives, I was surprised that I have not watched "Halloween" since this blog had started. I am surprised because "Halloween" is one of my favorite movies of all time and it is the perfect horror film.

Everyone knows the story of "Halloween". A crazed killer is out to kill some teenage babysitters. Simple, right? Well simple works this time thanks to the excellent writing, directing, and cinematography displayed by the "Halloween" crew.

It has everything you could want in a horror movie. It has characters that you like and are sympathetic with. How could anyone not like Jamie Lee Curtis in this film? It has Dr. Loomis (played to perfection by Donald Pleasence), who knows exactly what is going on. All along, he is giving us hints as to what is behind the mask of this crazed killer. Loomis has set out on a journey to prevent a small town from a deadly massacre. And of course, there is the monster, Michael Myers. Myers is horrifying, yet strangely appealing. The mask that Myers wears (which is a William Shatner mask painted white) is so simple, yet so scary. I don't know what it is, but it is the perfect mask for a movie monster.

And of course, the greatest reason for the success of "Halloween" is John Carpenter. Carpenter directed a horror film that redefined the genre and influenced all slasher films that followed. I love the way that he used every inch of the screen. My eyes are constantly roaming over the screen looking for hints as to where Michael Myers is. Even though I have seen the film dozens of times, I always feel that something new is to be found in every shot. Besides Carpenter's amazing directing and writing, he wrote that classic score that sends chills up and down the spines of people young and old. What would the actual holiday of Halloween be without that classic score playing in the background of parties, haunted houses, and Halloween stores?

If you have not seen "Halloween", please do. It is the perfect film and it needs to be seen, especially around this time of year.

Oh yea... I watched this on Blu-ray and it was excellent. Besides sitting in an actual movie theater, this is the best way to view the film.

A+ I recommend it.