Films That Shook Me Up V: Halloween
There are those movies that you stumble upon accidentally, often at a tender age, which leave an indelible mark on your psyche. For me, it was Halloween. This film didn’t just shake me up; it redefined my understanding of fear and the power of cinema. Let me take you back to 1988, when I was just 10 years old, and the concept of “watching on demand” was a magical novelty.
A Serendipitous Encounter
It all started when my sister’s boyfriend, an R.A.F squaddie, had lent us his top loader VHS player and a couple of tapes while they were off on holiday. Among these tapes, Police Academy 2 was a highlight. I can still recall the thrill of being able to watch a film whenever I wanted, a far cry from the rigid schedules of television programming.
But it was what followed that truly changed everything. Hidden within the second half of that tape was John Carpenter’s Halloween, a film that was never meant for my innocent eyes. As I watched, I felt a growing sense of both fascination and dread, realizing that I had stumbled upon something far darker than I had ever experienced.
The Guerilla-Style Horror
To my young, inexperienced eyes, Halloween was more than just a horror film; it felt like a guerilla-style snuff movie. The rawness of the scenes, the unrelenting tension, and the palpable sense of danger evoked a visceral response. Watching Michael Myers, with his expressionless mask and silent demeanor, commit such cold-blooded acts filled me with a sense of evil that seemed all too real.
The scene where Michael, disguised as a ghost, looms over his unsuspecting victim, and the moment he is stabbed in the eye by Laurie, are forever etched in my memory. But the most haunting part was when Michael silently sits up in the background behind Laurie, out of focus and without any musical cues. It was a masterclass in understated terror, far more chilling than any loud shocks or gore.
Critical Analysis of Halloween
Halloween is not just a film but a psychological journey into the heart of fear. Carpenter’s ability to build suspense and create an atmosphere of dread is unparalleled. From the opening sequence, we are thrust into a world where the line between safety and danger is perpetually blurred.
Michael Myers: The Embodiment of Pure Evil
Michael Myers stands out as an iconic figure in horror cinema. Unlike the typical horror villains who may have elaborate backstories or motives, Michael represents pure, unadulterated evil. His blank, emotionless mask reflects a void, a lack of humanity that makes him all the more terrifying. He is an unstoppable force, devoid of any remorse or reason, which heightens the sense of vulnerability and fear.
Laurie Strode and the “Final Girl” Trope
Jamie Lee Curtis’s portrayal of Laurie Strode introduced the “final girl” trope, a concept that has since become a staple in horror films. Laurie’s character is not just a survivor; she is a beacon of resilience and strength. Her journey from a cautious babysitter to a determined fighter captures the audience’s emotional investment, making her triumph over Michael all the more satisfying.
Cinematography and Suspense
The innovative camera work and cinematography in Halloween have left an enduring legacy. Carpenter’s use of the “killer’s POV” and long, stalking shots create an immersive experience, placing the audience directly in the path of danger. The film’s low-budget aesthetic only adds to its raw, unsettling feel, proving that you don’t need lavish productions to create lasting fear.
Halloween’s Influence on the Horror Genre
Halloween pioneered the slasher sub-genre, setting a benchmark for horror films for decades to come. It demonstrated that horror could be both commercially successful and artistically impactful. The masked, silent killer archetype popularized by Michael Myers has inspired countless horror antagonists, each trying to capture the same essence of pure evil.
The film’s success also showcased the potential profitability of low-budget horror films, leading to an influx of slasher films in the late 70s and 80s, most of which I love. Moreover, the “final girl” trope has empowered future horror narratives to feature strong, resilient female leads, adding depth and dimension to the genre.
Reflecting on Shared Experiences
As I look back, Halloween remains a testament to the power of cinema to evoke deep, primal emotions. Its impact on the horror genre is undeniable, but its personal impact on those who stumbled upon it, often at a young age, is what truly cements its legacy.
I invite you to reflect on your own experiences with horror films. What was your first horror film, and how did it shape your perception of the genre? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s explore how these cinematic milestones have influenced us all. Together, we can celebrate the shared journey of discovery and the captivating world of horror that continues to evolve.
In the end, Halloween is more than just a film; it’s a shared experience, a rite of passage for horror enthusiasts, and a masterclass in the art of suspense. It reminds us that sometimes, the most terrifying things are those that remain unseen, lurking in the shadows, waiting to be discovered.
This Halloween Blu-Ray is just £3.63 at the time of writing. Gold plated horror for the price of a sandwich!