Back of Box:
On a black and unholy Halloween night years ago, little Michael Myers brutally slaughtered his sister in cold blood.
But for the last fifteen years, town residents have rested easy, knowing that he was safely locked away in a mental hospital...until
tonight.
Tonight, Michael returns to the same quiet neighborhood to relive his grisly
murder again...and again...and again. For this is a night of evil. Tonight is Halloween!
Plot: I enjoy the plot
to this film, it's very simple, yet very effective. It keeps the viewer from looking away, the "what's going to happen
next," kind of feel. It's become one of the most basic staples in the slasher genre. Instant slasher gold,
if done right.
Acting: Jamie Lee Curtis
makes a magnificent starring role debut as Laurie Strode, the heroine. This role would eventually lead to her title
as the "Scream Queen." Donald Pleasance really gets into his character, Dr. Loomis, and pulls it off with
ease. The rest of the cast, from the children, to the teens, to Mike himself, are played remarkably well for an
independent film. Groovy.
Gore: Body Count (5
and a dog) Hardly a drop of blood is seen throughout this entire film. This fact, however, does not take
anything away. The death scenes are still nicely set up and very entertaining. The opening kill is very memorable
and I still enjoy seeing Bob get pinned to the closet with a giant butcher knife. The knitting needle, wire clothes
hanger, stab to the chest and gunshots that the killer endures must also be mentioned in this section.
Suspense: It's almost unreal
how genuinely frightening this film is. It takes horror to its roots, its most basic elements, and shoves it in your
face. Everything from the music to the directing only adds to that "in your face" feeling. This is the section
that makes up for the lack of gore, with a vengeance.
Directing: First off, brilliant
use of the killer P.O.V. shots, especially in the opening scene. There's also a lot of sweeping camera shots that add
a certain horror flavor to this film only Carpenter could. The camera work is also what brings out a lot of the suspense
in the film with many well planned, well set up shots.
Tech: Creepiest theme song
ever written, hands down, and hats off to John Carpenter. I feel the lighting for this film was very creative, especially
when it came to moments of terror, it was soft yet cold and unrelenting. The sound work leaves a little something to
be desired, but overall it was an okay effort.
Other: Not much to add
here except classic mask. I Really dig the fact that it was a Captain Kirk mask when it started out.
Oh, nice weapon of choice as well.
Final Word: Well...what to say, what to say?
The "slasher" at it's peak, it's finest moment. A Nightmare On Elm Street is my favorite film, but I give credit
where credit is due. Without this film there would be no Freddy. The slasher masterpiece.
