John Carpenter’s “Halloween (1978)” remains the gold standard in horror cinema, skillfully crafted with the precision and elegance of fine furniture. This minimalist masterpiece does an extraordinary amount with very little, creating a film that is both viciously thrilling and darkly humorous. Carpenter cleverly teases the audience, slowly revealing the chilling nature of Michael Myers.
The film’s distinctive quality lies in its homage to ’50s monster flicks, blending the cozy suburban evening with the lurking dangers of Halloween night. This juxtaposition evokes classics like “The Blob” and “I Married a Monster from Outer Space,” where teens navigate the night fearlessly, claiming their unsupervised time. “Halloween” taps into this atmosphere of mild paranoia, making it a perfect model for horror films that followed.
Despite borrowing from Italian horror maestros Bava and Argento, Carpenter infused “Halloween” with its own network of references and ideas. The film celebrates geek power rather than puritanical morality; Laurie Strode, the vigilant and resourceful protagonist, exemplifies this as she picks up on the warning signs around her.
For me, “Halloween” is more than just a movie. The NBC broadcast in 1981 was my first encounter with the horror genre, leaving me both terrified and fascinated. This film sparked my enduring love for movies and remains my all-time favorite. Visiting the filming locations in LA in 2001, walking the streets of “Haddonfield,” was an unforgettable experience that deepened my connection to this iconic film.
As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of “Halloween,” its influence and brilliance continue to shine, making it a timeless triumph in the world of horror cinema.
