Director: John Carpenter
Writer: John Carpenter, Debra Hill (Screenplay)
Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nancy Kyes, P.J. Soles, Charles Cyphers, Kyle Richards, Brian Andrews, John Michael Graham
Plot: The year is 1963, the night: Halloween. Police are called to 43 Lampkin Ln. only to discover that 15 year old Judith Myers has been stabbed to death, by her 6 year-old brother, Michael. After being institutionalized for 15 years, Myers breaks out on the night before Halloween. No one knows, nor wants to find out, what will happen on October 31st 1978 besides Myers’ psychiatrist, Dr. Loomis. He knows Michael is coming back to Haddonfield, but by the time the town realizes it, it’ll be too late for many people.
Verdict: Suspense Classic
Story: How often do we watch horror films that over complicate the story? Too often right. With the first Halloween everything got taken back to the simplest level. In a nut shell it is as simple as escaped killer returns home to terrorise local teenagers. The only back story we learn is that he did the first crime at a young age, we don’t learn any of the future history created between the characters, just that he likes to kill. The film focuses on all the dummy scares and the feeling you are being watched. All these factors make this one of the best horror films of all time. (9/10)
Actor Review
Donald Pleasence: Dr Loomis Michael’s doctor who has been trying to treat him for years without getting very far. Upon his escape Loomis spends the film trying to get to the town and then convincing the Sheriff that Michael is coming back. Good performance but doesn’t have much interaction scenes with Michael, well one. (9/10)
Jamie Lee Curtis: Laurie the good innocent teenager who spends most of her time studying and babysitting while all her friends are involved with other activities. She is the one Michael spends most of the time stalking, even though she thinks it is just a Halloween prank she stays alert in case it is more. Good performance playing the role well and creating a memorable horror icon. (9/10)
Nancy Kyes: Annie Brackett one of the closest friends of Laurie, she is much more open than Laurie and while babysitting she ends up pushing her child that she is looking after onto Laurie so she can go fool around with her boyfriend. Good supporting performance with complete opposite to Laurie. (8/10)
Director Review: John Carpenter – I have seen nearly all of Carpenter’s work and this is right up there with his best, he really knows how to create suspense and tension in a film. (9/10)
Horror: With everything being building up to the final pursuit we are put on the edge of our seats early on, but don’t expect any true scares just be prepared to be left wondering who is watching you. (9/10)
Settings: The settings will be remembered as being invaded by a killer in a home where things are meant to be secure works for the genre. (9/10)
Suggestion: This is an all-time classic in the horror genre that should have been watched by any horror fans out there. (Horror Fans Watch)
Best Part: Tension built up throughout.
Worst Part: I feel today’s new audience may not enjoy the slow build.
Action Scene Of The Film: The final pursuit.
Believability: No (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Chances of Sequel: Part one of the franchise
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $47 Million
Budget: $325,000
Runtime: 1 Hour 31 Minutes
Tagline: The Trick Is To Stay Alive!
Overall: Classic Horror
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