Bloodtype Online

    Very few horror movies have come along over the years that can honestly say that they changed the way horror was made forever.   From the 1920's to 30's the Universal Monsters were doing just that.  Then the landscape of horror was changed with the releases of Psycho (1960) and Night of the Living Dead (1968) again in the 1960's.   But as the 70's came rolling around it seemed like things would change and never look back.  In 1974 Tobe Hooper made the instrumental horror film "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and that changed how horror was looked at forever.   But then the final touches were put on that in with John Carpenter and the character known then as "The Shape".  When "Halloween" was released in 1978 the world of horror was changed forever.   Carpenter had the idea to make a film that was one part "Psycho" mixed in with a little bit of Bob Clark's classic "Black Christmas", and whipped together with a little bit of John Carpenter magic to make the classic slasher film.  

    The story of "Halloween" is one you've seen time and time again, only this was the first to deliver it.  As a young boy Michael Myers kills his teenage sister with a kitchen knife.  After being in a mental facility for years he escapes during transit to another hospital.   His psychiatrist Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasance) tried to warn them about moving him and when Michael escapes it's up to him to stop him.  At the same time in Michael's old stomping grounds of Haddenfield, Illinois it's Halloween night and he's coming back home!   Will Doctor Loomis and the Haddenfield police be able to stop Michael in his trek back home, or will Myers wipe out every babysitter in town before they can?!

    There is no doubt in my mind that "Halloween" is the greatest slasher movie of all time.  It doesn't rely on hokey gore effects, or stupid comedy to get the movie over.   It relies on the most important things that any horror movie can.  It gets over on the viewer with its dark atmosphere, its haunting score, and its unique camera angles.   See "Halloween" takes a cue from Bob Clark's "Black Christmas" and a lot of the old Italian Gialli films because it takes full advantage of the first person camera view.   This is something that immediately puts you into the killer's shoes which works wonders in this type of movie. 

    The acting in the film is something that sets it head and shoulders above most slasher films made after it as well.   You have the legendary Donald Pleasance here as a character that he helped make iconic in Doctor Loomis.  He plays the Van Helsing in the movie to Michael Myers Dracula and it makes the film that much more effective.   Not only are you rooting for the babysitters to get away from Michael, but you are rooting effectively for Loomis as well.  Plus, he just does a great job in the role and it seems like it came 100% natural to the well trained actor.   Also, this is the big screen debut of one of the most well known scream queens in horror history in Jamie Lee Curtis.  After that you have an excellent cast filled with great character actors such P.J. Soles (Rock and Roll High School), Charles Cyphers, and Nancy Loomis as well.

    The cinematography in the film is also something that should be mentioned as it's among some of the best and most effective I've ever seen in a horror film.   It makes the film that much more thrilling as the camera makes sure that you the viewer are constantly involved with what the movie itself is doing. I can confidently say that there is nothing in "Halloween" that could be considered filler.  Everything is done with strict purpose and intent and it shows completely.  

    "Halloween" is written so well from top to bottom that it's even more impressive when you've seen the film time and time again.   The one thing to me that makes it so unique is the fact that you are not clued in on the killer and why everything is happening.  Because in the world of horror things aren't as scary if you know why everything is happening.   Everyone can identify with the feeling of not knowing why anything around you is happening, and I don't know too many people that enjoy that feeling.   That's why this movie works on so many levels and it starts with that basic idea.  Without knowing what's going on at all time also makes the film just exude creepiness as you never know what's coming from around the corner.

    All of these factors are what make "Halloween" not just a classic film, but also a household name.  There aren't many people out there that have never heard about "Halloween" and even a lot of non horror fans have seen and respect the movie.   People can say what they will about horror films and how they are only one step above pornography, but the bottom line is films like "Halloween" even have those people changing their tune.   It's not just one of the greatest horror films ever made, it's one of the greatest films made period.  I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it, and it would easily place in the top three of my greatest films of all time.

Rating - ****

-Ed Demko