Stunning

Rating: 9/10 (20 November 2003)

Halloween has inspired so many clones, rip-offs, and inferior sequels (i.e. Resurrection...the horror, oh the horror) that there is absolutely no denying its impact, not just on the slasher genre but on horror films in general. It's incredibly atmospheric, always keeps up an ominous tension throughout, and the characters are realistically portrayed (well, Sam Loomis is sort of larger-than-life and endowed with a theatrical grace, but in a good way, thank you Donald). Although slasher flicks now are obsessed with body counts and gore (doesn't really bother me, but hey!) Halloween is probably the only slasher that both fans and non-fans of the genre can enjoy. This is a superb movie, period. The way Michael Myers moves, tilts his head after every kill as if studying his victim's death twitches with some sort of morbid fascination...it's chilling. The music is ambient and simplistic, underscoring the non-convoluted and straightforward, malevolent way Myers goes about ending the lives of everyone close to Laurie Strode (beautiful acting by Jamie Lee Curtis). And the ending is nightmarish and jarring, leaving the viewer's mouth gaping wide open with shock, but only if it hasn't already been spoiled before you see it!
Director John Carpenter was at his prime in the late 70s and early 80s. His work today pales in comparison to his brilliant early films, which is probably why a Halloween remake is (apparently) in the works. But really, I can't see how the original Halloween could possibly be improved upon.