The best horror film

Rating: 10/10 (28 September 2000)

I first saw this film about 12 years ago and I am still awed by the genius Carpenter instilled into what could have been a by-the-numbers cheapie. Atmosphere is what this film is about. Nearly the whole film takes place during one night, and even the daytime scenes seem somewhat evil and foreboding. Let's also not forget Capenter's brilliant score to the film. Much like the music Williams did for Jaws, Carpenter's music is simple and terrifyingly effective. Carpenter wisely doesn't make Michael Myers out to be some sort of unstoppable zombie (as in the Friday the 13th series) or some wisecracking killer ala Fred Krueger, but simply make him out to be "The Shape", who has no concept of morality. Dr. Sam Loomis, in my opinion, is one of the most memorable characters ever in horror (one of the greatest Donald Pleasance performances). This is not a film that relies on gore to scare people, but rather suspense. Carpenter has said before that he holds great admiration for Alfred Hitchcock, and this film shows it. And as for the ending, don't expect an overwhelmingly happy one, and I wouldn't have it any other way. This is horror at its purest, and this makes it the best horror film ever (By the way, the THX DVD is awesome).