A Classic

Rating: 10/10 (4 January 2006)

One of the most memorable films of all time and a true example of how independent film making can sometimes breed something special. Halloween presents the story of one Michael Myers and his stalking of a trio of babysitters on Halloween night. Starring Donald Pleasance in the role of Dr. Sam Loomis (named after a John Carpenter favorite: Psycho) he gives a memorable performance which would carry on through an army of sequels that were all made better for his participation. John Capenter made this film just after the run of his first successful film, Assault on Precinct 13. Together, he and Irwin Yablanz coaxed Moustapha Akkad (God bless) into funding the $300,000 low budget thriller. Even at this early point in his career there are many camera tricks and shooting elements that he's carried with him throughout his entire career. Most notable may be his tribute to the classic Touch of Evil at the beginning of the film with his wide pullout camera shot as young Michael if unmasked (one of three times in the whole series) after stabbing his older sister. Also making her motion picture debut in this film is Jamie Lee Curtis. Originally, she was only cast in the film because her mother starred in one of Carpenter's favorite films, Psycho. But, not long after Carpenter and the rest of the world would see that Curtis could make a name for herself without having to rely on her family pedigree. Curtis would later go on to star in what some call a "horror trio" (Halloween, Terror Train, and Halloween 2) before moving on other projects. Many times we hear about a film being "cursed" and misfortune befalling the cast and crew, however this film seems to be the exact opposite. Everyone involved with Halloween benefited from it. John Carpenter went on to be one of the most famous directors of all time, Donald Pleasance revitalized his career here in America, Jamie Lee Curtis was given a career, and we were blessed with a classic film.