The gold standard for slasher films

Rating: 9/10 (14 November 2014)

If PSYCHO is the prototypical slasher film then HALLOWEEN is the blueprint and set the standard for all that followed. You have John Carpenter in top form, creating one of the best, if not the best, slasher film ever. Of note is the creepy piano/synth score by John Carpenter which, in addition to the impressive cinematography, helps maintain an atmosphere of tension and dread. He also makes excellent use of location to create a sense of claustrophobia, particularly in a closet scene where Laurie is trying to hide from The Shape. However, there are a few things that keep this from being a perfect film. First, the acting from most of the principle cast is marginal at best, with Donald Pleasence and Jamie Lee Curtis being notable exceptions. Still, Donald Pleasence isn't given too much to do as Loomis because his character is woefully underwritten. He is meant to be the link between the Michael of the past and the Shape of the present, but he mostly shows up to provide exposition and nab the bad guy in the end. Still, I'd say this is one of the best horror movies ever made and definitely the best in the Halloween series. It's a movie that defined a genre and continues to bear the standard for it.