A Benchmark Classic

Rating: 10/10 (7 June 2004)

A textbook example of horror at its finest. A genuine classic from a director who deserves a lot more respect then he currently has.
The story revolves around the character of The Shape, better known as Michael Myers. You see Michael is a psychotic killer, favouring the night of October the 31, better known as Halloween, to exact his murderous rampages. The story is very dark and begins in the small town of Haddonfield on Halloween night 1963. It starts with young Michael killing his older sister Judith, supposedly for sleeping with her boyfriend. There is a feeling of depravity and incest that helps shape his character. The first scene consists of one continuous shot shown through the POV of six year old Michael. It's in my mind, among one of the films best sequences and sets the scene for what's to come. The climax where Michaels mask is removed by his father and his pale emotionless face is revealed will linger in my mind forever.
Fast-forward and we find out that Michaels been sent to a mental institution and has remained there for the last 15 years. The sleepy town of Haddonfield has long forgotten the horror of years past.
We are introduced to one of the series most endearing characters, Dr Sam Loomis, played by Donald Pleasence, who accompanied by nurse Marion Chambers, Nancy Stephens, drive towards the institution where Michael is being held with the intention of transporting him to Harden County for his case to be reviewed to decide whether or not he should be tried as an adult for murdering Judith. Pleasence is great and has become a favourite of Halloween enthusiasts. Upon arrival they find out that there has been a breakout and the patients wander the lawns in the rain. Circumstances lead to Michael eventually stealing their car and heading of back to his hometown, with the intention of arriving on Halloween night.
Here we are introduced to the films main character, 17 year old Laurie Strode, played by wonderfully by Jamie Lee Curtis. A smart intelligent student who would prefer to be babysitting rather then partying. Curtis is mesmerising and does a stellar job at portraying Laurie. She is social but at the same time keeps to herself. Through a series of events Michael slowly lets himself be known by Laurie. Loomis arrives with the intention of warning the local police of the killers arrival, but to what end? This is basically where the movie begins. I wont spoil the story but will simply state that your in for one helluva ride!!
The darkly intriguing story is complimented throughout by an unsettling atmosphere. Carpenter crafted a wonderful mood that helps propel the title above its peers, not to mention the movies theme which is accredited as being of the most chilling aspects of the movie. The character of The Shape has now become a trademark figure of horror.
Was a revelation in its time and still is today.