A true example of horror

Rating: 10/10 (31 March 2005)

Horror isn't defined by gore and body counts but by simple thematic elements that effectively creates the sense of suspense and terror. "The Shape" aka Michael Myers does exactly that. Filmed for pennies by todays standards, this film shocked countless movies goers and for those who understand what horror is, it continues to do so. Halloween, using a bleached ghostly white mask of William Shatner's face, overalls, a butcher knife and a simple combination of piano keys to make a musical theme gave a new definition to what it meant to be terrified. Instead of going for outright shock in ferocity, the viewer is constantly tortured by subtle flashes of the killer standing in the foreground and background as if he is staring right through the movie or TV screen at you. You here his menacing breathing. You look through his eyes as he commits his first murder which was his own sister. By the time Michael Myers is fully exposed you find yourself in the place of the victim running for your own life. What makes the movie all the more terrifying is the fact that your imagination carries your fear. As you imagine a killer who's undoubtedly human but whose evil acts makes him seem almost supernatural, you find yourself to be in a panic. Countless movies have tried to copy the formula but none hold a candle to this original. Holloween is a true classic, with outstandingly beautiful performances from Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, and Nick Castle aka Michael Myers.