The Original Nightmare
Release date: 25 October 1978 (USA)
Genre: Horror/Crime
Director: John Carpenter
Cinematographer: Dean Cundey
Budget: $325,000 thousand USD
Box office: $70 million USD
“Death has come to your little town, Sheriff,” but it brought more confusion than chills with it. The 1978 cult classic “Halloween,” helmed by the revered John Carpenter, left me scratching my head and wishing for something more. With a meagre rating of 3 out of 10 stars, it’s clear that I fall firmly into the category of detractors. Let’s dissect this enigmatic flick, where the enduring appeal felt like a distant specter, and the film’s shortcomings were as clear as day.
We can’t ignore the elephant in the room: the divisive musical score. Carpenter himself composed the score, and it’s a love-it-or-hate-it feature. That repetitive, minimalist piano and synth-driven theme has garnered both praise and harsh criticism. Some claim it adds a haunting atmosphere, a chill that lingers long after the credits roll. Personally, I found it more of a bothersome distraction than a spine-tingling addition. The incessant score seemed more determined to yank me out of any suspense or terror rather than immerse me in it. The influential nature of Carpenter’s musical approach may be unquestionable, but the film’s soundtrack? Not my cup of tea.
The plot, or lack thereof, is next on our dissection table. “Halloween” is often hailed as a seminal slasher flick, a genre shaper. But what did I find? A simple narrative that revolves around the escape of the infamous Michael Myers, his return to Haddonfield, and his tireless pursuit of his sister, Laurie Strode. The straightforward premise is far from problematic, but the film’s approach to it left me yearning for more substance. It seems “Halloween” isn’t all that interested in intricate storytelling. Instead, it opts for a steady, deliberate narrative that focuses on anticipation and dread. The simplicity might work for some, but for me, it felt like a missed opportunity to create a more engaging and layered story.
Then there’s the issue of characters, or the lack of depth in most of them. Laurie Strode, portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis, is the standout, but she’s the exception rather than the rule. She’s resourceful and relatable as she goes toe-to-toe with her relentless brother. However, the rest of the cast feels like cardboard cutouts, devoid of the depth that contemporary audiences expect. Yes, “Halloween” was an early entrant in the slasher genre, but it’s no excuse for characters who are as shallow as a puddle. The nostalgic nod might appeal to some, but for me, it’s a letdown.
Pacing was yet another bone of contention. “Halloween” certainly doesn’t rush anywhere. The film lingers in long stretches where nothing much seems to happen. These languid moments are periodically punctuated by brief, intense bursts of action. While this approach is claimed to be deliberately suspenseful, I found it tediously slow. I appreciate the genre-defining nature of this pacing, but it didn’t do much to alleviate my sense of boredom.
In terms of visuals, “Halloween” boasts a mix of simplicity and innovation. Carpenter employs long takes and wide shots to emphasise the mundane suburban setting, and there’s an undeniable timeless quality to this approach. But if you’re looking for elaborate special effects and grand set pieces, you’ll be sorely disappointed. The film’s modest style aims to derive horror from the everyday, but for me, it felt like a dated relic rather than an enduring classic.
Lastly, the film’s budget limitations were all too evident in its production values. While some may argue that these technical shortcomings add to the film’s charm, I found it difficult to look past the subpar elements. The limited budget showed its seams in various technical aspects, detracting from the overall impact of the film.
“Halloween” is hailed as a genre-defining classic that leaves me scratching my head. The score, with its relentless repetition, felt more like an annoyance than an atmospheric addition. The simple plot left me yearning for more substance, and the characters, aside from Laurie Strode, felt as shallow as a puddle. The pacing, despite its intention to build suspense, left me feeling bored rather than on edge. The visuals, while stark and innovative, made the film seem outdated, and the low production values were hard to overlook. While some may appreciate its historical significance, I couldn’t help but see “Halloween” as a dated relic that failed to live up to its iconic status. A 3 out of 10 is as generous as I can be.
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