Thursday, October 31, 2013

20 Reasons Why Halloween is My Favorite Horror Film


Happy Halloween! Here's a special list (in no particular order) on John Carpenter's 1978 classic. (SPOILERS)

The creepy Jack-O'-Lantern.

The opening POV shot from Michael's perspective.

Carpenter's chilling score that adds a whole new dimension to the film.

Michael disappearing behind the bushes.

Donald Pleasence's brilliant performance (which was shot in only 5 days).

Michael's head tilting from side to side after the kill.

The small town setting, which makes it more terrifying, more intimate.

Most of it takes place on Halloween night. What better date for a horror film?

Jamie Lee Curtis' scream.

Michael Myers' backstory.

The sound of Michael's breathing.

He stops, but will he get out of the car?

Boo!

He's always watching.

"This is no man."

He's under the sheet!

"Death has come to your little town, sheriff."

Trapped in the closet.

He's still on the loose.

Michael was here.

16 comments:

  1. Love this. I was actually going to do one of these today (as Halloween is my favorite horror flick as well), but I did Scream instead.

    Anyway, I love all the detail you pointed out here. The head tilt thing is such a creepy and wonderful personal touch. What a great film.

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    1. Thanks man! Your Scream one was awesome.

      I know, right? And they used the head tilt with Jason in Jason Takes Manhattan! (Only know that because I saw some of it on TV this week.)

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  2. From these screenshots, I can tell you've seen this movie a lot more times than I have :) Love Carpenter's score, and that creepy Jack-O'-Lantern is iconic too.

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    1. Haha, I've watched it every October for the past 6 or 7 years, so I'm guessing I have seen it more than you. ;) That score almost made my top 10 scores list. Couldn't love it more.

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  3. Awesome post! This one is one of my favorite Halloween movies as well. Especially for Carpenter's score. I can't think of another one that is more frightening.

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    1. Thanks! His score really contributes a great deal to the atmosphere of the film. Easily should've been an Oscar nominee.

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  4. I saw it for the first time yesterday and loved it! It was such a creepy film and him randomly staring in the background was so scary. I nearly shat myself when he bumped on that kid.

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    1. Haha, that's awesome! Him bumping into the kid is probably my favorite jump scare of all time.

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  5. "He's always watching."

    Definitely the number one reason to love this film. You never, ever feel safe. Nice post!

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    1. Thanks! Yeah, his omnipresence makes it terrifying.

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  6. Brilliant post Josh. Yeah Halloween is one of my favortie horror films that still creeps me out. I love the scene where Laurie Strode runs away from Michael Myers all the way back to the house. When she gets there the door is locked, Michael is just walking and she can't get inside. The fact that he is just calmly walking is what scares me the most about that scene

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    1. Thanks Jason. That's a great scene. I should've included it!

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  7. What a wonderful post! I love the way you highlighted all these details. We watched this movie again last night -- fittingly -- since it was Halloween. For me one of the creepiest parts is in the parking lot at the psychiatric hospital.

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    1. Thanks so much! This movie is filled with creepy moments. There are so many reasons to love it. :)

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  8. You made such a good case for this Josh, but horror isn't my cup of tea so I'll just take your word for it man :D

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    1. Thanks Ruth. Ha, horror is actually not one of my favorite genres. There are some great ones out there though. ;)

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