What was so amazing about the horror movie masterpiece "Halloween" (1978)?

Carpenter's horror production inherited from many works

Carpenter's direction also shines, imprinting the cold horror on the screen to the maximum. The footage from Michael's point of view at the beginning not only gives a sense of the thrill of walking on thin ice, but also foreshadows the tragedy to come. The build-up to the brutal murders that follow makes you feel like "It's coming, it's coming" is effective, and even though the shocking depictions are minimal, it brings out the maximum effect of a horror movie.

This was based on something he noticed when he went to a haunted house or other attraction at a local carnival. "After going there a few times, I realized that the fun part wasn't the moment you get shocked, but walking down the hallway while waiting for that moment," Carpenter said.

"Halloween" (c) Getty Images

The famous theme song, which Carpenter himself wrote and which is now called electronic music, also has a tremendous effect. In terms of its odd time signature and high-pitched repetitive melody, it is an eerie piece of music comparable to " Tubular Bells " from " The Exorcist ." Carpenter said, "It was a low-budget movie, so we had to write the music in three days. So we wrote that song, and because it's repetitive, we could play it forever. It annoys the audience, especially because we used threatening electronic sounds," and this is truly a stroke of genius.

Carpenter's directing technique stimulates both the senses of sight and sound to heighten the sense of fear. Thus, "Halloween" became a masterpiece and influenced many subsequent films. It is no exaggeration to say that not only many horror films, but also the Coen Brothers' " Blood Simple " (1984) and James Cameron's " Terminator 2: Judgment Day " (1991) were influenced by this film. Carpenter's spirit continues to be passed down through the generations.

*The John Carpenter quotes in the text are taken from " The Poetics of Terror: John Carpenter " (Film Art Publishing)

Text: Manabu Soma

After working as an information magazine editor, became a freelance writer. He writes articles and reviews for magazines such as ``SCREEN,'' ``DVD & Video Distribution,'' and ``Cinema Square,'' as well as theater pamphlets and the movie site ``Cinema Today.'' Currently appearing on Star Channel "GO! Theater". I host club events as a hobby.

Watch now

View work information

(c)Getty Images