If you’re a horror movie fan, then you’ve probably heard of the original Halloween movie. This iconic film was released in 1978 and directed by John Carpenter. It stars Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, a high school student who becomes the Target of a serial killer named Michael Myers.
But just how scary is the original Halloween movie? Let’s take a closer look.
The Plot
The plot of the original Halloween movie is relatively simple. Michael Myers escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, where he begins to stalk and kill teenagers on Halloween night. Laurie Strode, along with her friends Annie and Lynda, become his primary Targets.
The Atmosphere
One of the things that makes the original Halloween movie so scary is its atmosphere. The film takes place almost entirely at night, which creates a sense of unease throughout. The small town setting also adds to the creepiness factor – there’s something unsettling about seeing horrific events unfold in an otherwise peaceful community.
The music is also incredibly effective at building tension. The main theme of the film – composed by John Carpenter himself – is simple but haunting. It’s been used in countless horror movies since and has become synonymous with the genre.
The Villain
Of course, no horror movie can be truly scary without a terrifying villain. Michael Myers definitely fits that bill.
He’s essentially a force of nature – relentless and unstoppable. He doesn’t speak or show any emotion, which only adds to his creepiness factor.
In addition to being physically imposing, Michael Myers is also incredibly cunning. He manages to evade police throughout most of the film and always seems to be one step ahead of his victims.
The Violence
Finally, we have to talk about the violence in the original Halloween movie. While it may not be as graphic as some of the horror movies that have come out in recent years, it’s still pretty brutal. Michael Myers kills his victims in a variety of ways – strangulation, stabbing, and even impaling one character on a wall.
But what makes the violence in this film so effective is how it’s presented. Carpenter doesn’t show every kill on screen – instead, he often cuts away just before the moment of impact. This allows the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps and can make the violence even more disturbing.
Conclusion
So, how scary is the original Halloween movie? In short, very.
Its combination of atmosphere, villain, and violence create an unforgettable horror experience. If you’re a fan of the genre and haven’t seen this classic film yet, do yourself a favor and give it a watch – just maybe not on Halloween night.
- Atmosphere: The film takes place almost entirely at night
- The Villain: Michael Myers is essentially a force of nature – relentless and unstoppable
- The Violence: While it may not be as graphic as some of the horror movies that have come out in recent years, it’s still pretty brutal.
