Halloween is a holiday that is celebrated every year on October 31st. It’s a day filled with costumes, candy, and spooky decorations. But one thing that sets Halloween apart from other holidays is the tradition of watching scary movies.
And there’s one movie in particular that has become synonymous with Halloween: John Carpenter’s “Halloween.” But why is this movie so scary? Let’s take a closer look.
The Storyline
At its core, “Halloween” is a simple story: a masked killer named Michael Myers escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to continue his killing spree. But what makes this story so effective is the way it’s told.
The movie takes place over the course of one night, which adds to the sense of urgency and tension. And while there are moments of violence and gore, the movie relies more on suspense and psychological terror to scare its audience.
The Music
One of the most iconic elements of “Halloween” is its score, which was composed by John Carpenter himself. The main theme, which features an eerie piano melody accompanied by simple synth chords, has become synonymous with horror movies in general. The music creates a sense of unease and dread that permeates throughout the entire movie.
The Cinematography
The cinematography in “Halloween” is another element that adds to its scare factor. The movie was shot on a low budget, but Carpenter and his cinematographer Dean Cundey made the most out of their limited resources.
The use of lighting and shadows creates an atmosphere that’s both eerie and claustrophobic. And the long takes and slow zooms create a sense of unease as we follow Michael Myers stalking his victims.
The Iconic Villain
Perhaps the biggest reason why “Halloween” is so scary is because of its villain: Michael Myers. The mask he wears, which is a white William Shatner mask painted over and altered, has become one of the most iconic images in horror movie history.
And the fact that we know so little about Michael Myers as a character makes him all the more terrifying. He’s a force of nature, an unstoppable killing machine that’s motivated by nothing but pure evil.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, “Halloween” is a classic horror movie that continues to scare audiences to this day. Its simple yet effective storyline, iconic music, cinematography, and unforgettable villain all contribute to its enduring legacy.
So if you’re looking for a scary movie to watch this Halloween season, look no further than John Carpenter’s “Halloween.” But be warned: once you’ve seen it, you may never be able to look at William Shatner the same way again.
