Halloween Franchise

The movie, HALLOWEEN (1978), inspired many filmmakers, not just the ones making horror movies, but directors shooting other types of films, too. It inspired me because it was an independent movie made for a small amount of money ($320,000 US) by enthusiastic individuals who were fairly recent film school graduates, was a box office success ($55 million–one of the most successful independent films of all time), and people still talk about it today. Millions of fans showered affection on this film, and its legacy still lives on.

HALLOWEEN was successful because of its very talented crew and cast. The story, written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, about a six year old boy (Michael) who killed his 17-year old sister (Judith) one Halloween night was good: as a result of the murder, his parents had him placed in a sanitarium. Fifteen years later, he escaped and returned to his hometown: Haddonfield. His psychiatrist, Dr. Sam Loomis, knew exactly where he was going and followed him because he believed he was evil.

In addition to a good story, the technical aspects were excellent. The directing (Carpenter), music (Carpenter), lighting, cinematography, sound, editing, etc. were above average. And this was the feature film debut of Jamie Lee Curtis. She was wonderful in this movie. Overall, everyone in the cast was likable and believable, especially Donald Pleasence who played Dr. Loomis.

A movie like this had never been done before, so it was extremely frightening and other filmmakers imitated it. It even imitated itself, because there have been seven sequels, a remake, and in August a sequel to the remake will be released. I saw all seven sequels. They were entertaining, but not excellent like the original. The sequels had graphic violence and gore, which were absent in the first movie, and critics dismissed them. On the other hand, the original HALLOWEEN received many critical reviews (both good and bad).

Another problem with the sequels is the lack of story continuity. I guess since there were various writers and directors, this should be expected. HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH is an exception. It, like HALLOWEEN and HALLOWEEN II, were written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, and was a totally different story not involving Michael and Dr. Loomis. I like it, but missed seeing the two main characters. Many people, including the producer and owner of the franchise Moustapha Akkad, have said that the movie should have just been called SEASON OF THE WITCH, and not associated with the HALLOWEEN franchise because it is a good movie.

I like the documentary, HALLOWEEN: 25 YEARS OF TERROR, because it takes viewers behind the scenes of the entire series. Also, there are interviews with cast and crew, and footage from the October 2003, 25-year Anniversary Convention – Return to Haddonfield held in Pasadena, California (one of the filming locations of the original HALLOWEEN), including panel discussions with cast and crew. In addition, there is art, videos, and music from the fans.

This franchise certainly has some dedicated admirers, and I think that is wonderful. I have not even mentioned all of the other products, including fan films and comic books, which have been created by many people who love this franchise. As a filmmaker, I hope and pray that I will have such a following some day. It seems like it would be nice having so much support from people all over the world who would encourage me to keep doing what I enjoy, especially during the times when things may not be going so well.

I still watch these movies, especially around Halloween (October 31), because they are fun. I like suspense, and want to follow the series. I have even seen the 2007 remake directed by Rob Zombie. I am not sure what to say about the remake, but I remember after the movie was over people silently exited the theatre. Usually people talk, and I like to stay in the theatre to read the credits and listen to the music, but not this time; I walked out right after the movie ended with everyone else. I am not sure if I am going to see “remake part two.” Maybe curiosity will take over.