The original Halloween movie follows the story of a man who grew up in a broken home and was abused by his family members. He later becomes a masked killer.
Despite being a classic, the movie still sends chills down viewers’ spines every time they watch it. The protagonist, Michael Myers, terrorizes his family throughout the movie, starting with the murder of his sister, who had chosen to spend time with her boyfriend over Michael on Halloween.
The film delves into Michael’s backstory, depicting him as a young boy in 1968. At six years old, he was babysat by his sister, Judith, on Halloween night. But instead of taking Michael trick-or-treating, Judith invited her boyfriend over to hang out with her.
Feeling neglected and jealous, Michael took a kitchen knife and stabbed his sister to death. This was Michael’s first murder at the young age of six, and it was triggered by his sister’s decision to prioritize her boyfriend over him.
What is the Plot of The Original Halloween Movie?
The original Halloween movie follows the story of Michael Myers, a man who, as a child, murders his sister on Halloween night. Michael is institutionalized for his crime but escapes years later and returns to his hometown to continue his killing spree.
The film focuses on the night of October 31st, as Michael stalks and kills a group of teenagers who are babysitting in the neighborhood. The protagonist, Dr. Loomis, is Michael’s former psychiatrist who has been warning the authorities about his patient’s dangerous tendencies.
Dr. Loomis spends the night searching for Michael, hoping to stop him before he can harm anyone else. The movie is a classic slasher film, known for its suspenseful music, ominous cinematography, and iconic villain, Michael Myers, who wears a creepy mask throughout the film.
Laurie Strode’s Character
Laurie Strode is the main protagonist in the Halloween movie franchise. She is portrayed as a resilient and resourceful character who faces off against the movie’s antagonist, Michael Myers.
In the original Halloween movie, Laurie is a high school student who is tasked with babysitting on Halloween night. She encounters Michael throughout the night, first seeing him staring at her from a distance and later discovering that he has been stalking her.
Laurie eventually discovers the true extent of Michael’s murderous intentions and is forced to fight for her life. She ultimately manages to survive the night and becomes one of the few people who have managed to evade Michael’s wrath.
Laurie is a recurring character in the Halloween movie franchise and has appeared in several sequels, where she continues to fight against Michael and his relentless pursuit of her and her loved ones.
How Many Halloween Films Are There?
Halloween is a widely celebrated holiday in America, with various traditions associated with it. However, the most well-known custom is trick-or-treating. If you’re curious about the number of Halloween movies available, here’s a list of the titles from the Halloween series:
- Halloween (1978)
- Halloween II (1981)
- Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)
- Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)
- Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
- Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
- Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998)
- Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
- Halloween (2007)
- Halloween II (2009)
- Halloween (2018)
- Halloween Kills (2021)
What is the Story Behind the Movie Halloween?
The movie Halloween, released in 1978, is a classic horror film directed by John Carpenter. The story follows a young man named Michael Myers, who, as a child, murders his older sister on Halloween night.
Myers is subsequently institutionalized, but 15 years later, he escapes and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, on another Halloween night. Myers sets his sights on a group of teenagers, including the main protagonist, Laurie Strode, and begins to stalk and kill them one by one.
The movie’s tension and fear come from the relentless pursuit of Myers and the teenage characters’ attempts to survive his attacks. Halloween’s enduring popularity is due to its iconic portrayal of the slasher film genre, which has since become a staple in horror movies.
Additionally, Carpenter’s use of a minimalist soundtrack, featuring the infamous theme music, heightens the tension and suspense throughout the film.
Overall, the story of Halloween is a classic horror tale of a disturbed individual’s desire to inflict terror and harm on innocent victims, particularly on a night when people traditionally celebrate in costumes and revelry. The movie’s success has spawned numerous sequels and remakes, cementing its place in the annals of horror movie history.
Final Thoughts
The 1978 release of Halloween quickly became a favorite among horror and thriller movie enthusiasts. The film’s popularity is largely due to its unique premise, which centers around a masked killer who stalks and murders teenage babysitters on Halloween night.
In addition to its captivating storyline, the movie is praised for its suspenseful soundtrack, which has been sampled in popular songs like Eminem’s “Till I Collapse.” The film’s various plot twists and turns keep the audience engaged and guessing until the very end.
During the 1970s, horror movies were not as prevalent as they are today, but Halloween and other films paved the way for the genre’s success in American cinema.
Even now, Halloween remains one of the most beloved horror films of all time. Many people make a tradition of watching it every year during the Halloween season. Whether you’re a horror movie enthusiast or simply looking to embrace the Halloween spirit, this classic thriller is worth a watch.