There was something about the original HALLOWEEN that still can scare the crap out of whatever newcomer watches the film for the first time.. perhaps the truly simple story that turns supernatural.. the night "he" came home to kill, someone we later find out in subsequent films his sister. The SHAPE, as Michael Myers is referred to in the closing credits of Debra Hill and John Carpenter's classic film, was played by Nick Castle--and in later scenes by Tommy Lee Wallace. Castle's order from Carpenter was not to act, just walk. And not to talk, just walk. He did.. The script called for a blank faced mask.. but Hill and Carpenter originally almost used a clown mask to cover Castle's face for the Shape role. Luckily for history's sake, a William Shatner mask looked much more human--and with a little larger eye holes and white paint, it looked downright frightening. Think about that when you see a Priceline commercial. The role of The Shape in the film was new for its time. Think 1978, when no FRIDAY the 13th films ever came out, when no SAW films ever were dreamed of, when no Freddy Krueger character was yet created. Carpenter, though he maybe didn't intend it, created a frightening tale about small town America, which then spawned into an entire generation of often badly made popcorn horror flicks with steamy sex and goofy death scenes. Jamie Lee Curtis was the proper fit for the role of Laurie Strode. Donald Pleasance created a magic character in Doctor Sam Loomis. Other characters in the film added to the noir of the movie. The music of the film was memorable and is still used as a background to Halloween parties or haunted houses even today. Simple piano music, with a few added instruments. But for the most part, the entire film's music is piano. And the simple notes of the songs are genius.. And now, 30 years after the release of the cheaply made independent film that made millions, we're celebrating the anniversary of the film. One that lives on today--even when remakes turn brutal and offensive. To show the enduring quality of the movie, you will no doubt hear the HALLOWEEN piano song at least one time this week... The original trailer:

Labels: Entertainment, Halloween, Hollywood, horror, movies