Halloween

Halloween Opening Sequence

The film Halloween still one of the most famous horrors ever made, has been majorly influential on modern day horrors. The film tells the story of an escaped serial killer in his search for his biological sister. It is was an independent film, made on a budget of only $320,000 which grossed $47.3 million.

The credits for the film are an indication of it’s low budget. Credits on the right, fade in and out, changing from yellow to red. The colour and effect give connotations of fire and danger, and relate to the theme of Halloween. On the left of the screen there is a pumpkin, which is gradually zoomed in on.
The credits are typical, John Carpenter as the director is named at the end, and Jamie Lee Curtis is introduced as a new actress. The actor of Michael Myers is not mentioned.
One of the films greatest aspects would be the film theme tune, which is played throughout the credits to build tension. The upbeat tune repeats a simple piano tune, with a dark undertone. This is alternative to most horror styles of prolonged deep notes, and helps to create atmosphere throughout the film. The song itself, now an iconic piece of music, is not only played during credits, but has became related to Michael himself. This is another feature which made Halloween unique, as the music was alternative to typical horror films.

Set in the fictional suburban town of Haddonfield, the film stood out from other horrors, showing the murders of working class people. In the opening scene John Carpenter highlights this setting, using a slow zoom in of the house.
The scene opens with only diegetic sounds. These ambient sounds of nature contrast with the later sequence, where a child commits murder.

Carpenter then shows a long shot of the sister  with her boyfriend, where Michael is looking through the the window. The camera then leads around the house, in a point of view shot of Michael. The house is dark and old fashioned, shown from a high angle shot. The camera follows, as Michael through the house. Leading up to the sisters room, it is implied that she is promiscous, and this is central to Haloween's theme. There is non diegetic music to build tension, and a sound of church bells contrasts with the satanic act.
Carpenter uses an interesting shot, through Michael's mask, which is used again in the sequels. The music crescendos up to the murder, where a high pitched note is the climax. The murder is short, and fairly ungraphic, still shot through Michael's mask. Eery offey music is played, as Micheal leaves the house.It is only when Michael's Dad takes off his mask, that it is revealed he is infact a child, having a major impact on the audience. This idea adds to Halloween's individuality, because Michael is not the typical serial killer. The murder of his sister is effortless, and vaguely shown, and it is here that we already see Michael's animalistic portrayal.