Two weeks ago I took you on a trailer tour of A Nightmare on Elm Street. Last week we went through those of Friday the 13th. This week we finish off the godfathers of slash with the one that started it all (I know there a couple earlier entries like Black Christmas, but Halloween set the formula in stone). Next week will bring some more horror trailers as we build towards Halloween, then it will be back to business as usual. I promise. Hopefully, you have enjoyed these nostalgic journeys into bloodletting.
Halloween
In 1978 John Carpenter delivered what may be the greatest slasher film ever created in Halloween. It may not have been the first of the genre, but it certainly laid out the blueprint for so many that followed. It has great atmosphere, one of the best horror scores ever, and a killer who is unstoppable and has a habit of appearing out of the darkness right behind you. The trailer makes liberal use of that great score and builds great atmosphere. What surprised me was how much they show. In my opinion, too much is given away, although I do love ending with the "the night HE came home" tagline.
Halloween II
It took three years, but the sequel finally arrived. Perhaps producers were inspired by the success of Friday the 13th in 1980? Whatever the case, the film picks up where the original left off. Michael is thought dead and Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) is off to the hospital. The problem is that Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasance) is not convinced. A good portion of the action takes place at the hospital housing Laurie. While the film does not live up to its predecessor, I think it is a strong sequel, plus it features one of my favorite kills (and it doesn't even involve the masked one). The trailer demonstrates the tension and uses a new version of the theme music. I also have a TV spot that is quite effective.
Article comments