Everyone is entitled to their opinions about the new Halloween film, that isn’t what this post is about. However, i will say that i actually enjoyed this film. I thought it was great to see Michael return to the way he was portrayed in the original. I enjoyed Laurie, her daughter and her granddaughter. I appreciated all of the little easter eggs that i was able to catch, and even at its worst, this film is arguably the best sequel we have got since 1981. With that last sentence now out in the open, i want to get to what the actual point of this post is.
For the most part, this hobby/community is full of people who will argue that the original film is superior to every other installment in the franchise. Most everyone here will call someone out, and be rude to anyone who thinks otherwise.
There are the occasional members who really enjoy part 6 or Rob Zombies remake, so there are a few exceptions. However, most people cannot deny that if you dont come to this forum praising part 1 as your favorite, youre generally tossed to the side as a member of this community.
With that stated, i honestly feel like, and ive felt this way for most of the 8 years ive been apart of this community, that all of these purists on this site/forum, dont even know exactly what it is they are standing behind so fiercely.
This new movie is a prime example of how this fandom cannot differentiate the 78 classic as a stand alone film, and the sequels that followed.
Ive seen people complain about the way he moves, people complain that the brother and sister story line is missing, people upset that the score isnt a carbon copy of the 78 original.
Michael Myers wasnt a robot, slowly walking after his victims, head slightly tilted upward, completely lacking mannerisms until part 2.
Im sure im going to get the, “Part II happened the same night as part one,” line, but point blank, that was a decision made 3 years after the original entry in this series. So, no.
I feel like everyone has this nostalgia about the first one, so much so that it clouds their actual judgment and view on the character and franchise.
Everyone here fights to say that Nick Castle is the best Michael Myers, but everyone here seems to only remember Dick Warlocks robotic portrayal of the character.
In the original film, Michael was climbing on top of cars, crouching behind cars and couches, jumping to his feet on both accounts he swiftly walks, almost running, down the stairs as Laurie starts to get away.
He doesnt just hold the phone cord around Lynda’s neck, hes grunting, hes shaking with impatience, much like when he’s choking Annie from the backseat, or Laurie in the hallway as well. Nothing about the original Michael was robotic. He was very human, in his movements, and it was great to see that in this new film.
Sure there are a few moments when Michael actually slowly walks in the original, but that felt like it was more so the need for him to be quiet. Once he closed the gap between him and Laurie, he charges after. When he comes out of the closet to attack Bob, he rushed forward, pinning him to the wall.
Until the 1981 sequel, and the majority of what follows, there was no certain movements he could or couldn’t do.
And, until Halloween II, Michael’s motives weren’t clear. Psychology, fate and evil were the only things that gave purpose to a possible motive. Much like the 2018 film continued to build upon.
At the end of the day, nearly everyone in this hobby and on this site will say the original is the best. Its the only film that matters, but when put to the test, they have to take the other 5 sequels, featuring Michael, into consideration. They cant take it as a stand alone film, and what it set out to accomplish and say on its own.
Had they given a direct copy of the original film, soundtrack/score and all, i still dont think most people would be happy with it. The score for 2018 was great, and made by John Carpenter himself. He built on what he created 40 years ago, he didnt try to simply copy his previous work.
For a community so driven by the thought that the 1978, lightning in a bottle, original is the best and only film, it amazes me that no one can view it on its own.
In no way am i trying to argue that the original film wasn’t superior, and isnt still the pinnacle of Halloween and most slashers that followed. Im simply stating that on its own, its a completely different film, that none of the sequels captured, until now.