So, a question I’ve been pondering for a while, but never really had an answer to, is one that has basis in three main films where we see it praised as one of the key points of Michael’s character: Halloween from 1978, Halloween 2 from 1981, and Halloween from 2018. All three of these films have something in common beyond the appraisal of Michael’s appearance: his walk, and the way that he stands: the Motions of the Shape, if you will.
So, I wanted to do a dive into the walk and presence of The Shape, and more accurately, what would be the best way to describe how Michael moves and carries himself, and how can someone replicate it? This is more of a question of curiosity than a question of learning how to replicate it, as I’ve prided myself on learning the walk myself, but I want to see what others have to say on it beyond myself.
For those who are interested, this is how I’d describe it. For me, walking as the Shape is less-so about looking stiff, or something inhuman trying to replicate the movements of a human, like how Dick Warlock moves, but relaxed and just going where the wind takes you next. It’s a matter of acting like an apex predator on the prowl, but one that is stalking its prey in a manner calm, collected, and otherwise detached from the rest of the world. There is nothing else but you and your focus. Sometimes, there’s nothing to focus on, and thusly you just walk aimlessly, blankly staring ahead as though you have a purpose. There is also a certain cadence to keep. You’re in no hurry, nor are you enjoying the slow creeping crawl of death. You are simply… walking.
This is aptly demonstrated in two key scenes that I personally recall. Michael walking across the street in 1978, and Michael’s return to Haddonfield after 40 years of captivity. You also see it somewhat in the scene where Michael finds himself at the gas station in 2018:
The Shape Stalks, 1978
The Shape Returns, 2018
These are good examples of how the Shape carries himself in movement. But what about the Shape standing there? How does he carry himself then? How are his mannerisms distinct to him when he is not walking, but stalking? Again, I turn to Halloween 1978 for answers, as that is where we see the Shape being far more menacing in the background, or directly in the foreground.
In much the same ways as The Shape just walks with direction and purpose without being in a hurry, The Shape stands very much in the same way. In states of catatonia, he doesn’t lift his head. He is at his most relaxed. In states of stalking, he just stands there, arms relaxed to the sides, legs spread apart. In moments of stalking for the kill, such as at the top of the stairs at both the Doyle and Wallace residences, he stands there with the knife out, but his whole body generally relaxed.
This is something similar we see in Halloween 2, but not entirely replicated. Warlock’s performance is stiff, unnervingly mechanical, completely inhuman. While it’s highly praised for this, I do think it loses out the more uncanny aspects of Michael that we know from the first and 2018 films: Hawkins put it best in Halloween Kills: he’s a 6 year old boy with the strength of a man and the mind of an animal.
Now, I want to know your thoughts, and how best to replicate it. What are the Shape’s mannerisms and movements to you? Because, while I’ve explained how it looks… I’m afraid I’d personally be repeating myself if I told you how to replicate the Shape’s mannerisms.