Welcome, fellow Halloween enthusiasts, to a frightfully fun journey into the world of Halloween and the infamous masked murderer, Michael Myers. We’re about to uncover some bone-chilling yet fascinating facts that will make your Halloween even spookier!
1. The Legend Begins with Low Budget
The original “Halloween” movie, released in 1978, was made on a shoestring budget of just $325,000. Despite its humble origins, it went on to become one of the most iconic and successful horror films of all time, thanks in no small part to the eerie presence of Michael Myers.
2. That Iconic Mask? It's a Captain Kirk Mask!
The William Shatner mask that he used when he played Captain Kirk was purchased for a few dollars and used (after some minor alterations, for Michael Myers’ mask. It was chosen because of its blank, emotionless expression, but no one expected it would become so iconic in the horror genre.
3. Michael Myers Was "The Shape"
In the credits of the original “Halloween” movie, Michael Myers is credited as “The Shape.” This was deliberate, as director John Carpenter wanted to maintain an aura of mystery around the character, emphasizing his supernatural, otherworldly nature. Additionally, in the original “Halloween” movie, Michael Myers barely speaks, except for a single word whispered by him during a scene. This silence adds to the character’s unnerving presence, making him even more menacing.
4. The Autumn Look, Out of Season
Pumpkins are quintessential symbols of Halloween, and it was essential to include them in the movie to capture the spirit of the holiday. However, the shoot took place during the spring, which meant real pumpkins were out of season. The crew had to use plastic jack-o’-lanterns and limit scenes where they needed real pumpkins. They also had to rely on fake leaves and use creative camera angles to evoke the ambiance of the season.
5. Jamie Lee Curtis: A Scream Queen is Born
Jamie Lee Curtis, who played the iconic role of Laurie Strode in the original “Halloween,” became known as the ultimate scream queen. Her portrayal set the standard for the “final girl” trope in horror movies, inspiring countless heroines in the genre.
6. An Ongoing Legacy
The “Halloween” franchise has spawned multiple sequels and reboots, making it one of the longest-running horror film series in history. Michael Myers keeps coming back, no matter how many times he’s seemingly been defeated.
7. The Original Title
The film was initially titled “The Babysitter Murders” before it was changed to “Halloween.” This title change contributed to the film’s timeless appeal, as it made the story less specific and more broadly terrifying.
8. Halloween Inspired by Real-Life Events
John Carpenter was inspired to create “Halloween” after visiting a psychiatric hospital while on a class trip in college. He visited “the most serious, mentally ill patients”, one of them being a young boy (about 12-13 years old) with a blank, emotionless stare. This encounter influenced the creation of Michael Myers’ character, emphasizing his cold, emotionless nature.
9. Carpenter's Iconic Score
Director John Carpenter also composed the film’s hauntingly memorable score. The simple yet eerie piano melody has become synonymous with the franchise and horror itself.
10. The "Ghost" Director
The credited director of “Halloween” is John Carpenter, but the film’s producer, Debra Hill, contributed significantly to its success. She often took on the directorial role for scenes featuring the female characters.
