Are You Afraid of the Boogie Man?- 'Halloween' vs 'Halloween'







    This blog post contains spoilers for 'Halloween' (1978) and 'Halloween' (2018)



The phrase the 'boogie man' may make you think of a number of different things, such as imaginary childhood fears of an unknown threat in the wardrobe or shadowy figures lurking in the dark. However; for many, the 'boogie man' conjures the image of Michael Myers; the slow-walking serial killer that takes centre stage in many, many films of the 'Halloween' franchise. 

In this instance, I'm only going to be discussing the effects of the original 1978 film 'Halloween' and how it compares to the 2018 sequel of the same name. I am choosing to ignore the previous eight (Yes, eight) sequels as quite frankly so did the 2018 film, and for good reason. 

The 2018 film picks up 40 years after the original, a cinematic choice to 'tidy up' the storyline as a new horizon was created for the characters and to stamp out any confusion created by previous storylines. This works very effectively, especially due to the presence of main actress Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie who starred as the scream queen in the 1978 version. 

'Halloween' (1978) is considered a cult classic and with the news of a sequel in 2018, many horror fans rejoiced. However, this news made other horror fans sigh at yet another Hollywood sequel or remake of the franchise, which had over the years turned into a cash-grab for producers as each film over the years declined in quality. So what made this film different? 

The 2018 film reflected the mood of the original in a way no other sequel had pulled off before, while adding aspects for all film-goers to enjoy. The film includes comedy without being slapstick, and even pokes fun of horror movie tropes and even Michael himself. Laurie is portrayed as a mentally ill old lady, while Michael is diminished to nothing more than a serial killer. The 'horror' of Michael is stripped away as nobody listens to Laurie's fears of his return, until it is too late. 

This sequel worked extremely well as it flipped the original film's narrative on it's head, Laurie is ready for Michael this time and makes sure she knows every trick in his book. We see a lot of the Michael we know and love in action as he stakes his unsuspecting victims just like the first film, lots of slow walking and hiding in plain sight, creating unsettling images and shots as his ruthlessness is apparent. 

Laurie is not invincible and unrealistic in her need for revenge of Michael Myers, rather she is prepared for him. She waited 40 years for his return, turning all of his old tricks against him and forgetting nothing. The one question the two films conjure: did he really come back for her, or did she get him in the right place at the right time? I suppose the upcoming sequel of this 'trilogy' will shed some blood on that one.

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