Halloween (1978) - Why's it such an significant film?

Halloween (1978) directed by John Carpenter is an independent slasher film. The whole production cost around $325,000 which is not a lot, yet grossed $47 million at US box office, making it one of the most independent movies! I found this quite significant as it goes to show, that you don't need a big budget to make an brilliant film.

The Film was also influenced by Psycho (1960) and Chainsaw Massacre (1947), which are very successful films in the history of horror; elements of influences are recognised in the film. E.g. The female is both Psycho and Halloween are naked when they are killed.

Also, noticing that camera work used in Halloween, the camera is hand held for most shots; no dolly tacks are used. This is something to keep in mind when working on my horror trailer as with a limited budget, filming with the camera just being carried with be our only option.

Halloween (1960) is also well known for birth of the Final Girl, although the main actress Laurie Strode,(Jamie lee Curtis, daughter of the main actress in Psycho: Janet Leigh who plays, Marion Crane ) does not kill the killer but saves the children, and defends herself again him, using his own weapon of the knife.

John Carpenter uses devices which creates horror and suspense through mind playing with the audience. He positions the audience in two different ways: What you THINK you see (implied), and what you ACTUALLY see (reality). I find the movement really helpful as it goes to show that its not the blood and gore that grabs attention of the audience, but the fear of unknown and suspense created. It is also something that I find worth considering when story boarding for my trailer.

Supsense is created in this shot; the audience can just about see a mask face creeping out from behind the door. 

Watching this video on the different locations used in Halloween has also made me aware of potential locations to look our for or that could be ideal for a horror trailer.