Halloween in Haddonfield is one of the scariest horror movie settings of all time.  With a lot of parties and ‘trick or treaters,’ there are people wearing masks everywhere, making evil harder to detect.  Speaking of evil, everyone knows the iconic, mute, white-masked terror that is Michael Myers from the Halloween franchise. But where did Halloween creators come up with the story, plot and Michael Myers himself? What inspired one of the most popular (and deadly) horror movie slashers of all time, Michael Myers?  Is Halloween Michael Myers Real or based on a true story?

The Real Story Behind Michael Myers and Halloween

Like any successful horror movie franchise, Halloween has grown throughout time.  A horror franchise grows with its sequels according to the demand of the audience and appropriate plot advances. But a lot of what Michael Myers is today, is owed to his original creators…the writers and staff responsible for putting together the original Halloween film. Here are some of the most influential contributions to making Halloween and Michael a scary slasher genre leader that it is today!

Dark History of Evil

The idea of Michael Myers can be traced back to Samhain, and true evil itself.  Debra Hill, who co-wrote Halloween (1978) got into detail in one interview mentioning Samhain itself and that evil was unable to be killed or destroyed. In a traditional Samhain belief, the souls from the other side can come back for one night. This spawned the concept of Michael Myers, a Halloween (Samhain by another name) killer who would keep coming back. Originally, Michael Myers was referred to as “The Shape” by direct John Carpenter. This was allegedly due to Michael always lurking in the shadows in the scenes. The term “the shape” also has some interesting roots in witchcraft meaning that the devil or evil can take the shape of others or walk in the shadows near them. Coincidence maybe, but interesting none the less.

College Studies to Horror Slasher

John Carpenter attributes some of his inspiration for writing Michael’s evil nature from a trip to a mental institution he took with one of his college classes.  Supposedly (according to Carpenter), the patients housed at this Kentucky mental institution were the most seriously ill of all mental patients.  Many of the patients exhibited creepy characteristics. One patient in particular, a young boy, provided Carpenter with a truly evil and deadly stare.  This experience ultimately led to the creation of the hacking and slashing villain and Halloween horror star, Michael Myers.

In the documentary “Halloween – A Cut Above the Rest” Carpenter describes the boy in detail.

“This blank, pale emotionless face. Blackest eyes. The devil’s eyes. I spent eight years trying to reach him and then another seven trying to keep him locked up, because I realized what was living behind that boys’ eyes was purely and simply evil.”

John Carpenter in “Halloween – A Cut Above the Rest”

Stanley Stiers

Another potential influence is Stanley Stiers. Stiers is a tragic story of babies switched at birth by a cruel nurse. When the parents found our Stanley was not their real son they abused and neglected him. The final straw was Halloween night when he was denied trick or treating while his sister was able to go. The young boy murdered his family and his sister with a knife. Some horror fan sites believe this is the true backstory of Halloween and Michael Myers, but we have yet to hear that confirmation from Carpenter himself.

Creating Haddonfield

The two writers, Hill and Carpenter, had to come up with a fictional town that Michael could return to haunt. Haddonfield is a real place, only it is located in New Jersey. Hill grew up in Haddonfield, New Jersey, and picked the name in honor of her hometown.  The street names throughout the movie were pulled from Carpenter’s hometown, Bowling Green. In fact, much of the script details were pulled together by combining the two writers’ childhood and hometown experiences together.

Character Creation

The writers decided it would be easiest to each be responsible for drafting the characters of their respective genders.  Thus, Debra Hill would write most of the female character dialogue and behavior; and Carpenter focused on Dr Loomis and Michael Myers. 

Additionally, some of the character names came from the Carpenter’s personal live. Laurie Strode was an ex-girlfriend of Carpenter’s. Michael Myers was the name of a producer Carpenter had previously known from another film.

A Terrifying Musical Score

A lot of the horror that takes place in a Halloween film, especially the original film, take place during super eerie sound tracks.  The suspense that builds during a Halloween film can almost directly relate to the background soundtrack, as the scarier the scenes: the scarier the music.  Carpenter played a huge part in the musical composition of the Halloween soundtrack and has suggested the soundtrack is one of the movies greatest assets.

Other Inspirations

Homage to Alfred Hitchcock is paid by way of two character names. Firstly, Tommy Doyle’s character was named after a policeman from Hitchcock’s 1954 “Rear Window.” And secondly, Dr. Loomis was a nod to character Sam Loomis (played by John Gavin) from Hitchcocks’ 1960 “Psycho.”

Final Words About Halloween’s Favorite Slasher

In short, Halloween is not based upon a true story although Michael Myers is based on real people from the writers lives. However, it does not require it be based on a real story to be truly terrifying. And there WAS real inspiration for the making of Michael Myers. And there were several other real-life inspirations in the making of the Halloween franchise. Regardless of how the original concept was derived, John Carpenter capitalized on a timeless fear, as the audience still turns up strong for a good Halloween sequel!

Are you a TRUE Halloween franchise enthusiast? Check out Surprising Facts About the Halloween Movies for some real Halloween Movie Trivia!

Tritone

Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.

puzzleboxhorror.com

Advertisements

The post Is Michael Myers Real? appeared first on Puzzle Box Horror.

Some pretty great minds went into creating Halloween’s third film, Halloween Part III: Season of the Witch (1982).  Tommy Lee Wallace wrote and directed the film with contributions from Debra Hill and John Carpenter himself!  While this film was supposed to be the start of what they all hoped would become a Halloween anthology series (that would never be), it is most certainly a hidden gem of a horror movie altogether! The movie took a lot of risks to create a masterpiece that has developed a definite cult following some 30-some years later!  And the worst part is the more time that goes by, the creepier the movie gets…almost in a predictive sort of way!

Behind the Scenes: Halloween Part III

The creators of the Season of the Witch found a hidden fear in the fabric of society. The movie successfully showcases horror by way of brainwashing and mind-control, conspiracy and full-on hopelessness. Here are some of the most interesting facts in the making of Halloween Part 3: Season of the Witch…

Cameo Pharmaceutical

In Halloween (1978), Dr Loomis suggests a drug called “Thorazine” to Nurse Chambers. Thorazine is supposed to suggested to suppress Michael Myers’ mental and psychiatric disorders. In Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982), this same drug is prescribed by Dr Challis to Harry Grimbridge during his stint in the hospital!

Truly Hypnotizing

The creators were insistent upon the Silver Shamrock theme song and commercial playing as much as possible throughout the film.  Branding the film with the Silver Shamrock Novelties company logos, stickers, and themes was imperative in creating the fear that is experienced throughout the film. Ultimately, the Silver Shamrock theme song plays a total of 14 times throughout the movie!

Where Was Halloween Season of the Witch Filmed?

The film was produced in California.  The gas stations are located off the Sierra Highway, and also in Loleta (both are still there). The hospital was in Sylmar, however, no longer remains. And the Silver Shamrock commercials were filmed in Sierra Madre.  The movie also uses the Rose of Shannon Motel and a manufacturing factory in Loleta. Random scenes are shot all over L.A. As well.

Voicing Cameo

Halloween’s previous films starred Jamie Lee Curtis.  She is also the phone operator in the third installment, Season of the Witch. The role is uncredited, but she sounds absolutely convincing! She is also the voice reciting the curfew.

Coining Witchcraft in the Computer Age

Several people, including the film’s director (Tommy Lee Wallace), credit Debra hill with the concept of introducing witchcraft to the computer age.  Witchcraft had not previously been used to fuse with or take over technology in the way it is used throughout the Silver Shamrock story.

The Masks Were Real

The three Silver Shamrock masks present throughout the film were mass produced as a part of a merchandising campaign. Don Post was selected for the job, as he had previously done similar merchandising for E.T. (1982), Star Wars (1977), and Planet of the Apes (1968).  The producers felt that if the masks were released early enough, fans would purchase them prior to the film’s release and wear them to the actual movie theater.

A Masked Plot

Tommy Lee Wallace, writer and director of Season of the Witch, explained that he had an intricate plan for the three masked sold by the Silver Shamrock Novelties company.  Each mask was going to represent another film in the series…thus connecting Season of the Witch (loosely) with the other movies in the franchise.  Unfortunately, after this third movie in the franchise totally bombed at the box office, Halloween would have to return to their cash cow, famed slasher Michael Myers, instead of merely leaving behind his mask.

Mostly Acting Newbies

Almost all of the cast of the third Halloween film were total newbies…only having previous credits as extras or cameo types of appearances. There were a couple bigger names, but ultimately the film relied upon newer, green talent. Amazingly, the acting itself is pretty alright and the movie maintains a fairly strong level of suspense. 

Halloween Cameo Appearance

Halloween (1978) itself receives a cameo appearance roughly 1:17 to 1:19 minutes into the movie. The movie can be seen played on a small TV as a Silver Shamrock victim sits strapped to a chair and locked in a room with a mask over his head.

The Silver Shamrock Theme Song

The Silver Shamrock theme song is based on the popular “London Bridge” song.  London Bridge was in the public domain, so it became a clear choice as a catchy, modifiable tune that people would recognize, remember, and be able to follow along with.

Robot Guts

Robot guts was seemingly new territory as the staff ended up using orange juice.  The high-in-vitamin-c citrus drink can be seen pouring from the robots’ mouths throughout the films.

Got Milk?

Although the crew used orange juice for robot blood, the Silver Shamrock factory was actually producing something much different before being cast in Season of the Witch.  A milk factory was used as the Silver Shamrock headquarters due to its availability, location ambiance and size.

Inspirations for Making the Film

There are obvious tips of the hat to both Don Siegel (Invasion of the Body Snatchers general concept) and George A Romero (Season of the Witch film title). Halloween itself (the holiday, not the movie franchise), deserves an applause, for without Halloween, none of Season of the Witch would be possible! The movie focuses on the sale of Halloween masks to would-be trick-or-treaters, days before…you guessed it! Halloween!

An Under appreciated 80s Horror Movie

Season of the Witch is one of the most original horror movies to come out of the 80s, despite drawing a lot of inspiration from even very popular pieces such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) and Season of the Witch (1972). The acting is pretty decent, believable. The characters are drawn perfectly.  The film style and natural fear is excellent, in traditional Carpenter-Hill fashion. And Tommy Lee Wallace totally knocks the ball out of the park when it comes to directing the movie. Regardless of its amazing feats, the brilliant attempt at reinventing the Halloween franchise came a little too early; Thus, Season of the Witch joins the ranks of underappreciated 80s horror movies.

And if it were still possible to actually buy Silver Shamrock masks, every fan absolutely would!

Tritone

Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.

puzzleboxhorror.com

The post Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) appeared first on Puzzle Box Horror.

Michael Myers is one of the scariest figures in the horror slasher genre…and has claimed one of the highest horror movie killer body counts of them all! He is ominous, seemingly immortal and possesses terrifying presence! What if Michael Myers were chasing you throughout his childhood home?  What if you found yourself at a hospital late at night alongside Laurie Strode? What if you found yourself in Haddonfield on Halloween?

Would You Survive Michael Myers In Real Life?

Horror Enthusiast has created the Michael Myers Survival Points system in order to track your progress during a real life Michael Myers escape.  Making favorable decisions earns you positive points, while making mistakes may cost you your points (or much worse!).

You start out with Zero (0) points, unless your last name is “Myers” or “Strode,” in which case you start out with negative five (-5) points!

After you complete the quiz and tally up your score, you will be able to determine whether you would be likely to survive a real life Michael Myers chase or be the next resident of the Haddonfield cemetery!

Weapon to Use Against Michael Myers

Most survivors are not strong enough by themselves, thus a weapon in a horror movie is an invaluable asset. Michael Myers almost always has a large kitchen knife which can be seen gleaming in the background as he stalks his a victim. Having a weapon has sometimes helped a Michael Myers survivor find their way to safety. You may choose one (1) weapon to use against Michael Myers to aid your survival!

• If you would attempt to inject Michael with a powerful sedative that would knock him out instantly, add 8 points to your score.
• If you would choose to use a knife or piece of broken glass against Michael, add 10 points to your score.
• If you would attempt to hit Michael with a car or other vehicle, add 12 points to your score.
• If you would attempt to knock Michael out with a piece of furniture or other heavy object, add 15 points to your score.
• If you would attempt to shoot Michael with a pistol or a shotgun, add 8 points to your score.
• If you would attempt to wrestle Michael’s knife out of his hands to use against him, add 6 point to your score.
• If you choose to avoid an encounter, do not modify your score.

Hiding Place When Running From Michael Myers

It is impossible for nearly all survivors to run indefinitely…although the slashers seem to have endless streams of energy.  Hiding is therefore essential to a good survival plan, and where you hide against Michael Myers matters.  Michael is an expert at hide and go seek, so choose carefully! You may choose one (1) hiding place to help you survive a real life Michael Myers chase!

• If you would choose to hide in an inoperable vehicle, add 9 points to your score.
• If you would choose to hide in a barn, add 12 points to your score.
• If you would choose to hide under a desk or table, add 15 points to your score.
• If you would choose to hide in a dumbwaiter, add 5 points to your score.
• If you would choose to hide in a closet, add 9 points to your score.
• If you would never choose to hide, do not modify your score.

Escape Routes to Escape Michael Myers

Although Michael’s total body count is rather high, some survivors still slip through to the end and go on to live for a sequel! Most of the victims have tried to escape, but their escape route turns out to be a poor choice against “The Shape.” Those who get away typically have to run for a while and require a collaboration of creative escape routes to survive. You may choose two (2) escape routes in order to create your preferred combination for survival!

• If you would attempt to get into a car, knowing the keys are inside, and drive away from Michael, add 10 points to your score.
• If you would choose to call 911 and wait it out in hiding within a building (hospital, school, etc), add 7 points to your score.
• If you would choose to jump from a two story window, without knowing what was below, add 10 points to your score.
• If you would attempt to seriously incapacitate or kill Michael Myers in order to escape, add 15 points to your score.
• If you would choose to trap Michel Myers in any way (with a car, with a heavy object, with a noose trap, etc), add 15 points to your score.

Ways to Die Against Michael Myers

There are a lot of mistakes to be made when a horror movie slasher is chasing you. Michael Myers is a lot less tolerant of mistakes and will typically seize these opportunities to slay his victims. Unfortunately, these common mistakes will diminish the chance of survival!

Assuming He Is Dead

Many characters make the mistake of assuming Michael Myers is dead at one point or another.  This is a recurring theme, and one that winds up being fatal for many characters.  Whether it is hell reincarnated in human form, simple supernatural powers, Michael Myers does not seem to die.

If you would approach Michael Myers while he lay still in front of you, seemingly dead, with any reason other than to do him immediate harm, subtract 25 points from your score!

Celebrating Halloween

Almost all of Michael’s victims celebrated to some extent. Some victims even went trick or treating! Michael only seems to be interested in killing on Samhain (Halloween day itself), and thus, those out and about celebrating Halloween are at greater risk!

If you are a Halloween lover, subtract 25 points from your score!

Having Intercourse

Like many other horror slashers of his generation, Michael loves to kill those who are in a …compromising position!  People who become intimate in the Halloween movies are at an increased risk for becoming part of Michael’s never ending body count.

If you would find yourself in an intimate, ‘compromising position’ on Halloween day, subtract 20 points from your score!

Protecting a Potential Victim

There are a lot of kills that did not have to happen! Michael Myers oftentimes has to tear through a few unnecessary deaths in order to reach his true intended victim.  Because Michael is seeking out his family, those who stand in the way to protect or defend the targets, usually die themselves.

If you feel you would stand up for one of Michael’s families, a Strode or a Myers, subtract 15 points from your score!

Curse of the Working Man

Michael Myers is a very mobile slasher, and finds his way around in order to reach his targets.  Unfortunately, this means killing a lot of innocent people along the way who are key in him working his way to his victims.  He will kill doctors, nurses, paramedics, police, attendants, mechanics, and more.

If you have a job that involves helping others in any way (in person), you might come into contact with Michael Myers by sheer chance (bad luck), so subtract 10 points from your score!

Did You Survive Michael Myers?

Tallying up your Michael Myers Survival Points will indicate your likelihood of surviving a real life encounter with Michael Myers. 

+10 points…………… HIGH LIKELIHOOD OF SURVIVAL

4 to 9 points………… POSSIBLE CHANCE OF SURVIVAL

0 to 3 points………… SLIM CHANCE OF SURVIVAL

-9 to -1 points……… PROBABLY DEAD ON ARRIVAL

-19 to -10 points……DEFINITE DEATH

Below -20 points…. DIED BEFORE EVEN SEEING HIM

Remember, Michael has killed a lot of people and not all of them have realized what was happening until it was too late.  Many people mistake him for a peer, and many people believe he can be tamed. Michael’s kill count continues to go up, although nearly every kill has been spectacular.

Tritone

Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.

puzzleboxhorror.com

The post Would You Survive Michael Myers If You Were In a Movie? appeared first on Puzzle Box Horror.

Laurie Strode’s character (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) was a long running heroine in the Halloween franchise.  She is one of the most successful protagonists out of all the horror movie franchises…and thus, her death came as a shock to Halloween fans. The producers of Halloween: Resurrection (2002) decided they were going to kill off Laurie’s character.  So how is it that she is back and starring in the 2018 Halloween movie, released on October 19^th, 2018 and the new 2021 Halloween Kills movie?

Horror Enthusiast has probed the Halloween rumors and creator interviews to determine the truth behind Jamie Lee Curtis’ reemergence as heroine Laurie Strode.

Why is Laurie Strode in the New Halloween movies?

The creators of this new Halloween movies are laying down some pretty good ground work and they all seem to be on the same page.  Danny McBride has been interviewed about the 2018 movie (he was co-writing it, so his opinion is of sincere value) and has claimed it is not a remake.  He explains that they are not picking up after Rob Zombie’s remakes. In fact, it ignores them, and many other movies in the franchise as well.

The real reason Laurie Strode has been allowed back into the franchise, is because the new movie ignores all previous films besides the first two movies. This means, all Michael Myers history after 1981 never happened for this new film.*  As far as script writing goes for Halloween (2018), Laurie Strode never died to begin with.

Additionally, McBride has offered some more insight to the inspiration behind the new Halloween movie, and it all starts with his own likes.  McBride states that he has always loved the Halloween franchise, and that the first movie has been on of his all time favorites.  He says the simplicity behind the original movie led to efficiency probably meant to describe the entire movie] and that he wants to create a “straight-up” kind of horror in these new Halloween movies.

*It has been suggested that McBride and team may also choose to completely ignore the second movie in the franchise as well, Halloween II (1981). This would mean picking up after Michael Myers falls out of the second story window in the first film, gets up, and walks off.

Halloween (2018)

It is important to remember that Halloween (2018) is not meant to be a remake of anything. It is a continuation of a story.  So much of the telephone game has created rumors that this is a remake of the original Halloween movie, even incorrectly listed on IMDB as a “reboot of the original film” (at the time of writing this article anyway).

Released in October 2018 release, Halloween 2018 became an instant classic. A team of true Halloween movie lovers like Carpenter, McBride and Green all working together, along with bringing back Jamie Lee Curtis, means creating a masterpiece that has horror fans everywhere more than excited!

Tritone

Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.

puzzleboxhorror.com

The post How is Laurie Strode in Halloween Movies If She Died? appeared first on Puzzle Box Horror.

The stalking shape from the Halloween movies who moves through the shadows and wields a giant kitchen knife never seems to want to talk. Is it because the famed slasher has nothing to say? Perhaps he is a little disgusted with society and flat out repulsed? What is the real story on why Michael Myers can never be found sharing his thoughts? Can Michael Myers even speak at all?  Horror Enthusiast combs the alleyways of Haddonfield and Halloween movie history to find an answer to the age old question: Can Michael Myers talk?

A Little About Michael’s Linguistic History

Michael is able to talk. He understands English and has been listening to it in the mental hospital for quite some time.  Still, he has refrained from speaking any words at all for years.  In fact, presumably since he’s been 6 years old, he has been silent.  Regardless of the fact that the last two movies were ‘remakes’, the original Halloween came out in 1978…and thus Michael Myers had not muttered a single word for literally more than 3 decades. He is one of the most deadly of the horror movie slashers, despite having a super low IQ and serious mental issues.

And then Rob Zombie released Halloween II (2009). In Zombie’s sequel, Michael Myers says “DIE” as he slaughters Loomis in severe anger.

Michael’s Overall Social Skills

Michael can obviously talk as evident in the 2009 movie where he…talks. However, Michael is simply not the kind of guy you want hanging around and you will not see him engaging in long conversation. You do not want him on your street, you do not want him in your city’s hospital, and you sure as hell do not want him in your house! Whether Michael Myers decides he has something to say to you or not, steer clear of inviting him over!

In Conclusion Michael Meyers can in fact speak, he just chooses not or simply has nothing to say. You might even say he just lets his knife do the talking for him.

Tritone

Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.

puzzleboxhorror.com

The post Can Michael Myers Talk? appeared first on Puzzle Box Horror.

The Halloween movies are notorious for their knife-scenes. Most people die in Halloween movies by knife.  A lot of the Halloween movie cover arts even featured a knife, including Halloween (1978), Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989), Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995), Halloween: Resurrection (2002), Halloween (2007) and Halloween II (2009). So, how big was the knife used in the movies? What type of knife did Michael Myers use? Was there any reasoning in choosing a blade? Horror Enthusiast has searched the annals of Halloween movie horror to find the truth!

What Kind of Knife Is Used In the Halloween Movies?

Most Halloween fans understand that an encounter with Michael’s blade normally means instant death. Most Michael Myers fans, however, do not know much about the knife itself.  A lot of fans have suggested that it is a chef’s knife and they are correct: Michael’s knife is a wide bladed chef’s knife.

Michael Myer’s first knife in John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978) was a 17” Lamson chef’s knife.  The measurement is the full length of the entire knife, tip to end of handle.  The knife is so long that when Michael deeply stabs a victim, he can penetrate through their entire body and actually ‘stick’ them to the wall.

Every movie has featured a different knife. Some fans have even pointed out that different knives are used even in the same movie (sometimes it is necessary to show a bigger knife in some scenes for it to be visible at all). It has been speculated that the largest knife Michael has ever used was in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998).  It is said that he had used a 19” knife in this sequel!

Final Words About Michael’s Blade

The Halloween movies tapped into a fear extremely close to home: that even a small child could become a stone cold slasher.  No one wants to see innocent turn evil, which is exactly what happens with Michael. That said, Michael Myers would only be half as scary without his knife. 

Michael’s creepy mask and stalking nature may inspire fear in anyone; however, his huge, shiny, reflective blade may be the biggest reason to RUN!

Tritone

Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.

puzzleboxhorror.com

The post What Kind of Knife Does Michael Myers Use? appeared first on Puzzle Box Horror.

Halloween’s second sequel, the 3^rd movie in the franchise, left a lot of fans really confused.  Whether having seen it when it was released in 1982, or later down the road after many other Halloween movies were released, it is undeniable that it does not seem to fit in with the rest of the franchise.  Halloween III: Season of the witch (1982) is extremely well-done, however, and is absolutely scary in its own right. The oddball in the franchise is about a shady Halloween mask company called “Silver Shamrock Novelties,” who produce some super realistic and terrifying looking masks. These masks glow in the dark too, but that’s not all…they also take over your brain!

Literally, the masks are micro-chipped and every kid in America wants one! The mask company releases these creepy commercials that hypnotize kids into reciting the eerie Silver Shamrock theme song.

A Different Type of Fear

The Silver Shamrock Novelties company is creepy in every way. They utilize high-tech (for 1982 any way) surveillance equipment, mind-control devices, and implant microchips into their masks.  They have brainwashing commercials and maintain control over an entire town. They even implement a curfew! This new type of fear that is created in Halloween part 3 is that of conspiracy and the control of society…almost a 1984 meets The Matrix (1999) kind of fear.  Plus, if someone learns too much or if they get too close to figuring things out, they get taken out!

Why Isn’t Michael Myers In Halloween Part III?

Most Halloween fans instantly recognize this as the only film in the series that is not focused on the slasher who made the franchise famous.  Michael Myers is not present in the film because the creators believed the franchise deserved to become much larger than just one single horror slasher.  John Carpenter (Halloween creator) and Debra Hill, produced and helped direct this film.  They were also involved on many other Halloween films (basically all of them in one fashion or another).  Thus, their opinion mattered greatly when they explained the franchise should become an anthology series in the horror genre.  They believed there should be a new fear in each Halloween movie…each focusing on the holiday by which the movies are titled.  The director, Tommy Lee Wallace, shared this belief and had written Season of the Witch with the intention of it being the first of the attempt at an authentic horror anthology series.

Mind Control Instead of Traditional Slashers 

Writer Debra Hill has explained that the idea behind the third Halloween movie was to create a mind control type of “pod” movie.  She has cited Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) as inspiration on more than one occasion. The name of the film, Season of the Witch, is a tip of the hat to George A Romero’s Season of the Witch (1973).

Worst Grossing Halloween Movie

Unfortunately for Wallace, Carpenter, and Hill, and everyone else involved, Halloween III: Season of the Witch was the worst grossing Halloween movie of the entire franchise.  The movie had a budget of $2.5 million and only grossed a little over $14 million in the United States. Most people have attributed the negative reviews and poor earnings from having been marketed as a part of the Halloween franchise. In fact, it could be suggested that if it were to have been marketed on its own it would have done much better (such as being called “Season of the Witch,” maybe notating that it were BY the creators of Halloween). 

This was an experiment that could have been great, but terribly which left critics under-impressed for the hype.  While the movie may be underrated (it is actually decent), making the Halloween franchise an anthology series would have been a fantastic idea.  Sure, some of them would be worse than others, but the idea has had real success previously with other franchises and concepts.  Examples include the very popular Friday the 13^th TV series, the Outer limits, the Twilight Zone, Tales from the Darkside, the Crypt Keeper, and others.

Final Words About Season of the Witch

Ultimately, there has probably never been a bad film produced, written or directed by John Carpenter. Having Debra Hill co-producing and involved on the project also instantly makes it better. That said, Halloween’s Season of the Witch creates a deeper paranoia than the traditional Halloween stories. And although Halloween 3 was totally separate from the Michael Myers story line altogether, it contributed greatly to the ‘conspiracy horror’ genre and has burned a mark in the Halloween franchise, forever!

Tritone

Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.

puzzleboxhorror.com

The post Is The Third Halloween Movie Scary? appeared first on Puzzle Box Horror.

Halloween’s Michael Myers is infamous for returning over and over again on Halloween to slay his family and a variety of other victims in his path.  Sometimes, he sustains injuries that no human being could ever sustain at the end of one movie, only to reappear in another film a few years down the road.  So what is the deal? Is Michael Myers an immortal? Horror Enthusiast analyzes some of the most key points in revealed throughout the Halloween franchise which explain Michael’s never-ending killing cycle!

Can Michael Myers Live Forever?

Dr Loomis describes the first time he saw Michael Myers as essentially meeting the devil himself. He admits that he felt Michael was savable, however, after 8 years of trying to mentally repair Michael, he gave up and began trying to keep him locked up.  Loomis describes Michael Myers as pure evil.  Being made of ‘pure evil’ would most certainly explain Michael’s incredible survival skills. Here is a list of the ways he has ‘died’ throughout the Halloween films…

Michael Meyers Defeats Timeline

In Halloween (1978), Michael gets a full revolver of bullets in the chest and falls from a second story window.

In Halloween II (1981), Michael gets shot 8 times, including once in each eyeball, and then blown to smithereens via oxygen and ether tanks in Haddonfield Memorial Hospital.

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) features a practical firing squad as Michael receives a barrage of bullets, from both rifles and shotguns, and falls into a mine shaft.  Law enforcement toss some dynamite into the shaft along with him in an attempt to finish him.

Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) presents Michael’s elaborate survival of the previous film’s ‘dynamite ending’ (pun intended), and showcases Michael’s building strength strength.

In Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995), Michael is injected with a solution that is revealed to be a tranquilizer and then beat with a pipe.  He still escapes.

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) brings back Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode, who crushes her brother against a tree with an ambulance and decapitates him with an axe. However, this was apparently not Michael (as revealed in Resurrection, 2002).

In Halloween: Resurrection (2002), Michael suffers an electrocution. He is also lit on fire.

Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007), the slasher gets shot multiple times, stabbed in the chest, falls from a second story window (like the first film) and then gets shot in the face.  He survives.

And Rob Zombie’s sequel, Halloween II (2009), Michael was stabbed many times with a butcher knife, wounds both in the chest and face. Despite this film depicting him dead, he always seems to escape somehow. 

Will Michael Myers Ever Die?

Michael always seems to surprise fans. No matter how many ways they have tried to kill him, he appears to have infinite strength and infinite lives.  Still, the Danny McBride 2018 rewrite frames a mortal, much more human slasher. McBride has explained that the Halloween franchise has gotten too corny and that it deserves to reboot, back to the original Carpenter-style horror it was in 1978. Carpenter must agree, as he is listed as the lead producer on the 2018 Halloween remake.  In fact, Michael Myers has been made out to be much more vulnerable than ever before in the upcoming film.

Halloween (2018) After Michael is trapped in a fortified basement and the house explodes the camera cuts back to the smoldering ruins. Alas these is not real evidence that he was destroyed.

After many attempts it seems clear he cannot be killed by any conventional methods. Is he immortal is still TBD, but he sure is not easy to kill. Can you really kill True Evil though?

Tritone

Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.

puzzleboxhorror.com

The post Is Michael Myers Immortal? [Halloween Trivia] appeared first on Puzzle Box Horror.

The Michael Myers Halloween films date back to 1978 and have featured some pretty radical kill scenes…however, there were some truly talented actors and actresses who got their big break from starring in one of these horror slashers.  The franchise was such a success, right from the start, that it spawned success that would be experienced across a number of careers! Check out some of the biggest winners from the horror favorite that is the Halloween franchise.

Actors Made Famous From Starring in the Halloween Movies

Jamie Lee Curtis

As a horror movie icon from her time spent as Laurie Strode in 7 of the 13 Halloween movies (including the in-production 2018 film), she cannot be ignored as a clear number one winner emerging from the franchise. Jamie’s first role of any real notoriety absolutely boils down to the first Halloween movie in 1978.  She put on a fantastic performance fleeing her brother back then, and has since graced the horror franchise with her presence in subsequent chases throughout the years. Jamie Lee Curtis’ character might be one of the only people able to truly understand, control, trap or otherwise kill her famed Halloween-killing brother, Michael Myers.

Josh Hartnett

Josh got pretty good traction in the horror genre, and specifically was very positively received in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later. Playing John, the son of Laurie Strode, he is one of the prime targets when Michael Myers returns to wreak havoc! Josh and Jamie have a seemingly instinctual dynamic between them that makes their mother-son relationship in the movie feel extremely natural and real.  Honestly, Josh does so well that it is pretty unbelievable that Halloween was his first feature film.

Jodi Lyn O’Keefe

Like Josh Hartnett, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe’s first hollywood movie credit rests well with Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998).  Jodi Lyn plays Sarah, who suffers one of the most terrifying deaths of all of the Halloween movies, including the use of a dumbwaiter!  Sarah’s character may not have survived the entire flick, but her death was not in vain…for Jodi Lyn’s performance would launch the successful career she enjoys today.

Tony Moran

The first actor to play Michael Myers in the Halloween original (1978), was Tony Moran.  Although he would receive a small amount of work throughout the following few decades, it seems the last few years have been much better to Tony.  Perhaps he is finally getting the recognition he deserves for his stellar performance as one of the first most horrific slashers, who changed the horror genre forever!

Nancy Stephens

Crazy Dr Loomis’ nurse, Marion can be found in 3 of the Halloween films. Before the 1978 Halloween hit, Nancy would only achieve success in TV…making Halloween her break out movie role!  She reprises her role in Halloween II (1981) and again in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998). Unfortunately, Marion is killed off rather early in the beginning of the 1998 film, along with the explained death of Dr Loomis.  Still, Nancy died with dignity and put on a heck of a show!

LL Cool J

It is true that LL Cool J had a small handful of roles before Halloween H20…however, many attribute his break out “on-screen” role to Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998). LL Cool J played a likable protagonist (Ronny), an inspiring erotic novelist working as a very convincing security guard.  He almost gets murdered by Michael and narrowly escapes an almost fatal accident to end up surviving! After the experience, Ronny decides to write a romantic thriller.

Larisa Miller

Larisa also received her first feature film role in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), like many others. She played Claudia, who barely survives an encounter with Michael Myers while taking her daughter to the bathroom in the beginning of the movie. She would go on to have a small bit of success in TV, however, must have chosen to retire after 2007…despite a career seemingly on the uprise from her part in the movie.

Other Hollywood Icons and Legends Who Got Their Start in Halloween

John Carpenter

John Carpenter is an extremely talented individual, contributing a number of credits to so many titles throughout his career. He even contributed to the Halloween soundtrack, writing the main theme song to Halloween that still makes the audience tremble today.  It is more than arguable that Halloween could have been Carpenter’s true break out role as a director…as it is much more widely known than his only real prior hit, Assault on Precinct 13.  And Carpenter, without a doubt, was the spine of the original Halloween movie.

Rick Rosenthal

Another famous director responsible for a lot of hits that are enjoyed today, Rick Rosenthal, got his big feature film break directing a Halloween film.  Rosenthal was responsible for Halloween II, which is amazing considering the success of the first film and Rosenthal only having a single episode of TV as experience in directing. Regardless, he would produce an incredible scare that has been admired for years to come that is the first sequel in the hit horror franchise.

Final Notes About the Halloween Franchise

It would not be right to address famous actors and actresses getting a big break from the Halloween movies without mentioning the actor who famously played Dr Loomis.  Donald Pleasence is a huge part of the story line and suspenseful drama throughout the movies.  While Donald was widely known and quite famous before assuming the role of the demented killer’s mental doctor…there is no questioning his notoriety and glory living on larger and more vibrant than ever through the Halloween films.

There is absolutely no doubt that the horror franchise, especially the slasher sub-genre, would ever be the same without the influence from the Halloween franchise horror films.   Each person played their part (pun intended), creating the legend the still haunts the screen on the occasional Halloween. And while Michael Myers may be immortal through his on-screen terror, he could not have done it alone.  Without the collaborated effort of all the crew and cast involved in the making of the Halloween movies, these movies simply would not be the polished horror we know them as today!

Tritone

Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.

puzzleboxhorror.com

The post Who Became Famous From the Halloween Movies? appeared first on Puzzle Box Horror.

The famously silent Halloween horror slasher, Michael Myers, has been mentally probed and analyzed for decades (both within his movies and also by real life psychologists).  And up until recently, there has only been generalized speculation, rather than factual analysis; Thus, Horror Enthusiast has broken down the specifics of Michael’s personality to come up with the most accurate Myers-Briggs personality type possible for the killer.  After all of his killings, he deserves a proper personality assessment!

What Myers-Briggs Personality Type Would Michael Myers Have?

Michael Myers is an INT-J Myers-Briggs personality type.

There are a lot of factors to consider when determining Michael Myers’ Myers-Briggs personality type.  These broken down personality traits have contributed to his suspected personality type.

A Quiet Killer

Michael Myers is notoriously mute. Unlike other horror movie slashers, who often enjoy taunting their victims, Michael prefers not to speak to anyone, killing or not. His withdraw from the world and quiet-like characteristics greatly contribute to his personality type, and especially the fact he is an introvert (hence the “I,” in his personality type).

Inward Delusions

The masked killer is highly interested in one thing and one thing only: seeking out his family for intense therapeutic killings. He is hardly concerned with the rest of the world and usually slays anyone in his way without hesitation.  Most importantly though: he only seeks out the one thing he wants and is concerned with: killing his family. Michael’s inner delusions also contribute to the “I” (Introversion) in his personality type.

Michael Lacks Strategy

Michael may stalk his victim, he may chase his victim, and he may kill his victim…but his strategies are left lacking.  He is often outsmarted by his victims several times before he gets his hands on them long enough to kill. He probably spends far too much time thinking about the overall goal of slaying his sister or other family members…leaving him more impulsive in the present.  Although it’s a close call between “S” sensing or “N” intuition, Horror Enthusiast speculates Michael relies on his intuition more than his factual judgment of situations, contributing to his score as an “N” Intuitive.

A Little Unrealistic

Ultimately there are many survivors in the Halloween movies, meaning Michael sets his goals a little too high! In fact, his plans for killing are often so simple it’s a wonder how any of them work out. Expecting to take out anyone standing in the way of a heroine in any horror movie, is typically unrealistic…as they always bring out the big guns towards the end of all the films.  Yet he keeps coming back based on inner desire to kill, further locking into place the score of “N” Intuition.

Singular Thoughts

Many speculate that Michael has no compassion, including Dr Loomis himself. Many (both on screen and off screen) have also speculated that Michael is not even human, or capable of human emotions.  He does not seem to care about any of his family, less for a few scenes here and there (most notably reaching out for his sister before she decapitates him in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later [1998]).  Ultimately, these very few instances of empathy do nothing for his overwhelming identification as a “T” Thinker.

Problem Solver

Although he may be a little mentally slower than other horror movie slashers, Michael is still a problem solver. When he is met with a defiant victim, someone who is willing to defend themselves, he is systematic in his ensuring their definite death.  Michael has a way to break through any barrier, get through any door, and is even willing to hijack and drive cars to get what he wants…contributing to his ranking as a “T” Thinker.

Down to Business

Michael Myers does not waste time when pursuing a victim. He will stalk his victim until the time is right for killing.  He kills as quickly as possible and hates to play games. His energy is consistent in pursuing his victims and his kills, methodically fatal…in fact, he rarely leaves any time for suffering.  This ‘down to business’ mentality contributes to Michael’s final letter ranking as “J” Judging.

Robotic Nature

Michael enjoys things being decided and is a very structured, task-oriented killer.  Regardless of his emotional impulses to kill, he still procures everything necessary to do so, even vehicles when necessary. He also seems to understand the importance of killing in the order that eliminates the greatest threat first.  His robotic-like movement throughout the film (meant to describe his choice of actions, rather than his actual on-screen movement) are a huge part of Michael’s “J” Judging rank.

Final Mental Health Notes on Michael Myers

Michael Myers may exhibit many personality traits, but his more dominant characteristics as a quiet, obsessed, down-to-business systematic killer are what award him the INT-J personality type. This type of personality has made him much harder to catch, as he is very determined to see through his goals, always at any cost. Still, regardless of his personality type, Michael has become a horror icon and his on screen killings will be applauded for years to come!

Tritone

Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.

puzzleboxhorror.com

The post What Personality Type is Michael Myers, Myers-Briggs. appeared first on Puzzle Box Horror.