Halloween

Halloween is a 1978 American independent slasher film directed and scored by John Carpenter, who co-wrote it with Debra Hill.

Halloween is a 1978 American independent slasher film directed and scored by John Carpenter, who co-wrote it with Debra Hill. It stars Donald Pleasence and Jamie Lee Curtis in her film debut, and follows Michael Myers as he returns to Haddonfield, Illinois, and stalks babysitter Laurie Strode and her friends. The film is widely described as a landmark or seminal slasher film.

Plot

The film begins with Michael Myers murdering his sister as a child, after which he is institutionalized. Fifteen years later, he escapes and returns to Haddonfield, where he targets a group of teenagers, especially Laurie Strode.

Production

Halloween was made as an independent production. John Carpenter directed the film, co-wrote it with Debra Hill, and composed the score.

Release and reception

The film was released in the United States in October 1978. Later commentary and research sources describe it as highly influential and a major film in the development of the modern slasher genre.

Legacy

Halloween is frequently credited with helping define the slasher film formula and inspiring later horror films and franchises.