Was Obviously Made With Great Love

 John Carpenter’s Halloween is one of the most influential and beloved horror films of all-time. The movie has inspired countless slasher films that followed as well as several sequels, reboots and remakes. The success of these films varied, none living up to the original. However, in 2018 a new Halloween was released and infused the franchise with some new life.

The new film is a direct sequel to the original, finding Laurie Strode and Michael Myers coming face-to-face again 40 years later. Though the film updates the story, it was obviously made with great love of the original in mind. Halloween 2018 is filled with fun references and connections to the 1978 version for fans to enjoy. Here are some of the ones you might have missed.

Loomis

As much as Michael Myers and Laurie Strode, Dr. Samuel Loomis has been an integral part of this franchise. The psychiatrist treated Michael before becoming convinced that the man was nothing but pure evil who had to be stopped. Loomis was played by Donald Pleasence in five of the Halloween films.

Pleasence passed away in 1995 but his presence is still felt strongly in the 2018 film. Michael’s new psychiatrist, Dr. Sartain is a protégé of Loomis and is even referred to as the “new Loomis” by Laurie. We are also hear tape recordings of Loomis and see photographs as a nod to a character and actor who were a big part of the original films’ legacy.

The Mask

Few things are as iconic in the horror genre than Michael Myers’ white mask. Who knew a repurposed William Shatner mask could be so scary?

Obviously, the mask makes a reappearance here, and unlike some of the other sequels, it is explained this is Michael’s original mask. In the opening seen, we see true crime podcasters attempting to speak to Michael and bring along the mask to tempt him. It proves to be a deadly mistake for them as Michael is soon reunited with his favorite Halloween costume.

The Opening Credits

The original film did a wonderful job setting up the tense and foreboding feeling of the film all leading up to Michael’s killing spree on Halloween night. One aspect that really helps with this is the amazing opening title sequence.

With a simple shot of a jack-o-lantern and Carpenter’s amazing score really help set the mood. The new film wisely recreates that opening. Although, in a clever twist, we see the jack-o-lantern reverse decomposing, seeming to hint at the return of Michael after all these years.

Carpenter’s Involvement

One major bonus that this film has is direct involvement from John Carpenter himself. Carpenter wrote and directed the original, and while he was consulted on some of the early sequels, he eventually distanced himself from the franchise and subsequent remakes.

The mastermind of the original film is credited as Executive Producer on this film and was apparently consulted on certain aspects of the film. But most significantly, Carpenter also created new music for the film which compliment his original score very nicely.

Walking To School

Halloween 2018 has fun recreating a lot of the similar shots and settings of the original film. Along with feeling like a nice nostalgic return to the town of Haddonfield, it also keeps audiences on their toes to revisit the places Michael already stalked through.

Mirroring the original scene when Laurie and her friends walking to school, this film recreates it with Laurie’s grand-daughter, Allyson and her friends. Although we don’t see Michael watching them like in the original, the threat of him looms heavy.

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Watching From Afar

Much of the first act of the original Halloween is dedicated to Michael stalking Laurie and creepily watching her from afar. There is the aforementioned walk to school, and even more memorable, the shot of Michael outside Laurie’s classroom. Halloween 2018 references this moment, but it is Laurie watching Allyson.

It seems like an obvious nod to the original, but fits in the themes of the film. Laurie, no longer the victim, is a survivor watching over her family while waiting for Michael’s return.

Lonnie

One of the most random connections to the original film comes through Allyson’s boyfriend, Cameron Elam. As it turns out, Cameron’s father is Lonnie Elam, the young boy who bullied Tommy Doyle in the original film.

It’s a rather strange reference as Lonnie was hardly an important character in the first film. However, the movie does have some fun with the connection as Allyson’s father keeps bringing up how terrible of a kid Lonnie was when he was younger.

The Shape

Though he has always been known as Michael Myers, the killer in the Halloween films also went by another name. In the first film, he is referred to as The Shape in the final credits.

Not only is Michael credited as The Shape in this film in a nod to the original, but he is actually referred to by this title for the first time by Laurie. It’s a creepy title for the killer and helps to cement the fact that, although he has a name, Michael Myers seems to be more than just a man.