Halloween

Halloween
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John Carpenter’s menacing theme for “Halloween” sends some into a panic and some smiling. Composed and performed by the man himself, Carpenter’s influences were Bernard Herrmann and Ennio Morricone (Carpenter worked with Morricone on his masterwork, “The Thing.”). The opening sequence shares some similarities with a film that Carpenter adores, Roy Ward Baker’s “Quatermass and the Pit.”

The sequence plays like a blackhearted processional we’d like to writhe away from but the pull of this simpleton’s grin has us. A flicker to contemplate and a well timed fade to black of the image leaves only Carpenter’s credit and his music. And our eyes, open with fear.

Direct Link | Format: QuickTime H.264, 864×368 | Size: 22.4 MB | Running Time: 2:20 | Year: 1978
720P HD Version | Format: QuickTime H.264, 1280×544 | Size: 48.9 MB | Running Time: 2:20 | Year: 1978

6 Comments so far

  1. Stephen on November 2nd, 2008

    The main title gets its distinctive look from the round ‘E’s of Herb Lubalin’s ITC Serif Gothic. Unfortunately the digital version is missing these ‘E’s and a few other wacky letter shapes.

  2. sfaustina on November 10th, 2008

    Ya spotted the serif Gothic right off. Classic typeface.

    More 70’s 60’s Movie titles PLEASE these are great!!!! Thank you. great site.
    Also more 70’s horror titles.

    -s

  3. Brad on December 11th, 2008

    The Halloween title sequence is good, but I think the Halloween III: Season of the Witch sequence is really classic.

  4. Warren on December 24th, 2008

    I agree with Brad. I mailed someone through “contact”on this site about adding it months ago, but it seems to have been forgotten, which is a pity. The film itself is only so-so, but the credits sequence is sublime; a fine marriage of music & visuals, and it`s relevant to the story.

  5. Art of the Title on December 24th, 2008

    Warren,

    It’s on our list, but that list is long.

    Ian
    -
    Team Art of the Title

  6. Brad on December 29th, 2008

    Art of the Title, good to know it will make it’s appearance eventually. Also it’s nice to see a fan like Warren commenting on Halloween III as well, like he said it’s a real marriage of music and visuals.

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